If you are looking for a delightfully warm and comforting treat, this Apple Turnovers Recipe is the one to try. Crispy, flaky puff pastry wrapped around a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling creates a perfect marriage of textures and flavors that will make your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery. They are simple to make but feel so special, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack that brings a little joy with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet each plays an essential role in achieving the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in your apple turnovers. From tart Granny Smith apples adding vibrant flavor to the flaky puff pastry that puffs up beautifully in the oven, they come together to make magic happen.
- 4 Granny Smith apples: These tart apples hold their shape well and bring a nice tang to balance the sweetness.
- â…“ cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness to the apple filling without overpowering it.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling, so it’s not too runny inside the pastry.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides that classic warm spice that complements the apples wonderfully.
- 2 puff pastry sheets (thawed): Flaky and buttery, these are the foundation of the turnover’s golden crust.
- 1 egg yolk (beaten): Used for brushing the edges and tops to give a beautiful golden sheen when baked.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the glaze that adds sweetness and a pretty finish.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Mixed into the glaze to make it smooth and drizzle-friendly.
How to Make Apple Turnovers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s hot enough to puff up your pastry to golden perfection. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking, setting yourself up for easy cleanup and perfect results.
Step 2: Cook the Apple Filling
Combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until the apples just begin to soften. This step infuses the fruit with sweetness and thickens the filling so it won’t make your pastry soggy. Letting it cook gently helps deepen the flavor and keeps the filling perfectly textured.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry Squares
Once your filling is slightly cooled, it’s time to work with the puff pastry. Flatten out each thawed sheet until smooth, then cut each into four equal squares. These squares will become the perfect pockets for your apple filling, so make sure they’re relatively even for consistent baking.
Step 4: Assemble the Turnovers
Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the apple filling in the center of each puff pastry square. Carefully brush the edges with beaten egg yolk to act as a glue, then fold the square into a triangle, sealing the edges by pressing with a fork. Don’t forget to brush the tops of each turnover with egg yolk as well to get that irresistible golden finish. Cut a small slit on top of each turnover to allow steam to escape and prevent sogginess inside.
Step 5: Bake the Turnovers
Bake your turnovers for about 15 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and beautifully golden brown. Watching them rise and brown in the oven is almost as rewarding as tasting them fresh out of the oven. Once baked, move them to a cooling rack to prevent sogginess and allow them to cool before glazing.
Step 6: Glaze and Finish
Mix together powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth glaze (you can add a splash of vanilla extract if you like for extra flavor). Drizzle this over the cooled turnovers to add a touch of sweetness and that bakery-fresh look that makes them impossible to resist. The glaze not only tastes awesome but adds a gorgeous shine.
How to Serve Apple Turnovers Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, garnish your apple turnovers with a sprinkle of cinnamon or finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also make your turnovers look picture-perfect and give that extra hint of sweetness.
Side Dishes
Apple turnovers are wonderful on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream turns them into a decadent dessert. For a breakfast twist, serve alongside a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai to balance the sweet and spicy flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Apple Turnovers Recipe on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a stunning presentation. You can also set up a little toppings bar with extra cinnamon, nuts, and glaze to let everyone personalize their turnovers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep leftover apple turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay fresh and flaky, perfect for a quick second-day treat.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled but unbaked turnovers by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen with an extra few minutes added to the baking time, so you always have a homemade treat ready in a pinch.
Reheating
To reheat, pop turnovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This refreshes the crisp texture of the puff pastry without drying out the filling, bringing back that fresh-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide the perfect balance of tartness and firmness, you can experiment with varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter, softer filling. Just be mindful they may affect the texture slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free puff pastry sheets available at many grocery stores. The process remains the same, and you won’t sacrifice any of the delicious flavor or flaky texture.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! The apple filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just let it cool completely before assembling your turnovers to ensure the pastry remains crisp when baked.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Cooking the filling on the stovetop to thicken it with cornstarch helps a lot. Also, not overfilling the pastry squares and allowing steam to escape through the slits on top keep the turnovers crisp and flaky.
What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder. Each thickens the filling slightly differently, but the difference in texture is minimal.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about sharing warm, flaky apple turnovers fresh from the oven. This Apple Turnovers Recipe is easy to follow, so grab those simple ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to a homemade delight that’s bursting with flavor and heartwarming charm. Once you try it, these turnovers might just become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
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Apple Turnovers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These classic Apple Turnovers feature a flaky puff pastry filled with a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Perfect as a sweet breakfast treat or a delightful dessert, they’re easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection, then topped with a simple vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
Filling
- 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pastry
- 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 egg yolk, beaten (for brushing)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Apple Filling: In a small saucepan, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon. Cook over low heat for about five minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples soften and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Prepare Puff Pastry Squares: Allow the apple mixture to cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, gently flatten the thawed puff pastry sheets until smooth, then cut each sheet into four equal squares, making a total of eight squares.
- Fill and Fold Turnovers: Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the apple filling onto the center of each puff pastry square. Brush the edges of each square with the beaten egg yolk, then fold the pastry over diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal, then brush the tops with egg yolk and cut a small slit on top of each turnover to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Bake the Turnovers: Arrange the turnovers on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes or until the tops are puffed and golden brown. Remove them from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack.
- Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Once the turnovers have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the tops for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet and tangy filling.
- Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed for easy handling and better puffing in the oven.
- The slit on top of each turnover prevents sogginess by allowing steam to escape.
- The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- For added texture, consider sprinkling a bit of coarse sugar on top before baking.
