Few pastries combine heritage and comfort quite like a Wisconsin Apple Kringle. With its flaky, buttery layers and warm, spiced apple filling, this oval-shaped pastry is both a sweet indulgence and a proud symbol of Midwestern tradition.

Though the Kringle has Danish roots, it’s in Wisconsin — especially Racine — where it reached iconic status. Thanks to family-run bakeries like O&H, Kringle remains a treasured gift and breakfast staple. Some bakers even offer subscription services, like the Kringle of the Month Club, to satisfy cravings all year long.

The history of Danish pastry reveals how this old-world delicacy evolved after crossing the Atlantic. While the Danes may have invented it, Wisconsinites made it their own with local ingredients like tart apples and sweet icing.

🥧 What Is a Wisconsin Apple Kringle?

A Wisconsin Apple Kringle is defined by:

Oval shape (typically 14 inches wide)
Flaky, laminated pastry dough
Cinnamon-sugar apple filling
A sweet glaze or icing drizzled over top

Think apple pie meets croissant — but better suited for slicing and sharing.

🇩🇰 From Denmark to Dairyland

Traditional Danish Kringles were originally pretzel-shaped and filled with almond paste. When Danish immigrants settled in Wisconsin in the 1800s, they adapted the recipe for American tastes:

Oval shape for easier slicing
Apple, cherry, and pecan fillings
Wider appeal as breakfast, dessert, or gift

It eventually became the official state pastry of Wisconsin, and remains central to gatherings year-round — especially holidays.

🥣 How Apple Kringles Are Made

Crafting a true Kringle takes time. The dough is folded with butter repeatedly to form up to 36 layers.

Steps include:

Preparing the pastry dough
Cooking down apple chunks with sugar and cinnamon
Assembling into an oval ring
Baking until golden
Topping with icing once cooled

For a cozy fall twist, serve it with a warm drink or even alongside this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler for the ultimate dessert duo.

🏆 Why O&H Bakery’s Apple Kringle Stands Out

O&H Bakery in Racine is arguably the most iconic Kringle producer. Each pastry:

Takes 3 days to make
Uses scratch-made fillings
Ships nationally with freshness guaranteed

It’s a must-try whether you’re visiting or shopping online. Pair it with a warm side like Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a true Midwestern comfort meal.

🎁 Perfect for Holidays, Birthdays & Brunch

Apple Kringles are loved for:

Their shareable size
Long shelf life (5 days fresh, 6 months frozen)
Versatility (breakfast, dessert, snack)

Hosting a brunch? Complete the table with a savory star like these Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment

Here’s how to elevate your Kringle game:

Warm it gently in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes
Add a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream
Pair with cider, coffee, or this Homemade Peach Ice Cream in warmer seasons

Savory-sweet pairings make for an unforgettable brunch spread.

⭐ Real Reviews from Kringle Lovers

“Better than pie. Crispy outside, gooey apple center. Just perfect.”

“It’s a tradition in our house now. We order one every Thanksgiving!”

“Best part? You don’t need a fork. It’s sliceable and so portable.”

Critics mostly cite shipping delays — so order early during holidays.

🛒 Where to Get Your Hands on One

You can buy Wisconsin Apple Kringle at:

O&H Danish Bakery (online + Racine, WI)
Select Midwestern grocery stores
Seasonal markets and state fairs

You can also grab it alongside other seasonal desserts like Strawberry Crack Salad for a sweet picnic combo.

👨‍🍳 Want to Make It at Home?

Making a Kringle yourself? Here’s a quick glance:

Use croissant or puff pastry dough
Cook apples with brown sugar and cinnamon
Chill dough between folds
Shape, bake, glaze

Want more pastry inspiration? Try these Blueberry Cream Cheese Danishes — they’re a faster, handheld alternative to full-size Kringle.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Wisconsin Kringle?

A flaky, oval-shaped Danish pastry filled with fruit or nut fillings, and glazed on top.

Can you freeze Kringle?

Yes! It freezes beautifully for up to 6 months.

How do you reheat Kringle?

Use a low oven (300–325°F) for 5–7 minutes to warm it without drying out.

What’s the best time to serve it?

Any time — but it’s especially great at brunch or holiday breakfast.

Where can I find the best Kringle flavor pairings?

Try combining with dishes like Company Cheese Spread or Honeymoon Stackers for memorable flavor profiles.

🍏 Final Thoughts

The Wisconsin Apple Kringle is more than just a pastry — it’s a regional icon and a symbol of hospitality. From its Danish roots to its modern Midwest adaptations, Kringle continues to win hearts (and tastebuds).

So whether you’re gifting one, sharing with family, or just treating yourself — you can’t go wrong with a flaky, fruity slice of Wisconsin tradition.

Wisconsin Apple Kringle: A Flaky, Fruity Midwest Tradition

Author: kynall

Print Recipe

Description

A flaky, buttery Danish-inspired pastry filled with spiced apple pie filling and topped with sweet vanilla glaze. This recipe makes 2 full Kringles — perfect for sharing or gifting!

Ingredients

For the Pastry Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/3 cup whole milk, cold
1 egg, beaten
2 (21 oz.) cans apple pie filling

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons cold water

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, cardamom, and salt.
Add cold cubed butter and pulse 10–12 times until pea-sized crumbs form.
Add the cold milk and beaten egg. Pulse again just until a rough dough forms.

Step 2: Rest the Dough

Dump the dough onto a board and form into a rough rectangle.
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Step 3: Laminate the Dough (Layering)

Flour your work surface.
Roll the dough into an 8×15-inch rectangle.
Fold the dough in thirds like a brochure.
Rotate 90°, repeat the fold, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
Repeat this step three more times to build flaky layers.

🧁 Assemble the Kringle

Step 4: Shape and Fill

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Line two sheet trays with parchment paper.
Divide dough in half. Roll each into a 6×24-inch rectangle.
Spread a thin line of apple pie filling down the center.
Fold one long side over the filling and pinch gently to seal.
Brush the other edge with egg white and fold over to fully seal.
Shape each filled log into an oval ring and place on sheet trays.

Step 5: Rise & Bake

Brush each Kringle with egg white.
Let rest in a warm place for 1 hour.
Bake for 25 minutes or until lightly golden.

🍯 Glaze the Kringle

Step 6: Glaze & Cool

Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cold water to make a runny glaze.
Drizzle over hot Kringle immediately after baking.
Let set, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.

Notes

💡 Tips for Success

Cold butter = flaky layers. Don’t skip refrigeration.
You can add a touch of cinnamon to the glaze for extra spice.
Freeze extra Kringle for up to 3 months (wrap tightly in foil + plastic wrap).