Homemade Apple Turnovers are a simple and tasty way to enjoy a classic dessert. You’ll need Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create the sweet apple filling.
The store-bought puff pastry sheets make this recipe easier to make giving you all the flaky goodness without the hassle.
The glaze is made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, adding a sweet touch that tops everything off perfectly.
These turnovers are great for a snack, dessert, or even a weekend treat.
The balance of tart apples and sweet glaze makes them a hit for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for family or just craving something sweet, these turnovers are sure to hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Apple Turnovers
Easy to Make
These turnovers come together quickly with the help of frozen puff pastry. You’ll skip the fuss of making dough from scratch while still getting that crispy, flaky result.
Simple Ingredients
You only need a handful of basic ingredients like apples, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Most of these are pantry staples, so you won’t need to hunt down anything fancy.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re enjoying them as a breakfast treat or a dessert after dinner, these turnovers fit any occasion. They’re casual enough for a snack and special enough for gatherings with family.
Customizable Filling
While Granny Smith apples are the go-to for this recipe, you can easily switch them out for your favorite apple variety or even add a touch of caramel for extra flavor.
Great Make-Ahead Option
These turnovers can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, making them an easy dessert to bake and serve when you’re short on time.
Tips and Tricks
Choosing the Right Apples
Granny Smith apples work well because they’re tart and hold up during baking. If you prefer a sweeter turnover, you can use apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji instead.
Thawing Puff Pastry
Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before using it. This makes it easier to unfold and cut without cracking. You can thaw it in the fridge for a few hours or leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Sealing the Edges
To ensure the turnovers don’t open while baking, press the edges firmly with a fork. You can also brush the edges with a little water or beaten egg to help seal them.
Preventing Soggy Turnovers
Cool the apple filling slightly before placing it on the puff pastry. This keeps the pastry from getting soggy and helps maintain its flakiness during baking.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can reheat them in the oven to bring back the crisp texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Apples
If you don’t have Granny Smith apples, you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or any firm apple variety. These will provide a sweeter flavor, but they’ll still hold up well during baking.
Brown Sugar
If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar, but the flavor will be less rich. For a closer match, mix white sugar with a small amount of molasses.
Cornstarch
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour as a thickener. Use about double the amount of flour to achieve the same effect.
Vanilla Extract
You can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract if you’re out of vanilla. Just use half the amount as almond extract has a stronger flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing
Store the turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to five days.
Freezing
You can freeze baked turnovers. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to two months in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, place turnovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until they’re warm and crispy again. If you’re reheating from frozen, bake for 15-20 minutes.
Related Recipes
Easy Skillet Apple Pie
Apple Crumble Coffee Cake
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings
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Homemade Apple Turnovers
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 cups water
- 4 granny smith apples peeled, cored and sliced
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 package (17.25 ounce) frozen puff pastry sheets thawed
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice and 4 cups of water.
- Place the apple slices into the lemon water to prevent browning.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Drain the apples and place them into the skillet.
- Cook and stir apples for 2 minutes.
- Add the brown sugar and cinnamon to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2 more minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water until smooth.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet and stir well.
- Cook for 1 minute, until the sauce thickens. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the apples cool slightly.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Unfold the puff pastry sheets. Press together any cracks.
- Trim each sheet into a square. Then cut each square into 4 smaller squares.
- Spoon the apple mixture into the center of each smaller square.
- Fold the pastry from corner to corner to form a triangle and press the edges to seal.
- Place the turnovers on a baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each one.
- Bake the turnovers for 25 minutes, until puffed and lightly browned.
- Let the turnovers cool completely before glazing.
For the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
- If needed, adjust the thickness by adding more powdered sugar or milk.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled turnovers.
Nutrition
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