Flaky Homemade Apple Turnovers Recipe for Sweet Moments

Flaky, golden pastries filled with warm cinnamon apple turnovers recipe burst with homemade comfort at first bite.

Sweet aromas will dance through your kitchen as buttery layers crisp to perfection.

These delightful treats require simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Crisp apples nestled in delicate pastry create a dessert that feels both rustic and elegant.

Each turnover promises a delectable blend of tender fruit and rich, buttery crust.

Fresh from the oven, these pastries offer a delicious escape into pure culinary bliss.

You’ll want to savor every single crumbly, sweet bite of this classic dessert.

Apple Turnover Charm—A Golden Flaky Classic

• These apple turnovers transform simple ingredients into restaurant-quality desserts that look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make at home.
• Perfect for weekend brunches, family gatherings, or spontaneous sweet cravings with minimal preparation and maximum deliciousness.
• Swap apples for other fruits, adjust spices, or experiment with different extracts to make the recipe uniquely yours while maintaining the classic turnover structure.
• No advanced baking techniques needed – even beginner cooks can create professional-looking pastries with straightforward steps and basic ingredients.

Everything That Makes Apple Turnovers a Hit

• Puff Pastry: A delicate, flaky dough that creates a light and crispy exterior for the turnovers.

• Apples: Chopped fresh apples that provide a sweet and tender base for the turnover filling.
• Butter: Helps soften the apples and adds rich flavor to the filling.
• Brown Sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the apple mixture.
• Lemon Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy note that enhances the apple flavor.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that create a classic apple pie-like taste.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors in the filling.

• Egg: Used to create a golden, shiny egg wash that helps seal and beautify the pastry.
• Powdered Sugar: The base for a smooth, sweet icing.
• Almond Extract: Provides a subtle, nutty flavor to the icing.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth, pourable icing consistency.

Tools for Flaky Turnover Success Every Time

• Large pot: Essential for cooking and softening apples with spices.
• Mixing bowl: Needed to cool and hold apple filling.
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife: Perfect for cutting pastry dough into precise squares.
• Baking sheets: Used to arrange and bake turnovers.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and helps easy cleanup.
• Pastry brush: Required for applying egg wash to seal and glaze turnovers.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps turnovers cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Small bowl: Useful for mixing icing ingredients.
• Fork: Helps crimp and seal pastry edges.
• Measuring spoons: Needed for accurate spice measurements.

Apple Turnovers Made Easy Step by Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Make sure the sheets are ready for some delicious pastry action.

Step 2: Defrost the Pastry

Let the puff pastry chill out and thaw while you get the apple filling ready to rock.

Step 3: Sauté the Apples

Melt butter in a pot over medium heat until it’s bubbling with excitement.

Toss in the chopped apples and let them dance around for about five minutes until they start to soften.

Step 4: Spice Things Up

• Brown sugar
• Lemon zest
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Cook for two more minutes, making sure the apples get totally coated in these flavor bombs.

Step 5: Chill the Apple Mixture

Pour the cooked apples into a bowl and let them cool down while you prep the pastry.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Spread out the parchment paper and unfold the dough.

Gently roll out any stubborn creases to create a smooth 12 x 12 square.

Step 7: Slice the Dough

Grab a pizza cutter or sharp knife and slice the dough into four equal squares.

Precision is key!

Step 8: Fill the Pastry

Place the squares on the baking sheet and spoon a generous dollop of cooled apple mixture right in the center of each square.

Step 9: Seal the Deal

Brush the edges with egg wash and fold each square corner to corner.

Crimp the edges with a fork to lock in all that delicious filling.

Step 10: Vent the Pastry

Cut three tiny slits on top of each turnover to let steam escape during baking.

Step 11: Egg Wash Magic

Brush the entire surface of the turnovers with egg wash, making sure they’re looking golden and gorgeous.

Step 12: Chill Out

Pop the turnovers in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up.

Step 13: Bake to Perfection

Slide the turnovers into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they’re puffed up and beautifully golden brown.

Step 14: Cool Down

Transfer the turnovers to a wire rack and let them cool completely.

Step 15: Whip Up the Icing

• Powdered sugar
• Almond extract
• Heavy cream

Stir until smooth and perfectly pourable.

