Introduction to Wisconsin Apple Kringle
Ah, the delightful Wisconsin Apple Kringle! This pastry is like a warm hug on a chilly day. If you’re looking for a quick solution for a busy morning or a sweet treat to impress your loved ones, you’ve come to the right place. The flaky layers, spiced apple filling, and sweet glaze create a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. I remember the first time I made this kringle; the aroma filled my kitchen, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in. Trust me, this recipe will become a cherished favorite in your home!
Why You’ll Love This Wisconsin Apple Kringle
This Wisconsin Apple Kringle is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and memories. It’s easy to whip up, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers. The sweet, spiced apple filling wrapped in flaky pastry is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those apples sitting in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Wisconsin Apple Kringle
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your delicious Wisconsin Apple Kringle. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your pastry, providing structure and flakiness.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the flavors in the dough.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the overall taste, bringing out the sweetness.
- Cold unsalted butter: The star of the show! Cold butter creates those flaky layers we all love.
- Sour cream: This adds moisture and richness to the dough, making it tender.
- Apples: Choose your favorites! A mix of tart and sweet apples works wonders in the filling.
- Butter (for cooking apples): This helps to caramelize the apples, enhancing their flavor.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep, rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with the apples.
- Ground cinnamon: A warm spice that brings comfort and nostalgia to your kringle.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a hint of this spice adds depth to the apple filling.
- Lemon juice: A splash brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Cornstarch (optional): Use this if you want to thicken the apple filling for a more cohesive texture.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for the sweet glaze that finishes off your kringle.
- Milk: This helps achieve the perfect consistency for your glaze.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds a lovely aroma and flavor to the glaze.
- Coarse sugar: For sprinkling on top, it adds a delightful crunch and sweetness.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Wisconsin Apple Kringle
Prepare the Dough
To start, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl. This is where the magic begins! Next, cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers. You want the mixture to resemble coarse crumbs. Then, stir in the sour cream until the dough comes together. It should feel soft and slightly sticky. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; that’s what makes it homemade! Once mixed, divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and set it aside. Your flaky dough is on its way!
Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving that flaky texture we all love. Pop it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This allows the butter to firm up, making it easier to roll out later. Trust me, this step is worth the wait!
Make the Apple Filling
While the dough chills, let’s make the apple filling! In a skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook this mixture until the apples are tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. If you want a thicker filling, sprinkle in some cornstarch. Stir well and let it cool completely. The aroma will have your mouth watering in no time!
Assemble the Kringle
Now comes the fun part—assembling your Wisconsin Apple Kringle! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one portion of the chilled dough into a large rectangle, about 10×15 inches. Spoon the cooled apple filling down the center lengthwise. Next, cut slits in the dough on both sides of the filling, about 1 inch apart. Fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a beautiful braid. Transfer your masterpiece to a parchment-lined baking sheet, and get ready to bake!
Bake the Kringle
Slide your kringle into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s done when the pastry is golden brown and flaky. The smell will be irresistible, and your kitchen will feel like a cozy bakery!
Glaze the Kringle
Once your kringle has cooled slightly, it’s time to add the finishing touch. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this sweet glaze over the cooled kringle, letting it cascade down the sides. It’s the perfect sweet finish to your delicious Wisconsin Apple Kringle!
Tips for Success
- Use very cold butter for a flaky texture; it makes all the difference!
- Don’t skip the chilling step; it helps the dough hold its shape.
- Mix different apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary.
- Let the kringle cool before glazing for a neater finish.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl for combining ingredients. A sturdy pot can work in a pinch.
- Pastry cutter: Ideal for cutting in butter. You can also use your fingers or two forks.
- Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out dough. A wine bottle can serve as a fun alternative!
- Baking sheet: A parchment-lined sheet for baking. Any flat oven-safe dish will do.
- Whisk: Perfect for mixing the glaze. A fork can also get the job done!
Variations
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for a delightful crunch.
- Caramel Apple Kringle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before braiding for an extra sweet twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan butter and a plant-based sour cream alternative to create a delicious vegan kringle.
- Spiced Up: Experiment with additional spices like ginger or allspice in the apple filling for a unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Wisconsin Apple Kringle with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Serve it alongside a warm cup of spiced cider or coffee to enhance the flavors.
- For a beautiful presentation, dust with extra powdered sugar before serving.
- Slice into generous pieces and enjoy as a brunch centerpiece!
FAQs about Wisconsin Apple Kringle
Can I use different types of apples for the filling?
Absolutely! Mixing different apple varieties can enhance the flavor of your Wisconsin Apple Kringle. I love using a combination of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples for a delightful balance.
How do I store leftover kringle?
Store any leftover Wisconsin Apple Kringle in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for a couple of days, but trust me, it won’t last long!
Can I freeze the kringle?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked kringle! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I serve with Wisconsin Apple Kringle?
This kringle pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of coffee. It’s perfect for brunch or as a sweet treat after dinner!
Is Wisconsin Apple Kringle difficult to make?
Not at all! While it may seem fancy, this Wisconsin Apple Kringle is quite simple to make. With a little patience and love, you’ll impress everyone with your baking skills!
Final Thoughts
Making Wisconsin Apple Kringle is more than just baking; it’s about creating memories in your kitchen. The joy of rolling out the dough, the sweet aroma of spiced apples cooking, and the satisfaction of drizzling that glaze all come together to form a delightful experience. Each bite is a reminder of cozy gatherings and warm conversations. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, this kringle brings happiness to any occasion. I hope you find as much joy in making it as I do!
Print
Wisconsin Apple Kringle: Discover This Delicious Recipe!
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Wisconsin Apple Kringle is a delicious pastry filled with spiced apples and topped with a sweet glaze, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (225 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in sour cream until dough comes together.
- Divide in half, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- In a skillet, melt butter and add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat until apples are tender and mixture thickens (add cornstarch if needed).
- Cool completely.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one portion of dough into a large rectangle (about 10×15 inches).
- Spoon apple filling down the center lengthwise.
- Cut slits in the dough on both sides of the filling, about 1 inch apart.
- Fold strips over the filling, alternating sides to form a braid.
- Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush with a little milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and flaky.
- Cool slightly before glazing.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle over cooled kringle.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of different apple varieties.
- Ensure the butter is very cold for a flaky pastry.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
