Apple Turnovers

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that feels like a warm hug, these Apple Turnovers are just what you need! They’re the perfect blend of flaky pastry and sweet, spiced apples. Whether you’re whipping them up for a cozy weekend treat or serving them at a family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress everyone. Plus, they come together in under an hour—perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something comforting and delicious.

What makes these turnovers truly special is their versatility. You can enjoy them as breakfast on chilly mornings or as a sweet finish to any dinner. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for apple-filled goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can have these apple turnovers ready in under an hour with minimal fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the sweet, cinnamon-spiced filling wrapped in flaky pastry—kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the filling in advance, and assemble the turnovers when you’re ready to bake.
• Versatile Dessert: Enjoy them warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or as a simple sweet treat with a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of apples and spices delivers that cozy fall vibe anytime of year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these delicious apple turnovers, you only need simple and wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create this delightful dessert!

For the Apple Filling

• 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 Tablespoon salted butter
• 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 Tablespoon cornstarch

For the Turnover Assembly

• 1 (17.25-ounce) package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets)
• 1 large egg
• 1 Tablespoon water

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 Tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Topping

• 2 Tablespoons caramel sauce (I used Ghirardelli caramel sauce)

Variations

This recipe is flexible and allows for some fun variations! Feel free to get creative with the fillings or glazes.

• Change the Fruit: Swap out Granny Smith apples for pears or even berries for a different flavor profile.
• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and texture.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like ginger or cardamom to give your turnovers a unique twist.
• Try Different Sauces: Instead of caramel, drizzle with chocolate sauce or even a citrus glaze for a fresh zing.

How to Make Apple Turnovers

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by prepping your apples. Peel, core, and dice them into bite-sized pieces. This is crucial because it helps ensure even cooking and makes each bite perfectly sweet. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the diced apples along with lemon juice. This not only prevents browning but also adds a nice tangy flavor to balance the sweetness.

Step 2: Sweeten It Up

Once your apples are tender (around 5-7 minutes), stir in both sugars, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cornstarch. The cornstarch will help thicken your filling as it cooks down. Cook until everything is combined and bubbly—this will enhance those lovely flavors!

Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

While your filling cools slightly, roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into squares (about 4×4 inches). Make sure they are even so they cook uniformly! This flaky base is what makes your apple turnovers truly irresistible.

Step 4: Assemble Your Turnovers

Place a spoonful of apple filling onto one half of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill; we want these beauties to seal properly! Fold the pastry over to create a triangle shape, then press down on the edges with a fork to seal them tightly.

Step 5: Egg Wash & Bake

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush this mixture over each turnover before placing them on a lined baking sheet. This will give them that beautiful golden-brown color as they bake! Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes until they puff up nicely and turn golden.

Step 6: Glaze & Serve

Once out of the oven, let your turnovers cool slightly while you whip up the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over warm turnovers for an extra touch of sweetness! If you’re feeling adventurous, add some caramel sauce on top too!

And there you have it! A batch of delightful apple turnovers that will fill your kitchen with that irresistible aroma of baked goodness. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Turnovers

Making apple turnovers can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few handy tips up your sleeve!

• Choose the right apples: Granny Smith apples are perfect for this recipe because they balance sweetness and tartness, making the filling flavorful without being overly sugary.

• Keep puff pastry cold: Working with chilled puff pastry ensures that it stays flaky when baked. If it starts to warm up, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes before rolling it out.

• Don’t overfill your turnovers: It’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, but overfilling can cause them to burst during baking. Aim for about 1-2 tablespoons of filling per turnover for best results.

• Seal them well: Make sure to crimp the edges of the turnovers tightly with a fork or your fingers. This helps keep the delicious filling inside and prevents any leakage while baking.

• Brush with egg wash: A simple wash of egg and water gives your turnovers a beautiful golden color and a glossy finish. It also adds an extra layer of richness to each bite.

How to Serve Apple Turnovers

Apple turnovers are not only delicious but also make a visually appealing dessert that can be served in various ways!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness and elegance, making each turnover look like a gourmet treat.
• Caramel drizzle: Drizzling caramel sauce on top elevates the desserts, adding a rich flavor that complements the apple filling beautifully.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream brings a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the warm apple filling.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts into the warm turnovers, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with berries and citrus cuts through the richness of the turnovers, making for a balanced meal experience.
• Coffee or tea: Serving these pastries alongside a hot beverage enhances their cozy feel; consider herbal tea or a rich coffee blend for an enjoyable afternoon treat.
• Yogurt parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and fresh fruits provides a wholesome side dish that balances out the sweetness of the apple turnovers while still being indulgent.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your apple turnovers will shine at any gathering or cozy family dinner! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These apple turnovers are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful treat any day of the week without much hassle! You can easily store or freeze them, making them a fantastic option for busy schedules.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the turnovers to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap each cooled turnover tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped turnovers in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• For refrigerated turnovers, bake for about 10 minutes at the same temperature.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making apple turnovers!

Can I make apple turnovers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the turnovers ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

What is the best way to serve apple turnovers?

Apple turnovers can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Drizzling with caramel sauce adds an extra touch of sweetness!

How do I know when my apple turnovers are done?

Your apple turnovers are done when they are golden brown and flaky. A nice puffed-up appearance is a good indicator that they’re ready!

Can I use other fruits for these turnovers?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears or berries. Just adjust the sugar according to their sweetness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delicious apple turnovers! They embody comfort with a hint of nostalgia, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on your own. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe out; it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Happy baking!