Apple Turnovers with Cream Filling Recipe

There is something truly magical about a warm, flaky apple turnover fresh from the oven, especially when it’s filled with luscious whipped cream that melts into the tender apple filling. This Apple Turnovers with Cream Filling Recipe combines the crisp tartness of Granny Smith apples with a hint of cinnamon and the irresistible indulgence of cream, wrapped in buttery puff pastry. Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for seconds—and maybe even thirds! Whether it’s a special weekend brunch or a delightful dessert, these turnovers are sure to become one of your all-time favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a few simple ingredients that work together beautifully to create that irresistible taste, texture, and aroma. Every component plays a crucial role in making these turnovers a showstopper.

• Granny Smith apples: Their tartness holds up well when cooked, providing the perfect balance to the sweet cream filling.
• Cornflour/cornstarch: Acts as a thickener to keep the apple filling luscious but not runny.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice that complements the apples perfectly.
• White sugar: Sweetens the filling just enough without overpowering the fruit.
• Vanilla extract: Brings a lovely depth of flavor to the cream filling.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors in the filling.
• Puff pastry sheets: Use quality, butter-based sheets for that flaky, golden crust everyone loves.
• Egg: For that beautiful shiny egg wash that turns the pastry golden and helps seal each turnover perfectly.
• Stabilised or stiff whipped cream: The luscious cream filling that’s the heart of this recipe.
• Whipped cream for dunking (optional): Because sometimes you just want more creamy indulgence alongside your pastry.
• Icing sugar: A light dusting adds an elegant finish and a touch of extra sweetness.

How to Make Apple Turnovers with Cream Filling Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by tossing the peeled, diced Granny Smith apples with cornflour. This little step is crucial to thicken the juices as the apples cook, ensuring that your filling isn’t watery. Add cinnamon, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then cook gently on medium heat. Keep stirring regularly for about 5 minutes until the apples soften but still hold their shape perfectly. The filling should have a slight caramel hint without turning mushy—that lovely texture is what makes these turnovers so special.

Step 2: Cool the Filling

Once cooked, spread the filling out on a large plate to cool completely. Cooling is vital because warm filling can make the puff pastry soggy and difficult to handle later on.

Step 3: Prepare Your Work Surface

Lay down some parchment or baking paper on a large cutting board or an inverted tray. This will be your workstation for assembling the turnovers and makes transferring to the oven seamless.

Step 4: Cut and Fill the Puff Pastry

Take one puff pastry sheet that is just barely thawed and cut it into 4 equal squares. Brush two adjacent sides of each square lightly with the whisked egg—this acts like glue to seal in the filling. Spoon a generous amount of the apple filling onto one of the egg-brushed sides, careful to avoid any excess sauce. The sauce might seep out and prevent a good seal, so a thicker filling is better here.

Step 5: Fold and Seal the Turnovers

Fold each square over to form a triangle and seal the edges by pressing down with a fork dipped in flour—this prevents sticking and creates a beautiful pattern along the edge. Place your turnovers on the parchment-lined surface.

Step 6: Chill Before Baking

Pop the tray into the fridge for about 20 minutes. Chilling them helps the butter in the puff pastry stay cold, which means your turnovers will puff up nicely and become extra flaky when baked.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C with a fan. Getting the oven nice and hot is key to achieving that golden, crisp crust.

Step 8: Bake the Turnovers

Transfer the parchment paper with the turnovers onto a large baking tray. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash and make three small cuts on each to allow steam to escape. Bake for 25 minutes or until the turnovers are beautifully golden and puffed.

Step 9: Serve Warm with a Dusting of Icing Sugar

These turnovers are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven, dusted lightly with powdered sugar. Serve alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream to dunk or spread inside, giving each bite a creamy, dreamy touch.

How to Serve Apple Turnovers with Cream Filling Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of icing sugar instantly adds a pretty, polished look to your turnovers. Fresh mint leaves or a light drizzle of caramel sauce can add a lovely extra dimension if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

Apple turnovers pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of strong coffee or tea. For brunch, consider serving them alongside fresh berries or a citrus salad to brighten the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve mini versions at a party along with assorted whipped cream flavors such as cinnamon or vanilla bean. You can also stack turnovers on a tiered stand for an inviting dessert centerpiece that encourages sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover turnovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Beyond that, the pastry might lose its crispness. To retain freshness, refrigeration is best, but be aware the pastry may soften slightly.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked turnovers on the parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer them to a sealed bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding an extra few minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop turnovers in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes to refresh that flaky crust. Avoid microwaving as it will make the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other apple varieties for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firmness, you can also use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may reduce the need for added sugar.

How do I make stabilised whipped cream for the filling?

To stabilise whipped cream, whip in a small amount of cream cheese, gelatin, or a commercial stabilizer while beating. This keeps the cream firm and less likely to weep inside the turnovers over time.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use dairy-free puff pastry and substitute the whipped cream with coconut cream whipped to stiff peaks. Replace the egg wash with a plant-based milk or aquafaba for sealing and browning.

Is it better to use fresh or frozen apples?

Fresh apples are preferred because they hold their texture better after cooking. Frozen apples can be used but tend to release more water, which may result in a soggier filling.

What can I do with leftover apple sauce from the filling?

Don’t toss it! This delicious leftover sauce is perfect for topping pancakes, stirring into yogurt, dolloping on ice cream, or swirling into oatmeal for a burst of flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making these Apple Turnovers with Cream Filling Recipe is like creating a little moment of joy in your kitchen. The blend of tart, sweet, and creamy wrapped in golden puff pastry is utterly irresistible. So next time you’re craving something cozy and indulgent, give this recipe a go—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

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