Irresistible Homemade Apple Turnovers: A Flaky Puff Pastry Recipe for Fall
As the leaves begin to turn vibrant shades and a crisp coolness fills the air, there’s an undeniable urge to embrace all things fall, especially when it comes to baking. And what better way to celebrate the season than with the comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen? These homemade apple turnovers are a quintessential autumn treat, offering a perfect blend of tender, spiced apples encased in golden, flaky puff pastry. They’re so versatile, making them an ideal choice for a delightful breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or a charming dessert.
Fall baking holds a special place in my heart, and apples are truly the stars of the season. Beyond these delicious turnovers, there are countless ways to enjoy this beloved fruit. For instance, my Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a non-negotiable bake every year, providing that classic apple pie flavor in an easy-to-share bar form. If you’re hosting a fall gathering and looking for a refreshing beverage, an Apple Cider Moscow Mule adds a festive touch. The possibilities with apples are simply endless!
Elevate Your Fall Baking with Easy Homemade Turnovers
For a long time, I considered turnovers to be an exclusive bakery item, something too intricate to recreate at home. I couldn’t have been more wrong! This apple turnover recipe proves just how simple and rewarding it is to make these delightful pastries from scratch. What’s more, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. While apples coated in warm cinnamon and brown sugar are undeniably perfect for autumn, you can easily swap them out for other seasonal fruits like peaches, cherries, or any of your personal favorites to create a custom treat.
Caramel apples are another iconic fall tradition, and for a fun, interactive activity with the family, consider making these Mini Caramel Apples. Everyone can get involved in decorating them with their preferred toppings, making for a memorable and delicious experience. But when you crave that warm, baked goodness, nothing quite hits the spot like a tender, fruit-filled turnover.
The Secret to Flaky Perfection: Store-Bought Puff Pastry
One of the best shortcuts in this easy apple turnover recipe, and frankly, one of the secrets to achieving that desired bakery-style flakiness, is utilizing store-bought puff pastry. There’s absolutely no need to feel guilty about a little help from the grocery store! While you could certainly use your favorite homemade pie crust, puff pastry elevates these turnovers to an entirely new level, making them incredibly light, airy, and crisp. It delivers that signature delicate texture that truly mimics professional bakery creations.
Choosing the right puff pastry is simple. Look for it in the frozen dessert or freezer aisle of your local supermarket. Remember to thaw it according to package directions before you begin. Usually, this means letting it sit in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for about 30-40 minutes. Ensure it’s still cold but pliable enough to unfold without cracking.
Crafting the Perfect Homemade Apple Pie Filling
The heart of these delectable turnovers is, of course, the homemade apple pie filling. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare and yields a far superior flavor to canned versions. To create this rich, spiced filling, you’ll simmer diced apples with a medley of brown sugar, warm cinnamon, a touch of butter, a splash of lemon juice, and a hint of cornstarch. The lemon juice isn’t just for flavor; it also helps prevent the apples from browning and brightens their natural sweetness. The cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, ensuring your filling isn’t watery but rather a luscious, spoonable consistency.
As the mixture gently cooks, the apples soften beautifully, absorbing all those wonderful autumnal spices. The sauce thickens into a delightful, sticky glaze that perfectly coats each apple piece. Once cooked, it’s crucial to let the filling cool for a few minutes before spooning it onto the puff pastry. This prevents the pastry from becoming soggy and ensures the turnovers hold their shape during baking. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve such a rich and flavorful filling!
To Glaze or Not to Glaze? Customizing Your Apple Turnovers
When it comes to apple turnovers, you often see them finished with a sweet, white vanilla glaze drizzled over the top. While a glaze can certainly add an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful presentation, I personally prefer to leave it off these apple turnovers. I find the spiced apple filling to be sweet enough on its own, allowing the natural flavors of the apple and the buttery flakiness of the pastry to shine through. However, baking is all about personal preference! If you love that extra touch of sweetness and a glossy finish, feel free to whip up a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze to drizzle generously over your cooled turnovers. You can also sprinkle them with a coarse raw sugar before baking for a delightful crunchy topping.
If you’re a devoted fan of apple desserts and looking for another incredible fall treat, you absolutely must try my Apple Blondies. Imagine tender blondies studded with sweet apple chunks, all crowned with a luscious cinnamon brown sugar frosting – it’s an autumn delight you won’t want to miss!
Apple Turnovers
Erin Sellin
15 minutes
30 minutes
8
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
-
3
cups
apples,
peeled and diced (about 3 large apples) -
1/3
cup
light brown sugar
-
2
Tablespoons
butter
-
1
teaspoon
cinnamon
-
1
Tablespoon
lemon juice
-
2
teaspoons
cornstarch
-
2
sheets puff pastry,
thawed -
1
egg
-
1
tablespoon
water -
2
Tablespoons
raw sugar,
optional
Instructions
-
In a skillet, combine the diced apples, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 5 minutes, or until the filling has thickened slightly to a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the puff pastry.
-
Preheat your oven to 400º F (200°C).
-
Unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll the puff pastry into a 12-inch by 12-inch square. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, divide the large square into 4 equal, smaller squares. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry, yielding 8 squares in total.
-
Scoop about 1/4 cup of the slightly cooled apple mixture into the corner of each puff pastry square. Fold the pastry diagonally over the apple filling to form a triangle. Firmly seal the edges by pressing them together with the tines of a fork, ensuring no filling can escape during baking. Repeat this process until you have 8 beautifully filled turnovers. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced approximately 2 inches apart.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water until well blended to create an egg wash. Lightly brush this egg wash over the top of each pastry triangle. This will give them a beautiful golden sheen and a crispier crust.
-
If desired, sprinkle a generous amount of raw sugar over the top of each turnover for an added crunch and sparkle. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the turnovers are beautifully puffed up and golden brown. Carefully remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
Calories:
445
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
47
g
|
Protein:
5
g
|
Fat:
27
g
|
Saturated Fat:
8
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
3
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
14
g
|
Trans Fat:
0.1
g
|
Cholesterol:
28
mg
|
Sodium:
186
mg
|
Potassium:
112
mg
|
Fiber:
2
g
|
Sugar:
17
g
|
Vitamin A:
144
IU
|
Vitamin C:
3
mg
|
Calcium:
24
mg
|
Iron:
2
mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
15 minutes
30 minutes
Dessert Recipes
American
8
445
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
Tips for Perfect Apple Turnovers Every Time
- Choose the Right Apples: Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best as they hold their shape and provide a nice contrast to the sweet filling. A mix of sweet and tart apples can also be wonderful.
- Cool the Filling: This is a crucial step! Hot filling can melt the butter in the puff pastry, making it difficult to work with and leading to a less flaky result. Ensure your apple filling has cooled to at least room temperature.
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up on the delicious apple filling, too much can make sealing difficult and cause the turnovers to burst open during baking. Stick to about 1/4 cup per square.
- Seal Properly: Use a fork to crimp the edges firmly. This creates a good seal and gives your turnovers that classic ridged edge while preventing any filling from leaking out.
- Vent the Pastry: Before baking, you can cut a small slit or two on top of each turnover. This allows steam to escape, preventing the pastry from becoming too puffy or bursting unevenly.
- Work with Cold Pastry: Puff pastry is best handled when cold. If your kitchen is warm and the pastry becomes too soft, pop it back into the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
- Even Baking: Bake until deep golden brown, not just light golden. This ensures the pastry is fully cooked, crisp, and flaky throughout.
Serving and Storing Your Homemade Apple Turnovers
These homemade apple turnovers are absolutely divine served warm, fresh from the oven, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. They also make a fantastic breakfast pastry alongside your morning coffee or tea. If you’ve opted for the raw sugar sprinkle, enjoy the extra textural crunch with every bite.
Leftover turnovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To enjoy them warm and flaky again, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the pastry has re-crisped.
Creating these flaky apple turnovers at home is a wonderfully rewarding experience, transforming simple ingredients into a truly special treat that embodies the warmth and comfort of autumn. They’re much easier than you think and are sure to become a beloved staple in your fall baking repertoire.
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