Homemade Apple Turnovers

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that brings a cozy feeling to any occasion, let me introduce you to my favorite Homemade Apple Turnovers. These sweet treats are the perfect blend of flaky pastry and gooey cinnamon apples, drizzled with caramel sauce. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these turnovers are sure to impress everyone around the table.

What makes this recipe extra special is how easy it is to whip up. You can use store-bought puff pastry if you’re short on time, or make your own for that homemade touch. These turnovers not only taste fantastic but also fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have delicious turnovers ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love getting involved in the kitchen, and these turnovers are fun to assemble!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the filling in advance and assemble the turnovers whenever you’re ready to bake.
• Endless Flavor Options: Customize the filling with your favorite fruits or spices for a personal twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delightful Homemade Apple Turnovers. You probably already have most of them in your pantry!

For the Pastry

• 1 lb. homemade rough puff pastry or store-bought frozen & thawed puff pastry (2 sheets)

For the Filling

• 2 cups (240g) peeled & diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated or brown sugar (use either)

For the Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 1 Tablespoon (15ml) milk (any kind)

Optional Topping

• 1/2 cup (145g) salted caramel, for drizzling

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with different flavors to make it your own.

• Swap the Apples: Use pears or peaches instead of apples for a fresh twist.
• Add Nuts: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the apple filling for added crunch.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with cinnamon for extra warmth.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, drizzle melted chocolate over the baked turnovers instead of caramel.

How to Make Homemade Apple Turnovers

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

Start by preparing your homemade rough puff pastry through its second refrigeration. If you’re using store-bought frozen puff pastry, make sure it’s completely thawed. Keeping either dough chilled until you’re ready helps achieve those perfectly flaky layers in your turnovers.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes until everything starts bubbling together. Reducing heat and letting it simmer for another 5 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Once done cooking, take it off the heat and let it cool for about 20 minutes—this step is crucial; we don’t want soggy turnover dough!

Step 3: Shape Your Turnovers

Prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats. If you’re working with homemade dough (makes 9), roll out your chilled dough into a 12-inch square on a floured surface and cut into nine 4-inch squares. For store-bought dough (makes 8), simply unroll and cut each sheet into four squares. Place these squares on your baking sheets while you prepare to fill them.

Step 4: Fill and Seal

Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of your cooled apple filling onto the center of each square. Now fold one corner over to form a triangle shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal them tightly—this keeps all that delicious filling inside! Don’t worry if some juices leak out during baking; that’s part of their charm! Chill these shaped beauties in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes while you preheat your oven.

Step 5: Preheat and Brush

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). While it heats up, whisk together the egg and milk for an egg wash. Once your turnovers have chilled enough, brush each one with this mixture, which will give them that gorgeous golden color when baked. Remember to cut small steam vents on top so they don’t explode from all that deliciousness inside!

Step 6: Bake and Enjoy!

Bake those lovely turnovers for about 23–25 minutes until they turn golden brown. Rotate pans halfway through baking time to ensure even browning—after all, we want every piece perfect! Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on baking sheets for around five minutes before drizzling with caramel sauce if desired.

Now sit back and enjoy your Homemade Apple Turnovers! They are best served warm and will surely bring smiles all around as each bite reveals gooey apple goodness wrapped in flaky pastry. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Apple Turnovers

Creating these delightful homemade apple turnovers is a breeze, especially with a few helpful tips!

• Use cold ingredients: Keeping your pastry and fillings cold helps create that flaky texture we all love. Warm ingredients can lead to a tough pastry that doesn’t puff up as beautifully.
• Don’t overfill: While it’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, overfilling can cause the turnovers to burst during baking. Stick to 2–3 tablespoons for perfect results.
• Chill before baking: Chilling the shaped turnovers for at least 15 minutes helps them hold their shape and results in a flakier pastry. This step also allows the butter in the dough to firm up again, leading to better puffing.
• Rotate your pans: To ensure even baking, rotate your pans halfway through the baking time. This helps achieve that gorgeous golden brown color on all sides of your turnovers.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to customize the flavor of your apple filling by adding other spices such as nutmeg or ginger. This gives your turnovers a unique twist!

How to Serve Homemade Apple Turnovers

Serving homemade apple turnovers is not just about enjoyment; it’s about presentation too! Here are some ideas to make them shine on your table.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet touch and makes your turnovers look extra special.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream for a creamy contrast that complements the warm apples.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing of warm apple turnovers with cold vanilla ice cream creates a delightful temperature contrast that enhances the overall experience.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the richness of the turnovers while providing a burst of freshness.
• Caramel dip: If you love caramel, serve alongside a small dish of caramel dip for those who want an extra indulgent experience.
• Cinnamon tea: A warm cup of cinnamon tea complements the flavors of the turnovers perfectly, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Enjoy these homemade apple turnovers with your favorite sides and garnishes for an unforgettable dessert experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Homemade Apple Turnovers are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dessert whenever the craving strikes!

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them in the same airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• To freeze unbaked turnovers, prepare them up to step 5, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• When ready to bake, do not thaw; simply brush with egg wash and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• To reheat baked turnovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the turnovers on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds but note that this may result in a less flaky texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Homemade Apple Turnovers:

Can I use different types of apples for Homemade Apple Turnovers?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can also use sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just make sure they’re firm enough to hold their shape while baking.

How can I ensure my Homemade Apple Turnovers are extra flaky?

To achieve an extra flaky texture, keep your puff pastry cold during handling and refrigerate the shaped turnovers before baking. This helps the butter layers stay intact and creates that delightful flakiness when baked.

Can I make Homemade Apple Turnovers without eggs?

Yes! You can replace the egg wash with a mixture of non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and a little maple syrup or agave nectar for added shine.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your kitchen! There’s something so heartwarming about biting into a warm turnover filled with gooey cinnamon apples. Enjoy making these delightful treats, whether it’s for a special occasion or just because. Happy baking!