Step 16: Drizzle and Serve

Drizzle the icing over the cooled turnovers.

Let it set for 10 minutes, then dive in and enjoy!

Turnover Triumph: Secrets to Golden Layers

• Select firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture in your turnovers.
• Let apple filling cool completely before adding to pastry to avoid excess moisture and ensure crispy, flaky results.
• Brush egg wash carefully on edges and surface for a golden, shiny finish that helps seal the pastry and create beautiful color.
• Chilling turnovers before baking helps maintain their shape and creates those delightful flaky layers in the puff pastry.
• Enjoy turnovers within a few hours of baking for the most delicious, crisp texture and optimal taste experience.

Apple Turnover Twists For a Sweet Surprise

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or use almond flour-based dough for a wheat-free alternative that maintains the classic turnover texture.
• Vegan Variation: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based egg wash substitute like aquafaba, and replace heavy cream with almond milk in the icing for a dairy-free option.
• Tropical Fruit Swap: Substitute apples with diced mangoes or pineapples, adding a touch of ginger and cardamom to complement the tropical flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar, reduce overall sugar content, and incorporate fresh berries for natural sweetness without compromising taste.

Elegant Ways To Present Apple Turnovers

• Breakfast Bliss: Pair these warm apple turnovers with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat.
• Dessert Delight: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream to elevate the sweetness and create a decadent dessert experience.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Present the turnovers on a beautiful platter with fresh mint leaves and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant afternoon snack.
• Picnic Perfect: Pack these portable pastries in a picnic basket for a delicious outdoor treat that travels well and impresses friends and family.

Preserving That Fresh-Baked Turnover Goodness

• Store cooled apple turnovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each turnover individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
• Place completely cooled turnovers in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Ensure turnovers are tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm turnovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy and lose its flaky texture.

FAQs

• What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal because they hold their shape well and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness during cooking.

• Can I make these turnovers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the turnovers and freeze them unbaked. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.

• How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?

Ensure the apple filling is completely cooled before adding it to the pastry and avoid overfilling the squares. This helps maintain the pastry’s flaky texture.

• Is there a substitute for almond extract in the icing?

Vanilla extract works perfectly as an alternative. Use the same amount and it will still provide a delicious flavor to the icing.

Apple Turnovers Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delectable apple turnovers from France blend buttery pastry with sweet cinnamon-spiced fruit. Flaky layers and caramelized apple filling create a perfect dessert for home bakers who want European comfort on their plate.

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Ingredients

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Fruit Filling:

• 3 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Pastry and Base Ingredients:

• 1 17.3-ounce (490 grams) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Egg Wash and Icing:

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Allow puff pastry to thaw at room temperature.
3. Melt butter in a pot over medium heat, then add chopped apples and cook for 5 minutes until softening.
4. Incorporate brown sugar, lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir and cook for 2 additional minutes.
5. Transfer apple mixture to a bowl and let cool completely.
6. Unfold pastry sheets on a parchment-lined surface and gently roll out to create a smooth 12×12 square.
7. Slice the dough into four equal squares using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
8. Position squares on prepared baking sheets and place cooled apple mixture in the center of each square.
9. Brush dough edges with egg wash, then fold diagonal corners to create triangular turnovers.
10. Crimp edges with a fork to seal completely.
11. Create three shallow venting slits across the top of each turnover.
12. Generously coat the entire surface with remaining egg wash.
13. Chill turnovers in the freezer for 15 minutes before baking.
14. Bake for 12-15 minutes until pastry is puffy and golden brown.
15. Cool turnovers on a wire rack.
16. Whisk powdered sugar, almond extract, and heavy cream into a smooth, pourable icing.
17. Drizzle icing over cooled turnovers and allow to set for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Ensure puff pastry is completely thawed to prevent cracking and uneven baking.
• Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for better texture and balanced sweetness.
• Drain excess liquid from cooked apples to prevent soggy pastry bottoms.
• Chill turnovers before baking to help maintain their crisp, flaky shape.
• Gluten-free option: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or phyllo dough.
• Vegan adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil and use plant-based egg wash substitute.
• Make ahead: Prepare and freeze uncooked turnovers for up to 2 weeks for quick desserts.
• Elevate flavor by adding a pinch of cardamom or replacing almond extract with vanilla.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg