Easy Apple Turnovers Recipe
Easy Apple Turnovers Recipe — they’re basically happiness wrapped in flaky pastry. Seriously, imagine biting into a warm, gooey apple filling with just the right amount of cinnamon, all snuggled inside a golden, crispy crust. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a hug for your taste buds. And the best part? They’re SO easy, even I can’t mess them up too badly! (And trust me, that’s saying something).
My husband, Mark, is OBSESSED. He pretends he’s all “I don’t really need sweets,” but then I catch him sneaking a fourth turnover when he thinks I’m not looking. Last Christmas, I made a double batch, and we literally ate them all by Boxing Day. No regrets. And my little one, Lily, just loves helping me sprinkle the sugar on top – even if half of it ends up on the counter (and her face!). This recipe has become a total family staple, and I promise it will in your house too!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Turnovers Recipe
- Seriously Easy: If I can do it, YOU can do it. No fancy pastry chef skills required.
- Crowd-Pleaser: I swear, I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like apple turnovers. It’s a universal love language.
- Customizable: Throw in some raisins, nuts, or even a little caramel. Make it YOUR masterpiece!
- Makes Your House Smell AMAZING: Forget scented candles; just bake these bad boys!
- Perfectly Imperfect: Don’t worry if they look a little wonky. That just adds to the charm, right?
How to Make It
Okay, so first things first, grab your puff pastry. You can find it in the freezer section. Let it thaw, but not too much, or it gets sticky. While that’s happening, peel and chop your apples. I like to use Granny Smith because they’re tart and hold their shape, but honestly, use whatever you’ve got. Mix them up with some sugar, cinnamon (don’t skimp!), a little flour (this thickens the juices so your turnovers aren’t soggy bottoms), and a tiny pinch of salt.
Next, roll out your puff pastry and cut it into squares. Spoon some of the apple mixture onto one half of each square. Don’t overfill them, or they’ll explode in the oven. Trust me, I’ve been there. Fold the other half of the pastry over to make a triangle, and press the edges together with a fork. This is crucial! Otherwise, the filling will leak out. Brush the tops with a little egg wash (that’s just a beaten egg with a splash of water) for a nice golden shine, and sprinkle with sugar.
Pop them in the oven and bake until they’re puffed up and golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes (if you can resist!) before devouring. And there you have it! Easy Apple Turnovers Recipe that are guaranteed to disappear fast!
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Ingredient Notes
- Puff Pastry: This is the star of the show! Don’t try to make it from scratch unless you’re a pastry wizard. Store-bought is your friend here. Make sure it’s cold enough to handle but pliable enough to work with.
- Apples: Granny Smiths are my go-to, but Honeycrisp or Fuji work great too. Basically, you want an apple that holds its shape during baking. Nobody wants mushy apple filling!
- Cinnamon: Don’t be shy! A good dose of cinnamon is what makes these turnovers smell and taste like autumn in a bite. I sometimes add a tiny pinch of nutmeg too, just because I’m feeling fancy.
- Sugar: I use granulated sugar, but brown sugar works too for a more caramel-y vibe. I ran out of regular sugar once and used maple syrup – still delicious, just a bit stickier!
- Egg: The egg wash is what gives the turnovers that beautiful golden color. Don’t skip it! I’ve tried milk in a pinch, but it’s just not the same.
Recipe Steps:
- Thaw puff pastry until pliable but still cold.
- Peel and chop apples, then mix with sugar, cinnamon, flour, and salt.
- Roll out puff pastry, cut into squares, and spoon apple mixture onto half of each square.
- Fold pastry over to form triangles, press edges with a fork.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake until golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool slightly before serving.
What to Serve It With
These are amazing on their own, but if you’re feeling extra, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is divine. Or, for a cozy breakfast, serve them with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. Coffee or tea is a must, obviously.
Tips & Mistakes
- Don’t Overfill: I cannot stress this enough. Too much filling, and you’ll have an apple explosion in your oven. It’s messy and sad.
- Seal Those Edges: Press firmly with a fork to seal the edges of the turnovers. This prevents the filling from leaking out.
- Keep the Pastry Cold: Working with cold pastry is key to getting that flaky texture. If it starts to get too soft, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Don’t Burn Them! Keep a close eye on them in the oven. They can go from golden brown to burnt pretty quickly.
- Embrace Imperfection: Seriously, don’t stress if they don’t look perfect. They’ll still taste amazing!
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is a big “if” in my house), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best eaten within a day or two. Honestly, though, cold turnovers straight from the fridge are surprisingly good for breakfast. Don’t judge me! You can also reheat them in the oven or microwave, but they’re never quite as crispy as they are fresh.
Variations and Substitutions
- Other Fruits: Not a fan of apples? Try pears, peaches, or even berries. Just adjust the sugar accordingly.
- Nuts and Raisins: Add a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins to the apple filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled turnovers for a sweeter finish. I usually just mix powdered sugar with a little milk until it’s the right consistency.
- No Egg Wash: If you don’t have an egg, just use a little milk or melted butter. It won’t be quite as golden, but it’ll still work.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Easy Apple Turnovers Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups apples peeled, cored, and diced
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- 1 package puff pastry thawed
- 1 egg egg wash beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until apples are slightly soft, about 5 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the apple mixture. Cook until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into 4-inch squares. Place a spoonful of apple mixture in the center of each square.
- Brush edges of pastry squares with egg wash, fold over, and seal edges with a fork.
- Place turnovers on the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with egg wash.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
