If you’re searching for a no-fuss autumn treat that hits all the cozy notes, look no further than these Easy Apple Turnovers. Flaky, buttery puff pastry envelops a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, creating a dessert (or breakfast!) that feels like a big hug on a crisp day. Whether you’re serving them fresh from the oven or sneaking one as a midnight snack, these turnovers are delightfully simple and undeniably irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I love most about Easy Apple Turnovers is how every ingredient plays a unique role, transforming a few humble staples into something magical. You don’t need anything fancy, just a basket of apples, some buttery pastry, and a dash of love.
- Puff pastry sheets: Store-bought puff pastry keeps things easy, giving you that perfect golden, flaky crust every time.
- Apples: Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for the perfect balance of sweetness and a little zing, which shines through in every bite.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a luscious, golden filling and helps soften the apples just the right amount.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and enhances the natural sugars in the apples.
- Cinnamon: Classic pairing with apples, lending warmth and cozy depth to the turnovers.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the filling, preventing any sogginess inside your crisp pastry shell.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps keep the apples from browning too quickly.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a lovely aromatic sweetness.
- Egg: Used to create a gorgeous golden sheen on top of each turnover as they bake.
- Water: Thins out the egg wash for easier brushing and an even finish.
- Powdered sugar or icing: Optional but highly recommended for that irresistible bakery-style drizzle on top!
How to Make Easy Apple Turnovers
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add your diced apples and cook for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften and look glossy. Sprinkle in the sugar, cinnamon, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a couple more minutes until the mixture thickens and smells heavenly. Take it off the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Cut and Fill the Pastry
Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheets onto a lightly floured surface and gently smooth out any creases. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, divide each sheet into four squares. Place a modest mound of your cooled apple filling right in the center of each square, making sure not to overstuff (it’s tempting, I know!).
Step 3: Seal and Shape
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Dip your finger or a pastry brush in the egg wash and run it along the edges of each square. Fold one corner over to the opposite corner, forming a triangle. Use the tines of a fork to press and seal the edges securely, keeping all that delicious apple filling tucked safely inside.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer your turnovers to a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure there’s space between each one for them to puff up. Brush the tops lightly with the remaining egg wash. Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, until the turnovers are beautifully puffed and golden brown.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Let the turnovers cool for a few minutes before moving them from the baking sheet. If you’re feeling extra fancy, this is the moment to drizzle them with powdered sugar or a simple icing. Serve warm for the ultimate experience!
How to Serve Easy Apple Turnovers
Garnishes
Simple powdered sugar dusting or a zigzag of vanilla icing is all you need to elevate your Easy Apple Turnovers from home-baked to bakery-chic. If you have extra cinnamon, a light sprinkle over the top adds even more aroma. For special occasions, a few paper-thin apple slices or a dab of whipped cream makes them truly stand out.
Side Dishes
These turnovers shine alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of Greek yogurt for breakfast treat territory. A handful of toasted nuts or a cup of fresh berries on the side add color and crunch, making the experience feel like a special occasion every time.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking them on a wooden board with little bowls of caramel or chocolate sauce for dipping at a brunch buffet. Or box up a few Easy Apple Turnovers with a handwritten tag as an edible gift for neighbors or teachers — they’ll love you forever! Mini turnovers work perfectly for a party platter, too, if you want to scale down the size for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have turnovers left over, store them once completely cooled in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The crust will stay crisp and the filling will remain just as delicious. For longer storage, popping them in the fridge helps, but brings a slight loss of flakiness.
Freezing
Easy Apple Turnovers freeze beautifully! Place cooled turnovers in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. They’ll last up to two months. You can reheat them straight from the freezer whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
For best results, warm turnovers in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore their crispy edges and fluffy centers. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch but may soften the pastry. Either way, a quick reheat makes your kitchen smell like fresh-baked apples all over again.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought apple pie filling instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple pie filling makes Easy Apple Turnovers even quicker to prepare. Just spoon it right onto your puff pastry squares, though I still love to add my own dash of cinnamon for a homemade touch.
Can I make Easy Apple Turnovers gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap regular puff pastry for a good-quality gluten-free variety and substitute the flour thickener with cornstarch. The taste and texture will still be fantastic for everyone to enjoy.
What other fruits work well in this recipe?
This turnover recipe is beautifully versatile! Pears, peaches, berries, or even cherries are all delicious alternatives to apples. Just adjust your spice blend and cook time as needed.
How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
The key is to make sure your apple filling isn’t too wet and to let it cool before assembling. The little bit of flour in the recipe acts as a thickener, helping to keep the interior perfectly gooey without any soggy bottoms.
Can I make Easy Apple Turnovers ahead of time?
Definitely! Turnovers can be assembled and refrigerated a few hours before baking, or even frozen unbaked. Simply bake them off when you’re ready, adding a couple extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from frozen.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about sharing a plate of Easy Apple Turnovers, still warm and fragrant from the oven. They’re quick, straightforward, and always a crowd-pleaser — perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a batch soon, and let the wonderful aromas fill your home!
Print
Easy Apple Turnovers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 turnovers
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Apple Turnovers are a delightful dessert made with flaky puff pastry filled with spiced apples, baked to golden perfection, and optionally drizzled with icing. Perfect for a sweet treat or special occasions.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
Apple Filling:
2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Egg Wash:
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon water
Optional:
Powdered sugar or icing for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a skillet, melt butter and cook diced apples until slightly softened. Add sugar, cinnamon, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla. Cook until thickened. Let cool.
- Assemble Turnovers: Roll out puff pastry, cut into squares. Spoon apple filling onto each square. Brush edges with egg wash, fold into triangles, and seal with a fork.
- Bake: Brush turnovers with egg wash, bake for 18–20 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Cool slightly before drizzling with powdered sugar or icing if desired.
Notes
- Make ahead for a crispy texture when reheated.
- Use store-bought apple pie filling for a quicker version.
- Enhance with a pinch of nutmeg or clove for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 turnover
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
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