There’s nothing quite like the anticipation that builds as the smell of cinnamon and baked apples wafts through the kitchen. I first made these Easy Apple Turnovers one crisp autumn afternoon, inspired by a craving for something sweet yet comforting. The blend of caramelized Granny Smith apples wrapped in a flaky puff pastry always brings back memories of family gatherings, with everyone fighting for that last piece!
These delightful pastries are more than just a treat; they’re a versatile dessert that can brighten up any meal or satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal fuss. Perfect for breakfast alongside a steaming cup of coffee or as a show-stopping dessert after dinner, they are impressively simple to whip together. What could be better than that golden, flaky crust hiding a gooey, cinnamon-scented apple filling? Let’s dive into this wonderfully easy recipe that will have you rejoicing for the next occasion to share with loved ones or perhaps just enjoying on a cozy night in!
Why Are Apple Turnovers the Perfect Treat?
Irresistible Aroma: From the moment they hit the oven, the sweet scent of cinnamon and apples fills your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for gatherings.
Quick Assembly: With puff pastry as your secret weapon, these turnovers are incredibly easy to whip up, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the moments that matter.
Versatile Delight: Serve them warm for breakfast, with ice cream for dessert, or even as a charming addition to your brunch spread—these turnovers adapt beautifully to any occasion.
Crowd-Pleasing Goodness: Their flaky, golden crust and gooey filling always seem to disappear in a flash, making them a sure hit for family and friends alike.
Endless Variations: Experiment with different fruits or spices to customize them to your taste, ensuring that each batch feels fresh and unique.
Apple Turnover Ingredients
For the Pastry
• Puff Pastry – Main structure; provides a flaky texture. Substitution: Store-bought frozen pastry sheets for convenience.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness to the filling; use margarine as a substitute if needed.
• Egg (for egg wash) – Creates a golden color on the pastry; substitute with milk for a vegan option.
For the Filling
• Granny Smith Apples – Main filling; provide tart flavor; substitution: Gala or Honeycrisp for a sweeter taste.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the apple filling; adjust quantity based on apple tartness for perfect apple turnovers.
• Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• Ground Allspice – Enhances filling depth; omit if unavailable.
• Ground Nutmeg – Optional spice for added complexity.
• Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness; use table salt if preferred.
• Rum/Bourbon (optional) – Adds depth to the filling; substitute with apple juice for a non-alcoholic option.
For the Glaze
• Powdered Sugar – For glaze; sweetens the finish.
• Milk – Thins the glaze to the desired consistency; non-dairy milk can be used as a substitute.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds flavor to the glaze.
How to Make Apple Turnovers
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced Granny Smith apples and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Spices: Stir in granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, and kosher salt. Continue cooking until the apples are softened and caramelized, about 5–7 minutes.
- Cool Filling: Remove the apple mixture from heat and set it aside to cool to room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prepare Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry into an 11-inch square on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into 4 equal squares, ensuring each one is perfectly even.
- Fill Pastry: Place a generous spoonful of cooled apple filling on one half of each pastry square, leaving a ½-inch border to seal the edges later. Brush the borders with egg wash for a nice golden finish.
- Seal Turnovers: Fold the pastry over the filling to create a pocket. Seal the edges with a fork, pressing down firmly to keep that delicious filling inside. Transfer the turnovers to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill Pastries: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), and while it’s heating, refrigerate the assembled turnovers for 20 minutes. This helps them puff up nicely when baked.
- Prep for Baking: Brush the tops of the turnovers with egg wash for a beautiful golden hue, and cut a few small vents in the tops to allow steam to escape while they bake.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–22 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up. The aroma will be incredible!
- Make the Glaze: While the turnovers cool slightly, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this sweet glaze over the warm turnovers for that perfect finishing touch.
Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Apple Turnovers
- Room Temperature: Allow the apple turnovers to cool completely before storing. They can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to revive crispiness.
- Freezer: Freeze apple turnovers for up to 2 months. For best results, wrap each turnover in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag without glaze.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat frozen turnovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring a golden and flaky crust again.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Apple Turnovers are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the apple filling up to 3 days in advance by cooking the apples and spices, then storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can assemble the turnovers but keep them unbaked for up to 24 hours; simply cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate. To maintain their flaky texture, be sure to chill them before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just preheat your oven and bake the chilled turnovers directly from the refrigerator until they’re golden brown and puffed. Enjoy delightful homemade treats with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Apple Turnovers
- Cool Filling First: Allow the apple filling to cool completely before placing it in the turnover to avoid any leakage during baking.
- Chill for Flakiness: Refrigerate the assembled turnovers for 20 minutes prior to baking, enhancing their puffiness and flaky texture.
