Who doesn’t love a warm, flaky apple turnover? These homemade apple turnovers taste like they came straight from a bakery. They are crispy on the outside with a soft, sweet, and slightly tart apple filling on the inside. I always use Red Prince Apples for this recipe they’re my go-to winter apple. They’re just the right mix of tart and sweet with a perfect crunch. Plus, they hold their shape beautifully when baked.
Method
Preparing the Apple Filling
First, preheat your oven to 400°F to get it ready while you make the filling. In a medium-sized skillet, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla. Place the skillet over medium heat and allow the ingredients to cook together. The apples will start to soften and release their juices as they mingle with the butter and sugar. Stir occasionally to ensure the mixture doesn’t stick to the pan. After about 5 minutes, you should notice the apples becoming tender and the sauce thickening slightly.
Next, in a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until it forms a smooth slurry. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the apples, stirring continuously. The sauce will thicken almost instantly, creating a glossy, caramel-like coating over the apple pieces. Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the filling to a bowl to cool.
Preparing the Pastry
While the filling cools, prepare your puff pastry sheets. If you’re using whole sheets, lightly dust your work surface with flour and gently roll out each sheet to smooth out any creases. Cut each sheet into six equal squares. If you’re using pre-cut 4” pastry sheets, simply lay them out on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Assembling the Turnovers
Take a spoonful of the cooled apple filling and place it in the center of each pastry square. Be mindful not to overfill, as this can cause the turnovers to burst open while baking. Fold one corner of the pastry over the apple mixture, aligning it with the opposite corner to form a neat triangle. Use a fork to crimp the edges together, ensuring the filling stays secure. To allow steam to escape during baking, cut a small slit on the top of each turnover.
Egg Wash and Baking
In a small bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of water to make the egg wash. Use a pastry brush to gently coat the tops of the turnovers with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color as they bake. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the turnovers for 18-20 minutes or until they puff up and turn golden brown.
Adding the Glaze
While the turnovers are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar and heavy cream in a bowl until smooth. Once the turnovers are warm but not hot, drizzle the glaze over each one for a touch of sweetness and a lovely finish.
Necessary Tools
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Small bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Fork
- Pastry brush
- Knife
- Spoon
Apple Turnovers Recipe
Cuisine: FrenchDifficulty: Easy16
servings15
minutes20
minutes35
minutesIngredients
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed OR 2 packages pre-cut 4” puff pastry sheets
For the filling:
3 apples, peeled & diced
½ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp water
For the egg wash
1 egg + 1 tbsp water
For the glaze:
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp heavy cream
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a skillet, add apples, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until the apples soften.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water. Pour it over the apples and stir until the sauce thickens. Set the filling aside to cool.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets slightly on a floured surface. Cut each into 6 equal squares and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Scoop a spoonful of the apple filling onto each square. Fold one corner of the pastry over the apples and seal it with the opposite corner to form a triangle. Crimp the edges with a fork and cut a small slit on top.
- In another bowl, beat the egg with water and brush the egg wash over each turnover.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before drizzling with the glaze made by mixing powdered sugar and heavy cream.
Notes
- Don’t overfill the turnovers; it might cause the filling to ooze out while baking.
- Make sure the apple filling is cooled before placing it on the pastry to avoid making the pastry soggy.
- Sealing the edges properly helps keep the filling inside during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these apple turnovers warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also make a delightful breakfast treat alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea.
Fun Fact
Did you know that apple turnovers are sometimes called “hand pies” because they are easy to eat on the go? The pastry crust makes them portable, just like a little pie in your hand.
Conclusion
These apple turnovers are the perfect blend of flaky pastry and flavorful apple filling. They’re not only easy to make but also taste amazing. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or saving them for later, these treats are sure to impress your family and friends. Happy baking.
