Crispy Golden Apple Turnovers Recipe for Sweet Comfort

Flaky, golden apple turnovers dance between comfort and decadence, promising sweet memories with every bite.

Crisp pastry edges hint at the luscious filling waiting inside.

Seasonal orchard fruits mingle with buttery layers, creating a dessert that whispers of cozy afternoons.

Warm spices weave through delicate dough, inviting you to savor each delightful morsel.

Crumbly textures and rich aromas beckon from the kitchen, promising a treat that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Baking these delicate parcels connects generations of home cooks through a simple, elegant tradition.

Let the aroma of cinnamon and apples draw you into this delightful culinary adventure.

Apple Turnovers That Hit the Sweet Spot

• These apple turnovers are super fast to prepare, taking just 15-20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy home cooks craving a sweet treat.
• Totally approachable for novice bakers, the recipe requires minimal cooking skills and uses simple ingredients most people already have in their kitchen.
• Kids and adults will love these handheld pastries, offering a delicious way to enjoy classic apple pie flavors in a portable, less messy format that's great for gatherings or casual dessert after dinner.
• Easily personalize these turnovers by adding nuts, switching apple varieties, or experimenting with different spices to match your taste preferences and make the recipe uniquely yours.

Everything You Need for Apple Turnovers

• Apples: Sweet and tart base that provides the classic filling flavor, best with firm baking varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and prevents apple browning, helps balance the sweetness.

• White Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create rich caramel-like sweetness and help thicken the filling.

• Cinnamon: Warm, classic spice that complements apple flavor perfectly.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the apple mixture and create a smooth, glossy sauce.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps soften and cook the apples evenly.

How to Make Turnovers That Flake Just Right

Step 1: Craft Apple Filling

• Melt butter in a pan over medium heat
• Add diced apples to the pan
• Mix in
• Sugar
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Cornstarch
• Lemon juice

Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until apples become tender and the sauce transforms into a thick, glossy coating. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and allow the filling to cool completely, which helps intensify the flavors and prevents soggy pastry.

Step 2: Prepare Pastry Base

Unroll puff pastry sheets on a clean, lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into equal square or triangular shapes, depending on your preferred turnover style.

Step 3: Fill and Shape Turnovers

Spoon the cooled apple mixture onto one half of each pastry piece. Fold the pastry over to create a triangle or rectangle, sealing edges by pressing with a fork.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Decoration

Brush the tops of the turnovers with beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish. Sprinkle with granulated sugar for extra crunch and sweetness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F. Place turnovers on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until pastry is puffed and golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove turnovers from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flaky pastry and spiced apple filling.

Turnover Tips for That Golden Crust

• Choose Firm Apples: Select Granny Smith or Honeycrisp varieties for the best texture and balanced tartness in your turnovers.
• Control Moisture Levels: Allow apple filling to cool completely before adding to pastry to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain crisp texture.
• Prevent Leakage: Seal turnover edges thoroughly by pressing with a fork and brush with egg wash to create a golden, shiny crust.
• Customize Sweetness: Adjust sugar quantities based on apple ripeness and personal preference, tasting filling before final assembly.
• Enhance Flavor Profile: Sprinkle additional ground cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg to deepen the warm, aromatic notes of the apple filling.

How to Keep Apple Turnovers Crisp Later

• Store leftover apple turnovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each turnover individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together.
• Warm turnovers at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to restore their crispy pastry texture. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for even heating.
• For a quick method, use a toaster oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes. This helps maintain the flaky crust and warm apple filling.
• Skip microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy and compromise the delicate texture of the turnovers.

Drinks That Go Well with Turnovers

• A classic herbal tea with gentle spices perfectly complements the sweet, buttery apple filling, enhancing the dessert's warm flavors and providing a cozy drinking experience.
• The cold, creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful temperature contrast against the warm, spiced apple turnover, balancing sweetness and temperature beautifully.
• A rich caramel sauce adds depth and extra sweetness, amplifying the apple's natural caramelized notes and creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Light, airy whipped cream provides a delicate richness that softens the turnover's intense flavors and adds a smooth, elegant touch to the dessert.

Apple Turnover Variations to Bake Next

• Gluten-Free Turnovers: Replace traditional pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour dough for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Apple Delight: Swap butter for coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of sugar to create a plant-based version of the classic turnover.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious apple flavor.
• Tropical Fruit Variation: Mix diced apples with mango or pineapple chunks to create a unique fruity filling that adds extra brightness and complexity to the traditional recipe.

Apple Turnover FAQ

• What are the best apples for this recipe?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious work perfectly. These varieties offer the right balance of tartness and sweetness, holding their shape while cooking.

• Can I make the apple filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before assembling the turnovers.

• How do I prevent the turnovers from leaking?

Seal the edges completely by pressing with a fork and brush the edges with egg wash. Also, avoid overfilling the pastry and make sure to cut small vents on top to release steam.

• Is cornstarch necessary in the apple filling?

Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and prevents a watery filling. It creates a glossy, smooth consistency that helps the filling stick together and not run out of the pastry.

Apple Turnovers Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet, flaky apple turnovers embrace classic French pastry magic with caramelized fruit filling tucked into golden, buttery layers. Crisp autumn flavors and delicate pastry create an irresistible dessert you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, peeled & diced)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to balance the sweetness)

Sugars and Spices:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Pastry and Filling Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze, adjust for consistency)

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Instructions

1. Gently sauté diced apples in a skillet with melted butter over medium heat, allowing the fruit to soften and release its natural juices.
2. Incorporate sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and a splash of lemon juice into the apple mixture, stirring continuously to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
3. Simmer the apple filling for 5-7 minutes, watching as the liquid transforms into a glossy, thick sauce that clings to the tender apple pieces.
4. Transfer the aromatic filling to a separate container and allow it to cool completely, enabling the sauce to set and flavors to meld together before assembling the turnovers.

Notes

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and texture in your turnovers.
• Allow the apple filling to cool completely to prevent soggy pastry and ensure crisp, flaky edges.
• Brush the pastry edges with egg wash for a golden, glossy finish that adds professional-looking shine and helps seal the turnovers.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free puff pastry and replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder to maintain the same thickening properties.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg