Apple Turnovers (Puff Pastry)

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Apple Turnovers are a delightful pastry that combine the buttery flakiness of puff pastry with the warm, spiced sweetness of apples. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, these Apple Turnovers will impress with every bite. Whether you choose to use homemade rough puff pastry or opt for store-bought puff pastry, this recipe is simple yet delivers exceptional results.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Turnovers

The beauty of these Apple Turnovers lies in their simplicity and irresistible flavor. The filling, made with diced apples, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla, brings out the natural sweetness of the apples while adding a cozy spice that pairs perfectly with the light, flaky pastry. Plus, there’s an optional salted caramel drizzle to take them over the top!

Flaky and light, with a warm apple-cinnamon filling, these turnovers are a must-try for any apple lover. Here’s everything you need to make these delightful pastries:

Making the Most of Puff Pastry

You can choose to make your own rough puff pastry for an added layer of satisfaction, or take the shortcut with store-bought puff pastry sheets. Either option will give you a crisp, golden turnover with all the layered flakiness you’d expect from a perfect pastry. Just make sure to keep your dough chilled until you’re ready to assemble the turnovers for best results.

Let’s dive into the ingredients that make these Apple Turnovers so special.

Ingredients for Apple Turnovers

To make these deliciously flaky Apple Turnovers, you’ll need a few basic ingredients for the pastry, filling, and topping. Each component adds to the overall flavor and texture, making these turnovers an unforgettable treat!

Dough

• Puff Pastry: You’ll need 1 pound of puff pastry dough, either homemade rough puff or store-bought frozen puff pastry. If you’re using store-bought, make sure it’s completely thawed. Using puff pastry ensures that your turnovers are light, flaky, and golden brown.

Filling

• Apples: Two cups of peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples) provide the main flavor of the turnovers. Choose your favorite apple variety—Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are all great options.
• Cornstarch: Just 1 teaspoon of cornstarch helps to thicken the filling and hold it together, so it doesn’t leak too much while baking.
• Vanilla Extract: A couple of teaspoons of pure vanilla extract add warmth and depth to the apple filling, enhancing its natural sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: One teaspoon of cinnamon adds that classic spiced flavor, making these turnovers perfect for fall or any time you’re craving something cozy.
• Sugar: Use either 1/2 cup of granulated sugar or brown sugar, depending on your preference. Brown sugar will give a slightly deeper, caramel-like flavor, while granulated sugar keeps it lighter.

Egg Wash + Optional Topping

• Egg: A large egg, whisked with a little milk, is used to brush over the turnovers, giving them a beautiful golden color when baked.
• Milk: Just 1 tablespoon, of any kind, mixed with the egg to create the egg wash. This step is essential for that perfectly crisp and golden pastry.
• Salted Caramel (Optional): For an extra indulgence, drizzle each turnover with 1/2 cup of salted caramel sauce after baking. This is optional, but it elevates the flavor and adds a touch of sweetness.

How to Make Apple Turnovers with Puff Pastry

Making these Apple Turnovers is simple and rewarding. By following these steps, you’ll end up with golden, flaky pastries filled with warm, spiced apples. Here’s how to prepare them:

1. Prepare the Dough: If you’re making rough puff pastry from scratch, prepare it ahead of time, and refrigerate it until it’s firm. For store-bought, make sure it’s fully thawed before you start. Keep the dough chilled until you’re ready to assemble the turnovers.
2. Cook the Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan, cook the apples with cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly for 5 minutes until the apples start to soften. Then, reduce to low heat and simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Set the filling aside to cool.
3. Shape the Turnovers: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, cutting it into squares. If using homemade dough, you’ll have enough for nine 4-inch squares, while store-bought puff pastry will yield eight squares.
4. Fill and Fold: Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the apple filling into the center of each square. Fold one corner over to form a triangle and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Arrange the turnovers on baking sheets, and chill them for at least 15 minutes before baking to ensure the dough stays flaky.
5. Bake the Turnovers: Brush each turnover with egg wash and cut a couple of small steam vents in the top. Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 23-25 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through for even browning. They’re ready when the pastries are golden brown.

With these simple steps, you’ll create perfect Apple Turnovers every time. Enjoy them warm with a drizzle of caramel, or let them cool for a delicious treat at any time of day.

Baking Tips for Perfect Apple Turnovers

Baking Apple Turnovers to perfection is easy if you keep a few key tips in mind. With a little attention to detail, you’ll achieve that ideal balance of crisp, golden pastry and tender apple filling. Here’s how to get it just right:

How Long to Bake Apple Turnovers

For the best results, bake your Apple Turnovers at 400°F (204°C) for 23-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and flaky. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Oven Temperature: Baking at 400°F (204°C) allows the puff pastry to rise and achieve a crisp, flaky texture. If the turnovers aren’t golden brown after 25 minutes, give them a couple more minutes, keeping an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
• Pan Rotation: To ensure even browning, rotate your baking sheets halfway through the bake time. This helps each turnover bake uniformly, especially if your oven has hot spots.

Apple Filling Consistency

Apple turnovers are best when the filling is tender but not too runny. Here’s how to achieve the right texture:

• Cooking the Apples: Cooking the filling on the stovetop before baking thickens it slightly, which prevents it from becoming too watery and leaking out of the pastry.
• Apple Varieties: Using a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, will provide a balanced flavor and texture. Softer apples tend to cook down more quickly, so adjust the stovetop cooking time as needed based on your apple choice.

Storing and Reheating

Apple Turnovers are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also store leftovers for later. Here’s how:

• Room Temperature: Cover and store the turnovers at room temperature for up to 1 day. They’ll stay crisp and flaky, ready to enjoy whenever you like.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the turnovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
• Freezing: To freeze unbaked turnovers, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Tips for Serving and Storing

• Serving with Caramel Sauce: For an extra special touch, drizzle warm turnovers with salted caramel sauce right before serving. The warm, gooey caramel adds a delightful richness.
• Resting After Baking: Allow turnovers to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting time helps set the pastry and makes it easier to handle.

With these tips, you’ll be able to create Apple Turnovers that are perfectly crisp and full of flavor every time. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated, they make a wonderful treat that’s hard to resist!

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