If you’re craving a sweet, flaky treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, I’ve got just the thing for you—my fan-freaking-tastic Apple Turnovers Recipe. These little pockets of buttery puff pastry filled with warm cinnamon-spiced apples will make your kitchen smell heavenly and your taste buds dance. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it over and over again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples, so you don’t have to search high and low.
- Quick to Prep: You’ll have these turnovers ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The cinnamon-spiced apples paired with flaky puff pastry are absolute crowd-pleasers.
- Versatile and Fun: Great for breakfast, dessert, or even a party platter that everyone raves about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apple Turnovers Recipe lies in the harmony between tart, juicy apples and that melt-in-your-mouth puff pastry. Using thawed frozen puff pastry makes this so easy, and the cinnamon-sugar mixture just kicks everything up a notch. When you shop, look for crisp apples that hold their shape well.
- Sugar: Helps sweeten the apples and adds a nice touch to the buttery glaze.
- All-purpose flour: Just a little to thicken the apple filling without making it heavy.
- Ground cinnamon: The secret spice that gives the filling its warm, cozy flavor.
- Chopped peeled apples: Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith or a mix for a balanced taste.
- Frozen puff pastry: Buy good quality and thaw properly to ensure flaky, buttery layers.
- Butter (for topping): Melted to brush over the turnovers for a gorgeous golden finish.
- Extra sugar and cinnamon (for topping): Adds sparkle and an irresistible crunch on top.
- Vanilla ice cream (optional): The perfect creamy companion to warm turnovers.
Variations
I love how flexible this Apple Turnovers Recipe is. You can easily tweak the filling or toppings to suit your taste or make it fit your dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make this recipe your own.
- Spiced Up: I sometimes add nutmeg or ground cloves to the apple filling for extra warmth during fall.
- Nutty Twist: Chopped walnuts or pecans make a lovely crunchy contrast inside the turnovers.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the puff pastry for a gluten-free version—just be mindful of baking times.
- Fruit Mix: Mix in some diced pears or cranberries for seasonal variety that tastes amazing.
How to Make Apple Turnovers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss together sugar, flour, and cinnamon—this combo is what makes the filling thick and perfectly spiced. Then add the peeled, chopped apples and stir well to coat each piece. I like to use a mix of tart apples to keep the filling bright and not too sweet. Let this sit while you roll out the pastry—it helps the flavors marry.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll each thawed puff pastry sheet into a large 12-inch square. This gives you a nice, even base without tearing. Then cut each sheet into 4 equal squares. You should have eight squares total if using one package. Pro tip: Keep the pastry cold but pliable—it’s easier to handle and puffs up beautifully.
Step 3: Fill and Fold the Turnovers
Spoon about 1/2 cup of the apple mixture into the center of each square. Don’t overfill or you risk leaks during baking. Then fold each square diagonally to form a triangle and press the edges firmly to seal—use a fork or your fingers. This step might seem small, but sealing properly keeps all those delicious juices inside while baking.
Step 4: Add the Topping and Bake
Mix melted butter with sugar and cinnamon to brush the turnovers. This glaze is what gives them that gorgeous golden color and a touch of sweetness on the outside. Place the turnovers on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush generously, and bake for 12-16 minutes or until they’re puffed and golden brown. Watching them rise in the oven is always a joy!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Right out of the oven is the best time to enjoy these apple turnovers. I usually serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that creamy, dreamy finish. If you’re making these for breakfast, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top is fantastic too.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Turnovers Recipe
- Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: I always chill the dough until the last minute to prevent shrinking and easy handling.
- Don’t Overfill: Leaving space around the edges ensures your turnovers don’t burst open while baking.
- Use Fresh Apples: Fresh, crisp apples help the filling stay juicy without getting mushy.
- Brush Before Baking: The butter-sugar-cinnamon glaze is my favorite finishing touch for a golden, flavorful crust.
How to Serve Apple Turnovers Recipe
Garnishes
I usually dust the turnovers with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving—it looks pretty and adds a little sweetness without being overpowering. Sometimes, I drizzle a thin line of caramel or honey on top for a fancy touch that my family absolutely adores.
Side Dishes
For a breakfast treat, a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai pairs beautifully. If serving as dessert, try adding fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. I also like to plate these with a simple green salad lightly dressed with lemon to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve shaped the turnovers like little envelopes and tied them with edible ribbons from thinly sliced green apple peel for a stunning presentation. Another time, I used a lattice pattern by cutting slits in the top layer of pastry before folding. It’s a fun way to see the apple filling peek through and looks amazing on a dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover apple turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat them the same day—this keeps the puff pastry crisp. For anything more than a few hours, refrigeration is best to keep the filling fresh, but you might want to re-crisp the pastry before eating.
Freezing
I’ve had great luck freezing the assembled but unbaked turnovers. Just seal the edges well, freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This trick is a lifesaver for quick desserts or breakfast prep.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop leftover turnovers in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes—this crisps the pastry nicely without drying out the filling. Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a pinch since it tends to make puff pastry soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh puff pastry instead of frozen for this Apple Turnovers Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh puff pastry works great if you have it on hand. Just make sure it’s well chilled before rolling and cutting to get that perfect flaky texture.
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What type of apples are best for apple turnovers?
I recommend tart and firm apples like Granny Smith because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness, but mixing in sweeter apples like Fuji can add wonderful depth.
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Can I make these turnovers vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan puff pastry and swap butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute when brushing the tops. The turnovers will still bake up beautifully and taste amazing.
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How do I prevent the turnovers from leaking during baking?
Make sure you don’t overfill the turnovers and press the edges firmly to seal them tightly. Running a fork along the seams also creates a good seal and helps prevent leaks.
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Can I prepare the turnovers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the turnovers ahead and refrigerate for a few hours before baking, or freeze them unbaked and bake straight from the freezer when ready.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Apple Turnovers Recipe fills my kitchen with cozy, inviting aromas and how the flaky pastry wraps around that sweet-tart apple filling perfectly. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how simple it was to get bakery-quality results right at home. My family goes crazy for these, and honestly, they’re my go-to recipe whenever I want to impress without stress. So grab some apples and puff pastry, and give this recipe a whirl—you’ll be so glad you did!
PrintApple Turnovers Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these classic apple turnovers made with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfectly golden and crisp, these turnovers are easy to prepare and make a wonderful dessert or snack, especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 cups chopped peeled apples
Pastry
- 1 package (17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
Topping
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Vanilla ice cream, optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking flaky turnovers.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, mix the sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon together. Add the chopped peeled apples and toss thoroughly to coat all the pieces evenly with the spice-sugar mixture.
- Roll Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each thawed puff pastry sheet into a 12-inch square. Then cut each sheet into four equal squares, preparing the base for your turnovers.
- Fill and Fold: Spoon about 1/2 cup of the apple mixture onto the center of each pastry square. Fold each square diagonally to form triangles and press the edges firmly to seal the turnovers and prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sealed turnovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Apply Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Brush this mixture generously over the top of each turnover to add a golden, sugary crust.
- Bake: Bake the turnovers in the preheated oven for 12 to 16 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and puffed up nicely.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool briefly. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
Notes
- Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling for easier handling and better puff.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart filling.
- To seal edges securely, you can use a little water or egg wash on the pastry edges before folding.
- If you prefer a glossier finish, brush the turnovers with an egg wash instead of butter before baking.
- Turnovers are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven to restore their crisp texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 turnover
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg