These classic Apple Turnovers are made with a flaky puff pastry filled with a deliciously spiced apple pie filling. The buttery, crispy pastry paired with the tender apple filling is the perfect handheld dessert or snack. Ideal for autumn gatherings or a quick dessert, these turnovers are easy to prepare and a crowd-pleaser.
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 1 hour (including baking and cooling)
- Active Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Apple Pie Filling
- Apples: 4 medium (600-750 g), peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Jazz, or Braeburn recommended)
- Unsalted Butter: 30 g (1/4 stick)
- Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp, freshly squeezed
- Cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Cornstarch: 1 tbsp, dissolved in 4 tbsp of water
- Sugar: 2 tbsp
- Salt: a pinch
Puff Pastry & Assembly
- Puff Pastry: 500 g, store-bought and thawed
- Granulated Sugar: 1 tbsp, for sprinkling on top (optional)
- Egg: 1, for egg wash
Instructions
Apple Pie Filling
- Prepare Apples:
- Peel, core, and dice the apples into ½-inch (1–1.5 cm) pieces.
- Cook Filling:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
- Add diced apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are softened and the mixture is syrupy.
- Thicken with Cornstarch:
- Mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water and pour into the skillet. Stir until the juices boil and thicken, about 1 minute.
- If needed, add an additional 2 tbsp of water for a smoother consistency.
- Allow the filling to cool to room temperature, then store in the fridge until ready to use.
Assembling the Apple Turnovers
- Prepare Pastry:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each thawed puff pastry sheet into a 14×15-inch (36×39 cm) rectangle about 2–3 mm thin.
- Cut and Fill Pastry:
- Divide the pastry into 18 rectangles (7×10 cm each).
- Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the chilled apple filling onto one side of each rectangle.
- Form Turnovers:
- Fold one corner of the rectangle over the filling to meet the opposite corner, forming a triangle.
- Press the edges with a fork to seal, then brush the top with egg wash.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Cut small slits in the top of each turnover for steam to escape.
- Optionally, sprinkle with granulated sugar for added sweetness and crunch.
Baking the Turnovers
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes, until golden brown, puffed, and crisp.
- Cool and Serve:
- Transfer turnovers to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a classic look.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream.
Cooking Tips
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart filling.
- Make sure to chill the filling before assembling to prevent sogginess.
- Cut small slits in each turnover to allow steam to escape during baking.
- For a more golden crust, apply a second layer of egg wash.
- Bake until golden and puffed to ensure crisp, flaky layers.
Nutritional Benefits
- Apples: High in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- Puff Pastry: Provides carbohydrates for energy.
- Cinnamon: Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Lemon Juice: Adds vitamin C and enhances flavor.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Contains no meat or fish products.
- Nut-Free: Safe for those with nut allergies.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with a non-dairy alternative.
- Low Sugar: Minimal added sugar in filling and topping.
Nutritional Facts (Per Turnover Estimate)
- Calories: ~200 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to refresh crispness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Minimal ingredients with store-bought puff pastry.
- Warm and Cozy Flavors: Perfectly spiced and fragrant.
- Ideal for Sharing: Great for gatherings or as a treat for guests.
- Customizable: Adjust sweetness or add nuts for extra flavor.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
Conclusion
These Apple Turnovers are a delightful treat that captures the essence of a classic apple pie in a convenient, handheld form. With flaky puff pastry, a warm cinnamon-apple filling, and a golden crust, they’re sure to be a hit for any occasion. Enjoy these turnovers warm from the oven, and watch them disappear in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will add even more flavor and flakiness. - Can I freeze the turnovers?
Yes, freeze unbaked turnovers on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. - What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute it with 2 tsp of all-purpose flour to thicken the filling. - Can I use other fruit for the filling?
Yes, pears, peaches, or berries work well for a twist on traditional apple turnovers. - How do I prevent soggy turnovers?
Make sure the filling is chilled and avoid overfilling to keep the pastry crisp.