Apple Turnovers Recipe

The Flakiest Easy Apple Turnovers Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Crisp autumn mornings spark cravings for warm, buttery apple turnovers that melt in your mouth.

Golden pastry embraces sweet cinnamon-kissed fruit with delicate layers of pure comfort.

Baking these treats feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of flavor.

Simple ingredients transform into magical pockets of deliciousness that anyone can create.

Perfectly portioned and impossibly light, these turnovers bring joy to every bite.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction, making them ideal for spontaneous weekend baking adventures.

You’ll fall in love with how quickly these delectable pastries come together.

Grab a cup of coffee and let’s make something extraordinary that will impress everyone at the table.

Flaky Apple Turnovers Recipe Guide

  • Perfectly balanced sweet and tangy flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal dessert for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
  • The golden, flaky pastry and elegant triangular shape create a sophisticated look that seems like you've spent ages preparing, when it's actually super easy to make.
  • Serve warm as a comforting after-dinner treat, pack in lunchboxes, or enjoy as a delicious midday snack that feels like a special indulgence.

Ingredients to Make Delicious Apple Turnovers

Pastry Base:
  • Puff Pastry: A light and buttery dough that creates a crisp, golden exterior for the turnovers.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Apples: Fresh, sweet fruit that provides the core flavor and texture of the turnover.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the apple filling.
  • Cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the apple's natural flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Butter: Used to saute the apples and create a rich, smooth filling.
  • Egg: Provides a golden, glossy finish to the pastry surface.
  • Powdered Sugar: A light dusting that adds a sweet and decorative touch to the turnovers.

Baking Instructions for Perfect Apple Turnovers

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) so it’s perfectly heated and ready for baking.

Step 2: Create Delectable Apple Filling

In a skillet, gently melt butter and transform diced apples into a sweet and aromatic mixture by adding:
  • Sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Lemon juice

Saute the ingredients for about 5 minutes until apples become soft and tender.

Transfer the mixture to a cool spot to rest.

Step 3: Shape The Pastry Canvas

Spread out the puff pastry and slice it into 4 even squares, creating the perfect foundation for your turnovers.

Step 4: Fill With Fruity Goodness

Carefully spoon the cooled apple mixture right into the center of each pastry square, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.

Step 5: Craft Triangle Pockets

Fold the pastry over the apple filling, creating elegant triangular shapes.

Seal the edges by gently pressing with a fork to lock in all the deliciousness.

Step 6: Add Golden Shine

Whisk an egg and lovingly brush the surface of each turnover, preparing them for a beautiful golden transformation.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the turnovers into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Finish With Sweet Dust

Allow the turnovers to cool slightly, then sprinkle a delicate layer of powdered sugar on top for a beautiful, sweet finale.

Tips for Crispy and Flavorful Turnovers

  • Select firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in your turnovers.
  • Chill the filled pastry for 10 minutes before baking to help maintain a crisp, flaky crust that won't become wet.
  • Adjust sugar amount based on apple variety – less for sweet apples, more for tart ones to balance the filling perfectly.
  • Use a fork to crimp pastry edges completely, preventing filling from leaking during baking and ensuring a neat presentation.
  • Add a pinch of salt to the beaten egg wash to enhance browning and create a glossy, golden-brown exterior on your turnovers.

Storing and Reheating Apple Turnovers

  • Store leftover apple turnovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual turnovers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Warm turnovers at 350F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy.
  • Remove frozen turnovers from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before reheating for best texture.

Pairing Ideas for Apple Turnovers

  • Pair with Warm Vanilla Chai Latte: Creamy, spiced chai tea complements the sweet, cinnamon-laden apple filling, creating a harmonious blend of comforting flavors.
  • Match with Aged Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, tangy cheddar provides a delightful contrast to the turnovers' sweetness, balancing the dessert with a savory punch.
  • Serve alongside Caramel Pecan Ice Cream: Smooth, nutty ice cream enhances the apple's warmth, adding a luxurious and rich dimension to the delicate pastry.
  • Enjoy with Moscato d'Asti: Light, slightly sparkling white wine offers a delicate sweetness that beautifully echoes the apple's natural sugars without overwhelming the turnover's delicate texture.

Variations on the Classic Apple Turnover

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or use almond flour pastry dough for a wheat-free alternative.
  • Vegan Apple Turnover: Swap butter with coconut oil and use plant-based egg wash substitute like maple syrup or almond milk to create a dairy-free version.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and use tart green apples to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining flavor.
  • Spiced Autumn Variation: Add nutmeg, cardamom, and ground cloves to the apple filling for a warm, seasonal flavor profile that enhances the traditional recipe.

FAQs

  • Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes, you can substitute apples with pears, peaches, or berries. Just ensure the fruit is diced and cooked down slightly to prevent excess moisture.

  • Is puff pastry difficult to work with?

Puff pastry is actually quite simple. Thaw it completely, work quickly while it’s cold, and use a light touch when handling to maintain its flaky texture.

  • How do I prevent the turnovers from leaking?

Seal the edges firmly with a fork and avoid overfilling. Make sure there are no gaps or tears in the pastry that could allow filling to escape during baking.

  • What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These varieties hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

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Apple Turnovers Recipe

Apple Turnovers Recipe


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4.9 from 40 reviews

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

Description

Sweet Apple Turnovers dance with buttery, flaky pastry wrapped around spiced cinnamon-kissed apple filling. Crisp golden edges and warm, gooey centers invite you to savor this classic dessert that whispers comfort and nostalgia.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruit:

  • 2 large apples, peeled and diced

Spices and Sweeteners:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice

Pastry and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter
  • 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 375F (190C), preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Create a caramelized apple filling by gently simmering diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a skillet for 5 minutes until tender and slightly softened.
  3. Allow the apple mixture to cool completely, which helps prevent soggy pastry.
  4. Unfold the puff pastry and slice into precise triangular or square shapes using a sharp knife.
  5. Place a generous spoonful of cooled apple mixture in the center of each pastry section.
  6. Carefully fold the pastry over the filling, creating a triangular pocket and firmly crimp the edges with a fork to seal completely.
  7. Whisk an egg and delicately brush the surface of each turnover to ensure a rich, golden-brown exterior during baking.
  8. Transfer turnovers to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow proper heat circulation.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until pastry is puffy and achieves a deep golden color.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes, then dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • Select crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for better texture and balanced sweetness during cooking.
  • Keep puff pastry chilled until ready to use, ensuring maximum flakiness and preventing dough from becoming too soft.
  • Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter when sealing edges to create clean, defined turnovers that prevent filling from leaking during baking.
  • Experiment with alternative fillings like mixed berries, peaches, or pears to create versatile seasonal variations of this classic dessert.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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