Homemade Apple Turnovers

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that feels like a warm hug, you’ve landed in the right place! These Homemade Apple Turnovers are an absolute delight. They are easy to whip up and will fill your kitchen with the enticing aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these turnovers bring comfort and joy to any occasion.

What makes this recipe special is its flexibility; you can use store-bought puff pastry or make your own from scratch. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing—nothing says love quite like homemade treats!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can have these delicious turnovers ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Who doesn’t love the combination of flaky pastry and sweet cinnamon apples? These are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the filling in advance or even freeze the shaped turnovers for later baking. Perfect for busy days!
• Delicious Flavor: The gooey apple filling combined with buttery pastry is simply irresistible. Drizzle on some caramel sauce for an extra treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are all about wholesome goodness! You won’t need anything fancy, just some staples that come together beautifully to create these delightful turnovers.

• 1 lb. homemade rough puff pastry or store-bought frozen & thawed puff pastry (2 sheets)
• 2 cups (240g) peeled & diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated or brown sugar (use either)
• 1 large egg
• 1 Tablespoon (15ml) milk (any kind)
• optional: 1/2 cup (145g) salted caramel, for drizzling

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with different flavors or ingredients. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch to the apple filling.
• Try Different Fruits: Pears or berries make great substitutes for apples if you want to mix it up.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the filling for an extra kick of flavor.
• Go Sweet: Instead of caramel sauce, try drizzling on some chocolate syrup for a decadent twist!

How to Make Homemade Apple Turnovers

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

Begin by getting your dough ready. If you’re making homemade rough puff pastry, prepare it through the second refrigeration step as per your recipe. If you’re going the easy route with store-bought puff pastry, just ensure it’s fully thawed before using it. Keeping your dough chilled until you’re ready to shape the turnovers helps them hold their shape while baking.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine those beautiful diced apples with cornstarch, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sugar. Stir constantly for about five minutes until everything starts to meld together beautifully. Lower the heat and let it simmer for another five minutes—this ensures the apples soften just enough. Once done, remove from heat and let cool for about twenty minutes.

Step 3: Shape Your Turnovers

Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—this will prevent sticking! Roll out your chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into squares. If using homemade dough, roll it into a twelve-inch square and cut into nine four-inch squares. Store-bought dough usually gives you eight squares; each works perfectly! Spoon about two to three tablespoons of that heavenly apple filling in the center of each square. Fold over into triangles and crimp those edges tightly with a fork.

Step 4: Chill Before Baking

Once you’ve shaped all your turnovers, pop them in the fridge covered or uncovered for at least fifteen minutes (or up to an hour). Chilling helps them maintain their shape during baking—definitely worth this little wait! Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and get ready for deliciousness.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

Whisk together one egg with milk to create an egg wash—this gives your turnovers that lovely golden finish when baked! Brush this mixture over each turnover and make sure to cut small steam vents on top. Bake them in your preheated oven for twenty-three to twenty-five minutes until they’re golden brown and flaky. Rotate the pans halfway through so they bake evenly.

Step 6: Cool and Drizzle

Let your beautiful turnovers cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before serving them warm. If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle on some salted caramel sauce just before serving—it adds that extra touch of sweetness everyone will love!

And there you have it—Homemade Apple Turnovers that will have everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy sharing this special treat with friends and family!

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Apple Turnovers

Making homemade apple turnovers can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve perfect pastries every time!

• Chill the Dough: Keeping your pastry dough chilled is crucial for achieving that flaky texture. Warm dough can lead to flat turnovers, so refrigerate it before rolling out.
• Use Tart Apples: Opting for tart apples like Granny Smith not only balances the sweetness but also holds their shape better during cooking, making your filling more robust.
• Don’t Overfill: While it may be tempting to load up on the apple filling, overfilling can cause leaks during baking. Aim for about 2-3 tablespoons per turnover for the best results.
• Seal Well: Crimping the edges with a fork not only looks nice but also ensures the filling stays tucked inside. A good seal prevents any delicious juices from escaping!
• Rotate Your Pans: For even baking, rotate your baking sheets halfway through the cooking time. This simple step helps avoid any uneven browning or undercooked spots.

How to Serve Homemade Apple Turnovers

Presentation is key when serving your homemade apple turnovers! Here are some creative ways to make them shine at your table.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance to your turnovers.
• Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkle: Mix equal parts cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle over warm turnovers for an extra layer of flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves can brighten up your plate, adding color and a refreshing taste that pairs wonderfully with the warm pastries.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm apple filling, making it a classic pairing you can’t go wrong with.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a lighter, dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream. It’s fluffy and adds a tropical twist that complements the caramelized apples.
• Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the turnovers, making for a well-rounded meal.
• Caramel Sauce Dip: Set out some extra caramel sauce for dipping! This allows guests to indulge further in that gooey goodness right at their fingertips.

Enjoy crafting these delicious homemade apple turnovers—they’re sure to please at any gathering or cozy night in!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Homemade Apple Turnovers are not only a delightful treat but also perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, store them properly, and enjoy them fresh later.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
• If you prefer to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
• To maintain their flaky texture, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave.

Freezing

• Allow baked turnovers to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen turnovers to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen turnovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake for about 15-20 minutes from frozen or until heated through and crispy.
• For refrigerated turnovers, bake for about 10-12 minutes until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Homemade Apple Turnovers:

Can I use any type of apple for Homemade Apple Turnovers?

Yes! While Granny Smith apples are popular for their tartness, feel free to use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor.

How do I prevent my Homemade Apple Turnovers from leaking?

To minimize leakage, ensure your apple filling is thickened properly with cornstarch, and seal the edges well by crimping with a fork. Chilling the turnovers before baking also helps!

Can I make Homemade Apple Turnovers without using egg wash?

Absolutely! If you prefer not to use egg wash, brush the pastries with milk or simply leave them unbrushed. They may not have the same golden sheen but will still taste delicious.

How long do Homemade Apple Turnovers stay fresh?

Homemade Apple Turnovers can be stored at room temperature for 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your kitchen! These Homemade Apple Turnovers are not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavors that will delight family and friends alike. Enjoy making these delicious pastries and treat yourself—because you deserve it! Happy baking!