Apple Turnover Recipe

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Apple turnovers are a classic treat that combines a flaky, golden puff pastry with a sweet, spiced apple filling. These turnovers are simple to make yet packed with comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Perfectly sweetened, tender apples encased in buttery pastry, they’re just as delightful fresh from the oven as they are the next day! Let’s dive into how to make the best apple turnovers from scratch.

Homemade Apple Turnover Delight

Apple turnovers are incredibly versatile, ideal for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert. This recipe uses Granny Smith apples for their perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, enhanced by brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg. The pastry bakes up beautifully golden and crispy, providing the ideal contrast to the warm apple filling.

Unlike store-bought options, these homemade apple turnovers are crafted to be flaky and flavorful, thanks to a simple glaze that adds a lovely finish. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy weekend breakfast or an impressive dessert, these turnovers are bound to impress!

Quick and Easy Apple Turnover Recipe

This apple turnover recipe is easy enough for a beginner and quick to prepare, making it the perfect go-to recipe when you want a sweet treat without a lot of fuss. The puff pastry saves time while still providing that homemade, bakery-style feel. The filling can be prepped in minutes, and assembly is straightforward, so let’s get started!

Ingredients for Apple Turnovers

To create these delicious apple turnovers, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in delivering a perfectly balanced flavor and texture, from the tender apples to the warm spices and buttery puff pastry.

• Puff Pastry – Two sheets of puff pastry are essential for that flaky, golden crust. Thaw them according to package instructions before use.
• All-Purpose Flour – A small amount of flour is used for dusting, helping to roll out the puff pastry without sticking.
• Granny Smith Apples – Using 1 ½ pounds of Granny Smith apples brings a tart and sweet flavor that balances beautifully with the other ingredients. Peel, core, and dice the apples for the best texture.
• Butter – Just 1 ½ tablespoons of butter adds richness and helps caramelize the apples in the filling.
• Brown Sugar – This half-cup of brown sugar brings sweetness and a warm caramel flavor that enhances the apples and spices.
• Ground Cinnamon – A half-teaspoon of cinnamon adds that signature cozy, spiced flavor that pairs so well with apples.
• Ground Nutmeg – Just ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg is all you need to add depth and warmth to the filling.
• Kosher Salt – A pinch (1/8 teaspoon) of kosher salt balances out the sweetness, highlighting all the other flavors.
• Egg Wash – One egg, lightly beaten with a tablespoon of water, creates a beautiful golden crust when brushed over the pastry.

For the Glaze:

• Confectioners’ Sugar – This ¾ cup of powdered sugar gives a smooth, sweet base for the glaze.
• Half and Half – Two tablespoons of half and half thins the glaze to a perfect drizzling consistency, adding a bit of creaminess.
• Vanilla Extract – A half-teaspoon of vanilla extract adds subtle flavor to the glaze, enhancing the sweetness and complementing the spices.

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How to Make Apple Turnovers

Crafting these apple turnovers is straightforward and fun! Each step builds on the last to create a delicious pastry that’s flaky on the outside and full of spiced apple goodness on the inside. Let’s break it down:

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry
   Start by thawing your puff pastry sheets according to the package instructions. This will make them easy to roll out and fill later.
2. Cook the Apple Filling
   In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the diced apples. Cook until they’re softened, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, then add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Let the apples simmer until they caramelize slightly and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool to room temperature.
3. Roll and Cut the Pastry
   Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Roll out one puff pastry sheet to a 10-inch square. With a sharp knife or pastry cutter, divide the pastry into four equal squares.
4. Add the Filling and Seal
   Spoon a portion of the apple filling into the center of each pastry square, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. Brush the edges with egg wash, fold each square into a triangle, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal securely.
5. Prepare for Baking
   Arrange the turnovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Make two small slits in the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape. Brush the tops with more egg wash for a golden finish.
6. Bake the Turnovers
   Bake the turnovers in a preheated oven at 400˚F for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and golden brown.
7. Make the Glaze
   While the turnovers are baking, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, half and half, and vanilla extract until smooth.
8. Glaze and Serve
   Once the turnovers are done, remove them from the oven and cool slightly. Drizzle each turnover with the glaze, and enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

Baking Time and Temperature for Apple Turnovers

Apple turnovers bake to golden perfection in a relatively short time, making them a quick treat to whip up. Here’s what you need to know about timing and baking temperature to ensure a crisp, flaky pastry with a tender apple filling.

• Baking Temperature: Set the oven to 400˚F (200˚C) for optimal puff pastry rise and a golden brown finish.
• Baking Time: These turnovers will bake for approximately 18-20 minutes, depending on your oven. Look for a lightly puffed, golden crust and slight caramelization at the edges.

To ensure consistent baking, keep an eye on the turnovers during the last few minutes of baking. They’re done when the pastry has risen fully, and the tops are a deep, golden brown.

How to Store Apple Turnovers

These apple turnovers are delicious fresh from the oven, but you can also store them for later if needed. Here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty:

• Refrigerator: Allow the turnovers to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350˚F for a few minutes to restore the crispiness of the pastry.
• Freezer: Freeze turnovers for longer storage by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat in a 350˚F oven until warmed through.

Baking Tips for the Perfect Apple Turnover

• Cooling the Filling: Allow the apple filling to cool to room temperature before adding it to the pastry. Warm filling can cause the pastry to soften and lose its shape.
• Sealing the Edges: Ensure you press the edges of the turnover firmly with a fork after folding and brushing with egg wash. This step prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
• Ventilation: Cut small slits on top of each turnover to release steam as they bake. This helps the pastry stay flaky and prevents the turnovers from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Apple turnovers can be enjoyed as a warm breakfast treat or an afternoon snack with coffee or tea. For an extra special dessert, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The glaze adds a perfect final touch, but you can also dust them with powdered sugar for a lighter finish.

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