There is nothing quite like biting into a warm, golden-brown apple turnover that boasts tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling wrapped in layers of buttery, flaky puff pastry. This Delicious Apple Turnovers with Flaky Puff Pastry Recipe combines the simplicity of humble ingredients with the magic of puff pastry to deliver a dessert that is as impressive as it is comforting. Whether you’re serving these turnovers for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, every bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and crisp that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients is what makes this Delicious Apple Turnovers with Flaky Puff Pastry Recipe so approachable. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from buttery puff pastry for that crisp, flaky texture to the sweet, soft apple filling that delivers irresistible flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Using 3 tablespoons cut into 9 slices allows the butter to melt evenly into the apples, enriching the filling with a silky texture.
- Apples: 2 cups of cored and diced apples form the heart of the filling; choose a tart variety like Granny Smith for brightness or a sweeter one for balance.
- Brown sugar: ¼ cup packed adds deep caramel notes and natural moisture, perfectly complementing the apples.
- Puff pastry sheet: One frozen sheet, thawed and cut into 8 squares, delivers those signature flaky layers that make these turnovers a delight.
- Egg wash: One large egg beaten with a teaspoon of water gives the turnovers their glossy golden finish and helps them seal tight.
- Coarse sugar: ¼ cup sprinkled on top adds a delightful crunch and sparkle on the baked turnovers.
How to Make Delicious Apple Turnovers with Flaky Puff Pastry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Begin by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples and brown sugar, stirring to coat the fruit. Cook gently until the apples soften and the sugar dissolves into a luscious syrup—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is essential to achieve that perfectly tender, flavorful filling that bursts with every bite.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Puff Pastry
While the filling cools slightly, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out your thawed puff pastry if needed, then cut it into 8 equal squares. This ensures uniform turnovers with the perfect puff and crunch.
Step 3: Fill and Fold the Turnovers
Place a generous spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each square. Brush the edges with egg wash to help seal them, then fold each square into a triangle by bringing one corner over to the opposite, pressing edges firmly with a fork to lock in the filling.
Step 4: Apply the Egg Wash and Sugar Topping
Brush the tops of the turnovers with the remaining egg wash. This step is the secret to that beautiful sheen and golden color. Sprinkle the coarse sugar evenly over each pastry to add a sparkling finish and delicious crunch.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Flaky
Place the turnovers on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. The smell that fills your kitchen during this time is simply irresistible and promises a rewarding taste experience.
How to Serve Delicious Apple Turnovers with Flaky Puff Pastry Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, consider dusting your turnovers with powdered sugar or drizzling a bit of caramel sauce over the top. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the experience, creating a delightful balance of warm and cold sensations.
Side Dishes
Apple turnovers make a wonderful companion to a cup of hot coffee or a fresh herbal tea. If you’re serving them as part of a brunch spread, pair with a mild cheese platter to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these turnovers on a rustic wooden board with a scattering of fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a charming display. Alternatively, placing them in individual parchment paper bags or boxes makes for a thoughtful, homemade gift or party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your leftovers tasting fresh, store the apple turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They maintain their flaky texture best this way without becoming soggy.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Delicious Apple Turnovers with Flaky Puff Pastry Recipe on a later date, freeze the unbaked turnovers on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, simply bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover turnovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispy, flaky texture. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice tang, you can mix sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a well-rounded flavor. Just make sure to dice them small so they cook evenly.
Is puff pastry difficult to work with?
Not at all! Puff pastry is incredibly forgiving and easy to handle, especially if it’s kept cold. Thaw it according to package directions and work quickly to maintain its chill for perfect puffiness in your turnovers.
Can I make these turnovers vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a flaxseed or aquafaba egg wash as an alternative to the standard egg wash. The puff pastry you choose should also be vegan-friendly.
Do these turnovers need to be refrigerated?
Once baked, it’s best to store turnovers at room temperature if you’ll eat them within 2 days. For longer storage, refrigeration is recommended, but be mindful that refrigeration can soften the pastry crust.
How do I prevent the turnovers from leaking during baking?
Sealing the edges well with egg wash and pressing firmly with a fork helps prevent leaks. Also, avoid overfilling the turnovers to keep the filling neatly inside as they bake.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably joyful about making and sharing these Delicious Apple Turnovers with Flaky Puff Pastry Recipe. The mix of buttery layers and warmly spiced apples is a crowd-pleaser that brightens any table. So grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special and unforgettable.
Print
Delicious Apple Turnovers with Flaky Puff Pastry Recipe
Delight in these flaky and buttery Apple Turnovers made with crisp puff pastry filled with a sweet cinnamon-spiced apple mixture. Perfectly golden and topped with coarse sugar for a delightful crunch, these turnovers are an easy, impressive dessert or snack.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 turnovers
Ingredients
Filling
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 9 equal slices
- 2 cups apples, cored and cut into small pieces
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
Dough and Topping
- 1 sheet puff pastry, frozen, thawed and cut into 8 equal squares
- 1 large egg + 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash, beaten)
- ¼ cup coarse sugar, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped apples and brown sugar and cook until the apples are tender and the sugar has caramelized slightly, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into 8 equal squares. Place the squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Fill the turnovers: Spoon the cooled apple filling onto the center of each puff pastry square, leaving some space around the edges. Avoid overfilling to prevent leakage during baking.
- Seal the turnovers: Fold each square diagonally over the filling to form triangles. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal them completely, preventing the filling from escaping while baking.
- Apply egg wash and sugar topping: Brush each turnover generously with the beaten egg wash to ensure a golden brown crust. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the turnovers on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the turnovers cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to allow the filling to set and prevent burning your mouth.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for better texture and flavor contrast.
- Make sure the filling is not too hot when filling the pastry to prevent it from melting the dough.
- You can add cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple mixture for extra warmth and spice.
- Store leftover turnovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in a toaster oven to maintain crispness.
- For a vegan option, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free egg wash alternative like almond milk mixed with maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
