Apple Turnovers

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the smell of baked apples wafting through the kitchen, especially when it comes to making Apple Turnovers. I remember the first time I made them; it was a chilly fall afternoon, the leaves were turning golden, and my family was gathered around the table, eager to taste the sweet and flaky creations I was about to pull from the oven. Those moments of shared joy and laughter over a warm dessert are what inspired me to perfect this recipe. The combination of tart apples, warm spices, and buttery puff pastry creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy dessert after a family dinner or enjoying one with your morning coffee, these turnovers are bound to impress.

Ingredients Required for Apple Turnovers

When creating Apple Turnovers, the choice of ingredients is essential to achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the puff pastry that provides a flaky exterior to the fresh Granny Smith apples that offer a tart and sweet filling, each component plays a crucial role. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions (13-17 ounces, weight differs between brands) – This is the base of your turnovers, providing that delicious flaky texture.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, for dusting – Helps prevent sticking while rolling out the pastry.
• 1 egg + 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk for egg wash – Gives the pastry a beautiful golden color when baked.
• Turbinado or regular sugar for sprinkling – Adds a delightful sweetness to the crust.
• Cinnamon for sprinkling – The warm spice that complements the apples beautifully.
• 1 1/4 lbs. (20 ounces) Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/3″ thick pieces – Tart apples are key for a balanced filling.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Brightens the flavor of the apples and prevents browning.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch – Helps thicken the filling and absorb excess moisture.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or salted and omit salt below) – Adds richness to the filling.
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional) – For a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar – Enhances the sweetness of the apple filling.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Balances the tartness of the apples.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds depth to the apple filling.
• 1/8 tsp EACH ground ginger, ground nutmeg, salt – A blend of spices for warmth and complexity.
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract – Introduces a hint of sweetness.
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar – For the glaze that will finish off the turnovers.
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream – To thin out the glaze as needed.
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds flavor to the glaze.
• 1 recipe Caramel Sauce – A delicious addition for drizzling over the cooked turnovers.
• Vanilla ice cream – A delightful pairing with warm turnovers.

The Process for Making Apple Turnovers

Making Apple Turnovers is a rewarding process that fills your kitchen with the comforting aromas of baked apples and spices. Grab your ingredients, and let’s walk through the steps to create this delicious treat.

1. Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Make sure your oven is hot enough for a crisp pastry.
2. Line a counter with parchment paper and lightly dust it with flour. This will prevent the pastry from sticking and make it easier to work with.
3. Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats; set aside. This ensures that the turnovers don’t stick while baking.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and lemon juice; set aside. This mixture will help thicken your apple filling.
5. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add all the apple filling ingredients except for the vanilla (this includes the lemon juice through the salt) and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly until the apples start to soften.
6. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the apples are tender, stirring occasionally. You want the apples to be soft but still hold their shape.
7. Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a lovely aroma and flavor to the filling. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate to chill for at least 20 minutes.
8. Working with one pastry sheet at a time (keep the other sheet refrigerated), transfer the thawed puff pastry to the parchment lined counter. Shape it into an 11″ square, cutting off any excess as needed.
9. Using a pizza cutter, cut the pastry into four equal-sized squares. This will be the shape of your turnovers.
10. Visualize a diagonal line running across each square. Using a slotted spoon, fill only half of each square, on the diagonal with about ¼ cup of the cooled apple mixture. Be sure to leave at least a 1/2″ border around the edges.
11. Fold the pastry over diagonally to form triangles. Press down the edges to seal, and then crimp them with a fork for an attractive finish.
12. Transfer the turnovers to a lined baking sheet, placing them at least 1″ apart to allow for expansion while baking.
13. In a small bowl, thoroughly beat the egg and cream together to create the egg wash. Lightly brush the top of each turnover with this mixture to ensure a golden crust.
14. Sprinkle the tops with turbinado sugar and cinnamon for extra sweetness and flavor. With a paring knife, cut 2-3 small slits in the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape.
15. Bake at 400 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Meanwhile, prepare the second batch with the remaining pastry and filling. If the second batch is assembled before the first is out of the oven, refrigerate them.
16. While the turnovers bake, you can make the Caramel Sauce or the glaze by whisking together the glaze ingredients, adjusting the cream as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
17. Once baked, drizzle either the warm Caramel Sauce or glaze over the turnovers, and they are ready to be enjoyed!

