Wisconsin Apple Kringle: A Beloved Midwest Pastry
Wisconsin’s official state pastry, the kringle, is a buttery, flaky, oval-shaped Danish treat often filled with fruit, nuts, or custard. The apple kringle—a local favorite—features spiced apples wrapped in layers of delicate pastry, drizzled with icing. Here’s how to make this Midwest classic at home!
Traditional Wisconsin Apple Kringle Recipe
(Makes 1 large kringle, serves 8–10)
Dough Ingredients
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2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
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1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
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¼ cup (60ml) ice water
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1 tsp white vinegar (helps tenderize dough)
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½ tsp salt
Apple Filling
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2 cups peeled, diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
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¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp nutmeg
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken)
Egg Wash & Topping
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1 egg, beaten (for glaze)
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½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp milk or cream
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½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
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In a food processor, pulse flour, salt, and cold butter until crumbly.
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Mix vinegar + ice water, then drizzle into flour mixture until dough forms.
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Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Filling
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Cook apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice over medium heat until soft (~5 mins).
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Stir in cornstarch and cook 1 more minute. Let cool.
3. Shape & Fill the Kringle
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Roll dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
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Spread filling down the center third.
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Cut diagonal strips along the sides and fold over filling, braiding gently.
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Form into an oval, pinch ends, and brush with egg wash.
4. Bake & Glaze
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Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 mins until golden.
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Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla; drizzle over warm kringle.
Tips for Authentic Wisconsin Kringle
✔ Use European-style butter for extra flakiness.
✔ Chill dough thoroughly to prevent shrinking.
✔ Try other fillings: almond paste, cherry, or pecan.
✔ Freeze unbaked kringle for later (bake straight from frozen +5 mins).
Why Wisconsin?
Danish immigrants brought kringles to Racine, WI, in the 1800s, where bakeries like O&H Danish Bakery perfected it. Today, Wisconsin produces millions of kringles yearly—apple is a top flavor!
Serve with coffee for a true Midwest experience. Want a store-bought recommendation or lazy shortcut version? 😊🍏🥨
