Easy Apple Turnovers: Flaky & Delicious Recipe

These Easy Apple Turnovers are everything you want in a dessert (or breakfast!)—flaky, buttery pastry packed with tender, spiced apple filling and finished off with a golden, crisp crust that practically begs to be devoured warm. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat on a chilly evening or need a last-minute dessert for guests, this recipe comes together fast and delivers big on flavor. The best part? You’ll only need a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: Perfect for busy schedules—no fancy tools or techniques required, just good old-fashioned deliciousness in a few easy steps.
• Incredible Texture: The pastry is golden and flaky, while the apples inside stay juicy and flavorful with just the right amount of cinnamon.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These turnovers disappear fast. Great for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a sweet snack.
• Customizable: You can make them your own by switching up the fruit or adding your favorite extras.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather up these simple ingredients and get ready to bake:

• Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry is your best friend here—so convenient and reliably flaky when baked.
• Apples: Choose a firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and tart-sweet flavor.
• Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar helps sweeten the filling and balance the tartness of the apples.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of caramel-like depth and warmth to the apple mixture.
• Cinnamon: For that classic warm spice flavor that pairs perfectly with apples.
• Nutmeg (optional): Just a pinch for extra coziness in every bite.
• Lemon Juice: Helps keep the apples bright and prevents browning—don’t skip this!
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it doesn’t leak out of the pastry.
• Egg (for egg wash): Brushed on top to give your turnovers that beautiful, golden finish.
• Powdered Sugar and Milk (optional glaze): A simple drizzle takes these from tasty to bakery-worthy.

Variations

Switch things up and make these turnovers your own:

• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts bring a lovely crunch.
• Raisin Love: Toss in a handful of golden raisins with the apples.
• Different Fruits: Try pears, peaches, or berries as filling alternatives.
• Spice it Up: Add ginger, cardamom, or allspice for a unique twist.
• Savory Option: Skip the sugar and use sautéed onions, cheese, or ham for a savory take!

How to Make Easy Apple Turnovers

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and dice your apples into small cubes. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the apples with both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and a bit of cornstarch. Stir until everything thickens and the apples are slightly tender—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Let it cool.

Step 2: Prep the Pastry

Roll out the puff pastry slightly and cut into squares—usually 4 per sheet. Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each square.

Step 3: Seal and Crimp

Fold each square diagonally into a triangle, then press the edges with a fork to seal tightly. Be sure they’re closed well to avoid leaks.

Step 4: Brush and Bake

Brush the tops with beaten egg to give them a golden color as they bake. Transfer the turnovers to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 18-20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them—you want a deep golden crust.

Step 6: Add Glaze (Optional)

Once slightly cooled, drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar mixed with a touch of milk over the tops. Totally optional—but highly recommended!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cool the Filling: Don’t add hot filling to the pastry—it’ll make the dough soggy and hard to seal.
• Don’t Overfill: A heaping tablespoon of filling is plenty. Too much and it’ll ooze out during baking.
• Use Cold Pastry: Work quickly or chill the cut pastry if it warms up; cold puff pastry puffs best.
• Vent the Tops: A small slit on top of each turnover lets steam escape and helps prevent bursting.

How to Serve

These turnovers are best served warm, straight from the oven—or reheated briefly in the toaster oven for that just-baked crisp. Pair with:

For Breakfast:

A hot mug of coffee or chai latte and a side of yogurt for balance.

As Dessert:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes these over the top.

Snack Time Treat:

Perfect with a glass of milk or even cold cider.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to bring back that flakiness.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked turnovers! Assemble and freeze them on a tray, then store in a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the time.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but it won’t keep the pastry crisp.

FAQs

Can I make these turnovers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop them into the oven when you’re ready.

What type of apple is best for turnovers?
Go with firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn. They hold up well during baking and balance out the sweetness of the pastry and glaze.

Do I have to use puff pastry?
Puff pastry is definitely the easiest and flakiest option, but pie dough or even crescent roll dough can be used in a pinch—just adjust baking time accordingly.

How do I keep my turnovers from leaking?
Seal them tightly with a fork and avoid overfilling. A chilled pastry dough also helps minimize leakage during baking.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Apple Turnovers are pure comfort wrapped in golden, flaky pastry. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this is a foolproof recipe that always satisfies. So don’t wait—grab those apples and some puff pastry, and treat yourself to a warm, cinnamon-spiced delight today!

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