Making Adjustments

Sometimes, you might want to tweak the recipe to better suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some helpful tips for customizing your Apple Turnovers.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They taste best the same day but can still be enjoyed later.
• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked turnovers for up to 3 months. Assemble them, flash freeze, and store in a freezer bag.
• Pairing: These turnovers pair wonderfully with coffee or tea, making them a perfect afternoon treat.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices or mix-ins, like dried fruits or nuts, to create unique flavor combinations.
• Serving options: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to Apple Turnovers, there are endless possibilities for serving and enjoying them. Here are some of my favorite ideas:

• Breakfast Treat: Serve warm turnovers with a steaming cup of coffee or tea to kickstart your morning with sweetness.
• Afternoon Snack: Enjoy a turnover as a delightful afternoon pick-me-up, accompanied by a hot cup of herbal tea.
• Dessert Delight: Pair warm turnovers with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert that’s sure to please.
• Holiday Gatherings: Present these at holiday dinners or family gatherings as a comforting dessert option that everyone will love.
• Picnic Perfection: Wrap them up for a picnic; they are portable and can be enjoyed at room temperature.
• Store Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container for a quick snack or dessert later on.

FAQ

Conclusion

These Apple Turnovers are special not only for their delightful flavor but also for the memories they create around the table. I encourage you to try your hand at making them, and I promise you’ll be glad you did. They’re perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Enjoy warm and share with loved ones for a truly heartwarming experience.

Apple Turnovers

The ultimate comfort food, Apple Turnovers are flaky, sweet, and filled with warm spices. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or delightful dessert, these easy-to-make pastries will satisfy your sweet tooth. Bake a batch tonight and bring warmth to your table!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Oven
• Peeler
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 2 sheets puff pastry thawed according to package instructions (13-17 ounces, weight differs between brands)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour for dusting
• 1 egg egg for egg wash
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk for egg wash
• turbinado or regular sugar for sprinkling
• cinnamon for sprinkling
• 1 1/4 lbs Granny Smith apples peeled, cored and chopped into 1/3 inches thick pieces
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or salted and omit salt below)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional or add more apples)
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream for the glaze
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract for the glaze
• Caramel Sauce <>
• vanilla ice cream

Instructions

 

• Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Make sure your oven is hot enough for a crisp pastry.
• Line a counter with parchment paper and lightly dust it with flour. This will prevent the pastry from sticking and make it easier to work with.
• Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats; set aside. This ensures that the turnovers don’t stick while baking.
• In a bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and lemon juice; set aside. This mixture will help thicken your apple filling.
• Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add all the apple filling ingredients except for the vanilla (this includes the lemon juice through the salt) and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly until the apples start to soften.
• Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the apples are tender, stirring occasionally. You want the apples to be soft but still hold their shape.
• Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a lovely aroma and flavor to the filling. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate to chill for at least 20 minutes.
• Working with one pastry sheet at a time (keep the other sheet refrigerated), transfer the thawed puff pastry to the parchment lined counter. Shape it into an 11" square, cutting off any excess as needed.
• Using a pizza cutter, cut the pastry into four equal-sized squares. This will be the shape of your turnovers.
• Visualize a diagonal line running across each square. Using a slotted spoon, fill only half of each square, on the diagonal with about ¼ cup of the cooled apple mixture. Be sure to leave at least a 1/2" border around the edges.
• Fold the pastry over diagonally to form triangles. Press down the edges to seal, and then crimp them with a fork for an attractive finish.
• Transfer the turnovers to a lined baking sheet, placing them at least 1" apart to allow for expansion while baking.
• In a small bowl, thoroughly beat the egg and cream together to create the egg wash. Lightly brush the top of each turnover with this mixture to ensure a golden crust.
• Sprinkle the tops with turbinado sugar and cinnamon for extra sweetness and flavor. With a paring knife, cut 2-3 small slits in the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape.
• Bake at 400 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Meanwhile, prepare the second batch with the remaining pastry and filling. If the second batch is assembled before the first is out of the oven, refrigerate them.
• While the turnovers bake, you can make the Caramel Sauce or the glaze by whisking together the glaze ingredients, adjusting the cream as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
• Once baked, drizzle either the warm Caramel Sauce or glaze over the turnovers, and they are ready to be enjoyed!

Notes

To achieve that impressive puff, keep the pastry chilled until you are ready to use it, as warm pastry won’t puff as nicely. Feel free to experiment with different spices or mix-ins, like dried fruits or nuts, to create unique flavor combinations. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert.

Keyword apple dessert recipe, easy apple turnovers, flaky pastry with apples, homemade apple pastries

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Meet Sienna Blake

I’m Sienna, the detail-obsessed cook of the group! I specialize in baking and perfecting technical recipes so you never have to guess in the kitchen. I have tested this specific recipe multiple times adjusting the measurements and timing to guarantee it is absolutely foolproof and ready for your table. Trust the process, and I promise you’ll get amazing results!