These Apple Turnovers are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that combines the sweetness of cinnamon-spiced apples with the flaky, buttery goodness of puff pastry. Perfect for any occasion, these turnovers can be served as a sweet snack or a delightful after-dinner treat. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert for a family gathering or a fun, handheld snack, these turnovers will satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 18 turnovers
Ingredients
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 4 medium apples (600-750g), peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Jazz, or Braeburn recommended)
- 30g (1/4 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp cornstarch, dissolved in 4 tbsp of water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Pinch of salt
For the Puff Pastry & Assembly:
- 500g puff pastry, store-bought and thawed
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling on top)
- 1 egg (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 30g of butter.
- Add the diced apples, 2 tbsp of sugar, 1 tbsp of lemon juice, 1 tsp of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and the mixture becomes syrupy.
- Thicken with Cornstarch:
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 4 tbsp of water to dissolve it.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet with the apple mixture and stir until the juices boil and thicken, about 1 minute.
- If needed, add 2 tbsp of additional water to achieve 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 your 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 thick.
- Cut and Fill Pastry:
- Cut the puff pastry into 18 rectangles (approximately 7×10 cm each).
- Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of 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 shape.
- Press the edges together with a fork to seal them securely.
- Brush the top of each turnover with egg wash to give it a golden finish.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Cut small slits in the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Optionally, sprinkle with granulated sugar on top for extra sweetness and a crunchy finish.
Baking the Turnovers
- Bake:
- Place the turnovers on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes until they are golden brown, puffed up, and crisp.
- Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, transfer the turnovers to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the flaky, golden-brown crust with the warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling!
Serving Suggestions:
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm apple turnovers with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Topped with Whipped Cream: For extra richness, top with freshly whipped cream.
- As a Breakfast Treat: Pair these turnovers with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast.
- With Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with caramel sauce for added sweetness.
- Serve with a Fruit Salad: Complement the sweetness of the turnovers with a fresh, tangy fruit salad on the side.
Cooking Tips:
- Chilled Filling: Make sure your apple filling is cooled to room temperature before adding it to the puff pastry to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
- Egg Wash: Don’t skip the egg wash – it gives the turnovers a beautifully golden, shiny finish.
- Puff Pastry: Use good quality store-bought puff pastry for the best results. Make sure it’s properly thawed before working with it.
- Slits in Pastry: Be sure to make slits in the top of the turnovers to allow steam to escape, preventing them from bursting during baking.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Apples: Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, apples support digestive health and can aid in weight management.
- Cinnamon: Contains anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor, though you can substitute with margarine for a dairy-free version.
- Eggs: A great source of protein and essential nutrients like vitamins A, D, and B12.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: Suitable for vegetarians.
- Nut-Free: This recipe does not contain any nuts.
- Dairy: Contains dairy from butter and egg wash – can be substituted for dairy-free alternatives.
- Gluten-Free: Not gluten-free, but you can substitute gluten-free puff pastry for a gluten-free version.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Carbs: 28g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 40mg
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store cooled turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispness.
- Freezing: These turnovers can be frozen before baking. Place the unbaked turnovers on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from the freezer at 400°F for 25-30 minutes when ready to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- These Apple Turnovers are quick, easy to make, and offer the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. With their flaky, buttery pastry and warm, cinnamon-infused apple filling, they’re a delightful treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving them for a family gathering, afternoon tea, or as a simple dessert, they never fail to satisfy. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and baked fresh whenever you’re ready to indulge.
Conclusion:
Apple turnovers are the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. Using simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can enjoy a homemade pastry that rivals any bakery. The flaky puff pastry combined with the sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling is irresistibly good. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these turnovers are guaranteed to bring joy to your taste buds.