Apple Turnovers are easy to make, especially when using store-bought puff pastry, and they deliver a delicious bakery-style treat right from your oven. They’re portable, kid-friendly, and perfect for fall baking or holiday brunches. With a warm apple filling and crisp outer shell, each bite is a cozy, flavorful experience. Plus, they freeze and reheat beautifully.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Puff pastry sheets (thawed if frozen)
Apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
Sugar
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg (optional)
Lemon juice
Cornstarch (or flour, to thicken the filling)
Egg (for egg wash)
Powdered sugar and milk (optional, for icing)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a saucepan, cook the chopped apples with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice over medium heat for about 8–10 minutes, until the apples are tender.
Stir in cornstarch and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Let the filling cool slightly.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry and cut it into equal squares (typically 4 to 6 inches each).
Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each square. Fold the pastry diagonally to form a triangle and press the edges to seal with a fork.
Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake for 18–22 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
Let cool slightly, then drizzle with icing made from powdered sugar and milk if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 to 8 turnovers. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and baking takes 20 minutes. Total time is approximately 40 minutes.
Variations
Caramel Apple Turnovers: Add a tablespoon of caramel sauce to the filling for extra sweetness.
Apple-Cheddar Turnovers: Add shredded sharp cheddar with the apples for a savory-sweet twist.
Spiced Apple-Raisin: Mix in raisins and a touch of allspice with the apple filling.
Glazed Turnovers: Instead of icing, brush the warm turnovers with a simple glaze of melted butter and sugar.
Mini Turnovers: Cut the puff pastry into smaller squares for bite-sized treats, perfect for parties.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled apple turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes or in a toaster oven to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the pastry soggy. You can also freeze unbaked turnovers and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
FAQs
What kind of apples are best for turnovers?
Firm and tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best as they hold their shape during baking.
Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?
Yes, for a quicker version, you can use canned apple pie filling, though homemade gives better texture and flavor.
Do I have to cook the apples before baking?
Pre-cooking the apples ensures they are tender and prevents a watery filling. It also enhances flavor with spices.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the turnovers and refrigerate or freeze them until ready to bake. Brush with egg wash just before baking.
Can I use homemade pastry dough?
Absolutely. If you prefer to make your own dough, use a buttery pie crust or homemade puff pastry.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Don’t overfill the turnovers and be sure to seal the edges well with a fork. A chilled pastry also helps prevent leaks.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can use all-purpose flour or tapioca starch to thicken the apple filling.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, use vegan puff pastry and substitute the egg wash with plant-based milk or melted coconut oil.
Can I air fry apple turnovers?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes or until golden and crisp.
How do I keep the pastry crisp after baking?
Let the turnovers cool on a wire rack so steam doesn’t make the bottoms soggy. Avoid covering them while still warm.
Conclusion
Apple Turnovers are a timeless treat that combine the comforting flavors of spiced apples with buttery, flaky pastry. Whether served warm with a drizzle of icing or enjoyed plain with coffee or tea, these pastries are simple to make and sure to please. Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or sharing with guests, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.
Apple Turnovers are flaky pastries filled with a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple mixture and baked until golden brown. Finished with a drizzle of icing or a dusting of sugar, they’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed if frozen
2–3 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
2 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch (or 1 tbsp flour)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional, for icing)
1–2 tbsp milk (optional, for icing)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a saucepan over medium heat, cook chopped apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice for 8–10 minutes, until apples are tender.
Stir in cornstarch and cook for 1–2 more minutes until mixture thickens. Let the filling cool slightly.
Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 6–8 equal squares.
Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each square. Fold diagonally into a triangle and seal edges with a fork.
Brush tops with beaten egg.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
Let cool slightly, then drizzle with optional icing made by mixing powdered sugar and milk.
Notes
Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture.Don’t overfill turnovers to prevent leakage during baking.Let turnovers cool on a wire rack to keep bottoms crisp.Freeze unbaked turnovers and bake from frozen with a few extra minutes.Use vegan puff pastry and plant-based milk for a vegan version.
