These Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers are irresistibly flaky and buttery on the outside, with a warm and cinnamon-spiced apple filling inside. Perfectly sized for individual servings, they’re quicker and easier to make than a full apple pie, but just as delicious. Made with store-bought puff pastry and fresh apples, these turnovers are the ideal dessert or snack for any time of the year.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

• 600g (5 cups) apples, peeled and cut into small pieces (Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work best)

• ½ lemon, juiced

• 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar

• 50g (¼ cup) light brown sugar

• 70g (⅓ cup) unsalted butter

• 20g (1½ tablespoons) cornstarch

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Turnovers:

• 2 sheets puff pastry (store-bought)

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

• Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Directions

1. Prepare the Apple Filling:

   • Peel and chop the apples into equal-sized pieces. Toss with freshly squeezed lemon juice to prevent browning.

   • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples, both sugars, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the apples are slightly soft but not mushy. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.

2. Assemble the Turnovers:

   • Preheat your oven to 190°C (374°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

   • Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 4 equal squares (or more for mini turnovers).

   • Brush the edges of each square with egg wash (whisked egg and milk).

   • Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the apple filling into the center of each square, being careful not to touch the edges.

   • Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle and seal the edges by pressing down and crimping with a fork.

   • Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.

3. Bake the Turnovers:

   • Chill the turnovers in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking to ensure they hold their shape.

   • Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Let cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

4. Serve:

   • Serve these turnovers warm. They’re perfect on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Nutrients (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 162 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 26g

• Protein: 0.3g

• Fat: 7g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

• Cholesterol: 19mg

• Sodium: 4mg

• Potassium: 97mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 20g

• Vitamin A: 260 IU

• Vitamin C: 6mg

• Calcium: 13mg

• Iron: 0.2mg

Why Choose Puff Pastry for Turnovers?

Using store-bought puff pastry for apple turnovers offers a quick and easy solution without sacrificing the essential flaky texture that makes these pastries so irresistible. Puff pastry, which is made from layers of dough and butter, puffs up beautifully when baked, creating a light and airy texture that contrasts perfectly with the soft, cinnamon-infused apple filling inside. The golden, crispy crust is not only delicious but also adds a satisfying crunch with every bite. Choosing puff pastry eliminates the time-consuming process of making dough from scratch, while still delivering the authentic flavor and texture expected of a homemade pastry.

The beauty of puff pastry lies in its simplicity and versatility. It is a perfect base for a variety of fillings, from savory options like cheese and vegetables to sweet options like apples, berries, or chocolate. When paired with a warm, spiced apple filling, puff pastry transforms into a treat that feels both indulgent and comforting. The pastry’s ability to puff up and become golden and crisp during baking gives the turnovers a professional look and texture that is typically associated with a bakery item.

Choosing the Right Apples for the Filling

The success of your puff pastry apple turnovers depends greatly on the choice of apples used in the filling. For the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, varieties such as Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp are ideal. These apples hold their shape well during cooking and provide a firm texture, which is important for ensuring that the filling does not become too mushy. Granny Smith apples, in particular, are slightly tart, which helps to offset the sweetness of the sugar and spices, giving the turnovers a nice depth of flavor.

When preparing the apples, it’s crucial to peel and chop them into evenly sized pieces. This ensures that the apples cook evenly and that every bite of the turnover contains a perfect balance of pastry and filling. Tossing the apples with lemon juice before cooking helps prevent browning and adds a touch of acidity that enhances the overall flavor profile of the filling.

The Secret to a Perfect Apple Filling

The apple filling is the heart of these turnovers, and getting the balance of sweetness and spice just right is essential. The combination of granulated sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of cornstarch works wonders in creating a smooth and flavorful filling. The sugars add sweetness and depth, while the cinnamon provides warmth and a hint of spice. The cornstarch is used to thicken the mixture, ensuring that the filling is not too runny, which can cause the puff pastry to become soggy.

Cooking the apples with butter in a saucepan allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The butter helps to soften the apples, while also adding richness to the filling. The apples should be cooked until they are slightly softened but not mushy—this ensures that the filling retains its texture and does not lose its form when encased in the puff pastry. Allowing the filling to cool to room temperature before using it in the turnovers is important to prevent the pastry from becoming too warm and losing its crispness when assembled.

Assembling the Turnovers

Assembling puff pastry apple turnovers is a simple yet satisfying process. Start by rolling out the puff pastry on a clean surface and cutting it into squares. The size of the squares can be adjusted depending on how large or small you want the turnovers to be. Once you have your pastry squares, brush the edges with an egg wash made from a whisked egg and milk. This creates a seal that holds the filling in place during baking and gives the pastry a golden, glossy finish once baked.

Next, spoon a small amount of the cooled apple filling into the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the turnovers to leak during baking. Once the filling is in place, fold the pastry over to form a triangle shape, and press the edges down to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork to create a decorative pattern and further ensure that the filling stays inside.

Before baking, brush the tops of the turnovers with the egg wash to give them a shiny, golden appearance. Sprinkling a little bit of granulated sugar on top adds an extra touch of sweetness and creates a beautiful texture once baked. This simple step elevates the visual appeal of the turnovers, making them look as delightful as they taste.

Baking the Turnovers

Baking is the final step in creating these golden, flaky apple turnovers. It’s important to preheat the oven to the correct temperature—190°C (374°F)—before placing the turnovers on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. This ensures that the pastries bake evenly and become crisp on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. Chilling the assembled turnovers in the fridge for about 15 minutes before baking helps them hold their shape during the cooking process.

Bake the turnovers for approximately 30 minutes or until they are golden brown and the pastry has puffed up beautifully. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the turnovers towards the end of the cooking time. Once baked, allow the turnovers to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before serving. This cooling period helps the filling set and prevents any hot juices from spilling out when you bite into them.

Serving and Enjoying Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers

Puff pastry apple turnovers are best served warm, when the filling is still soft and fragrant. The crispy, buttery pastry contrasts wonderfully with the sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples inside. For an extra indulgent treat, you can serve the turnovers with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. These turnovers are versatile enough to be enjoyed on their own as a snack or paired with a hot beverage like tea or coffee.

The beauty of puff pastry apple turnovers is that they can be enjoyed year-round, making them a go-to dessert for every season. During the fall, they are a perfect companion to cozy evenings and can be served at holiday gatherings. In the warmer months, they make an excellent snack or dessert for picnics and barbecues.

Conclusion

Puff pastry apple turnovers offer a perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. The flaky, buttery pastry provides a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced apple filling, making them a treat that is both comforting and satisfying. With the convenience of store-bought puff pastry and a straightforward filling, these turnovers are easy to prepare but look and taste like a professional pastry. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these turnovers are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Their versatility, delicious flavor, and beautiful presentation make them the perfect dessert for any occasion.