- Egg Wash Magic: Don’t skip the egg wash—it gives your apple turnovers that beautiful golden hue on top! For a vegan option, use milk instead.
- Cut Vents: Remember to cut small vents on top of the pastries before baking so steam can escape, preventing sogginess.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the spices in the filling to your preference; a pinch of nutmeg or an extra dash of cinnamon can elevate your apple turnovers beautifully.
What to Serve with Apple Turnovers?
These delightful pastries can easily elevate any meal or moment, bringing warmth and sweetness to your table.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm turnovers, creating a delicious contrast of textures.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a rich, airy touch, making each bite feel indulgent and satisfying.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over the apple turnovers enhances the sweet and tart flavors, taking them to a whole new level.
- Coffee or Tea: Pairing these pastries with freshly brewed coffee or a calming herbal tea makes for the perfect breakfast or afternoon snack.
- Fruit Salad: The fresh, juicy elements of a fruit salad balance the richness of the turnovers, providing a refreshing contrast.
- Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses, such as Brie or sharp cheddar, pairs wonderfully, creating a delightful sweet and savory experience.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace the fall vibes by serving with a pumpkin spice latte, which harmonizes beautifully with the apple and cinnamon notes.
- Hot Chocolate: For a cozy dessert night, warm hot chocolate offers a sweet and comforting beverage choice that complements these treats perfectly.
Apple Turnover Variations
Feel free to take this recipe in delightful new directions that tickle your taste buds!
- Pear Filling: Swap out apples for poached or spiced pears for a fresh twist in flavor. This variation brings a lovely sweetness to each bite.
- Cinnamon Roll: Mix a bit of brown sugar and ground cinnamon into the apple filling for a cinnamon roll-inspired treat. The caramelization amplifies that cozy, warm flavor we all crave!
- Nutty Surprise: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for a delightful crunch. The nuts offer a wonderful texture that complements the softness of the apples.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the apple mixture for a surprising heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
- Berry Bliss: Combine apples with fresh or frozen mixed berries for a vibrant filling. The tanginess of the berries will elevate the overall flavor profile with a burst of freshness.
- Vegan Delight: Use coconut oil instead of butter and replace egg wash with almond milk for a vegan rendition. These adjustments keep the delicious essence intact while catering to plant-based eaters.
- Lemon Zest: Grate some lemon zest into the filling for a refreshing citrus note. This brightens up flavors and adds a delightful pop to every turnover.
- Chocoholic Treat: Layer some chocolate chips with the apple filling for an indulgent, dessert-worthy turnover. The melted chocolate combines harmoniously with the warm, gooey apples.
Apple Turnovers Recipe FAQs
What type of apples are best for apple turnovers?
I recommend using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the sugar. If you prefer a sweeter filling, Gala or Honeycrisp are excellent alternatives!
How should I store leftover apple turnovers?
After cooling completely, store your apple turnovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious that way! For a crisp texture when reheating, use the oven instead of the microwave.
Can I freeze apple turnovers?
Absolutely! You can freeze apple turnovers for up to 2 months. Before freezing, wrap each turnover individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag without the glaze. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
What should I do if my pastry isn’t puffing up during baking?
If your apple turnovers aren’t puffing up, it’s likely due to one of two reasons: the oven was not hot enough, or the assembled pastries weren’t chilled before baking. Preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) is crucial, and refrigerating the turnovers for about 20 minutes helps them puff nicely.
Can I make these apple turnovers vegan?
Yes, you can! For a vegan version, use plant-based butter instead of unsalted butter, and replace the egg wash with non-dairy milk. Your turnovers will still be delicious!
Is it safe for pets to consume apple turnovers?
It’s best to keep apple turnovers away from pets, especially due to the sugar and spices in the filling. While apples aren’t harmful in moderation, the rest of the ingredients can upset their stomachs. Always consult your vet for safe treats!
Delicious Homemade Apple Turnovers for Quick Sweet Cravings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced Granny Smith apples and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, and kosher salt. Continue cooking until the apples are softened and caramelized, about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove the apple mixture from heat and set it aside to cool to room temperature.
- Roll out the puff pastry into an 11-inch square on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into 4 equal squares.
- Place a generous spoonful of cooled apple filling on one half of each pastry square, leaving a ½-inch border to seal the edges later. Brush the borders with egg wash.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to create a pocket. Seal the edges with a fork and transfer the turnovers to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and refrigerate the assembled turnovers for 20 minutes.
- Brush the tops of the turnovers with egg wash and cut a few small vents in the tops.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
- While the turnovers cool slightly, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth for the glaze. Drizzle over warm turnovers.