Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Apple Turnovers are a timeless favorite for good reason. They’re easy to make, use minimal ingredients, and deliver big on texture and taste. The combination of buttery puff pastry and warm spiced apples is hard to resist. Plus, they can be made ahead, stored, and reheated for a quick breakfast, snack, or treat any time of day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Puff pastry sheets (thawed if frozen)
- Apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Lemon juice
- Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Unsalted butter
- Egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (optional for glaze)
- Milk or cream (optional for glaze)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the Apples: Peel and dice the apples. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté the apples with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until softened. Add cornstarch if needed to thicken the mixture. Let it cool.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut into squares (usually 4 per sheet).
- Fill and Seal: Spoon the apple mixture onto one half of each pastry square. Fold over into a triangle and seal the edges with a fork.
- Egg Wash: Brush the tops with beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish.
- Bake: Transfer to the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Optional Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a little milk or cream and drizzle over cooled turnovers.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 turnovers.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Caramel Apple: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce to the filling before sealing.
- Apple-Pear Combo: Mix in chopped pears for a fall fruit blend.
- Spiced Upgrade: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
- Cheddar Twist: Add shredded sharp cheddar to the filling for a sweet-savory combo.
- Sugar-Coated Top: Sprinkle raw sugar on top before baking for crunch.
Storage/Reheating
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, bake in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds. Oven reheating will keep the pastry crisp.
FAQs
Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Yes, but homemade gives a fresher, less syrupy result. If using canned, consider adding spices to enhance flavor.
What apples work best?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well during baking and balance the sweetness.
Can I freeze apple turnovers?
Yes. Freeze before or after baking. To bake from frozen, add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
Do I have to cook the apple filling?
Cooking helps soften the apples and develop flavor. Raw apples may release too much moisture during baking.
How do I seal the edges properly?
Use a fork to crimp the edges and an egg wash to help seal the pastry closed.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free puff pastry and confirm all ingredients are gluten-free.
What’s the best way to keep the pastry flaky?
Handle the pastry gently and keep it cold. Avoid overfilling and don’t let it sit too long before baking.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate unbaked turnovers for up to 24 hours or freeze them for longer storage.
Why did my turnovers leak?
Overfilling or not sealing the edges tightly can cause leaks. Also, cutting a small vent in the top helps release steam.
Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely. They’re delicious plain or with a sprinkle of powdered sugar instead.
Conclusion
Apple Turnovers are a classic treat that delivers buttery pastry and sweet-spiced apple filling in every bite. They’re easy to make, adaptable to your tastes, and perfect for any season. Whether served warm from the oven or packed for an on-the-go snack, these turnovers are sure to satisfy your craving for something cozy and delicious.
PrintApple Turnovers
Apple Turnovers are golden, flaky pastries filled with a warm, spiced apple mixture. These handheld treats are easy to make with puff pastry and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy fall snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 turnovers
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional, for glaze)
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook until apples are softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in cornstarch if needed to thicken. Let cool.
- Roll out puff pastry and cut each sheet into 4 squares.
- Spoon apple filling onto one half of each square. Fold over to form a triangle and press edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Place turnovers on the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Optional: Mix powdered sugar with milk or cream to create a glaze and drizzle over cooled turnovers.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith for the best texture.
- Cool the filling before adding it to the pastry to prevent sogginess.
- For a crunchier top, sprinkle raw sugar before baking.
- Turnovers can be frozen before or after baking for easy prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 turnover
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
