Print

Homemade Apple Turnovers Recipe

4.6 from 90 reviews

These Homemade Apple Turnovers feature flaky puff pastry filled with a warm, spiced apple filling, perfect for a comforting dessert or snack. Made with either homemade or store-bought puff pastry, these turnovers are baked until golden and optionally drizzled with salted caramel for an extra indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1 lb. homemade rough puff pastry or store-bought frozen & thawed puff pastry (2 sheets)

Filling

  • 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)

Egg Wash

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 Tablespoon (15ml) milk (any kind)

Optional

  • 1/2 cup (145g) salted caramel, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dough: If making homemade puff pastry, prepare rough puff pastry dough through the second refrigeration step. If using store-bought frozen puff pastry, ensure it is fully thawed. Keep the dough refrigerated until ready to shape.
  2. Make the Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine peeled and diced apples, cornstarch, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sugar. Stir constantly for 5 minutes to cook the apples and distribute ingredients well. Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture for an additional 5 minutes until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 20 minutes.
  3. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and facilitate even baking.
  4. Roll and Cut Dough: For homemade dough (which yields 9 turnovers), roll the puff pastry dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch square, then cut into nine 4-inch squares using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. For store-bought dough (yields 8 turnovers), unroll each sheet onto a lightly floured surface and cut each sheet into four squares. Transfer the squares onto the prepared baking sheets evenly.
  5. Add Filling: Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling into the center of each pastry square. Fold one corner over the filling to create a triangle and press edges with a fork to seal. Some apple juice leakage is normal. Chill the shaped turnovers in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes and up to 1 hour to firm the pastry.
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Egg Wash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to make an egg wash. Brush each chilled turnover thoroughly with the egg wash. Cut 2 or 3 small steam vents in the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape during baking.
  7. Bake: Bake the turnovers for 23 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through the bake to ensure even browning. Expect some butter leakage if using homemade dough, which is normal.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the turnovers to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Optionally, drizzle with salted caramel sauce before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
  9. Storage: Cover and store leftover turnovers at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • The filling can be made ahead and chilled to save time.
  • Egg wash gives turnovers a beautiful golden shine and helps seal the edges.
  • Steam vents prevent puff pastry from becoming soggy inside and help maintain a crisp texture.
  • Turnovers can be frozen after shaping and before baking; bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  • Either granulated or brown sugar can be used depending on your sweetness preference.
  • Use a lightly floured surface and rolling pin to avoid dough sticking during shaping.

Keywords: apple turnovers, puff pastry, homemade pastries, apple dessert, fall recipes, easy dessert