Easy Apple Turnovers
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Combine a gooey, cinnamon apple filling with flaky puff pastry and you have the dreamiest of fall desserts: apple turnovers. While they make look labor intensive, these easy apple turnovers are simple to make and taste amazing.
This apple turnover recipe is going to quickly become a family favorite in your home. Tender apples are mixed with fall spices and then encased in golden, flaky puff pastry. Finished with a glossy egg wash and a sprinkle of coarse sugar, they bake up with the perfect balance of crunch and softness.
Apple and pumpkin are fall flavors that I can never seem to get enough of. From savory to sweet, I love incorporating fall flavors into the things we cook throughout September, October, and November.
Ingredients for Apple Turnovers
- Butter – I usually recommend unsalted butter for most baking. But, if you only have salted butter on hand, go ahead and use that.
- Apples – Look for medium sized apples. Granny smith and Honeycrisp are great options.
- Sugar – You’ll need granulated, brown sugar, and powdered sugar. You can also sprinkle some coarse sugar on the top but it is totally optional.
- Spices – Cinnamon and nutmeg are a must!
- Cornstarch – You’ll combine this with water to make a slurry.
- Puff Pastry – I use the store bought kind but you can use your favorite homemade version too.
- Egg
- Milk
- Vanilla Extract
How to Make Turnovers
The full list of ingredients and step by step instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below. Here is a quick overview for how to make turnovers.
Start by making the filling. You’ll combine the apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a pan. Once the apples begin to soften, mix in a cornstarch slurry.
Next, you need to preheat the oven and prepare the puff pastry. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares. Add some of the filling to each of the squares.
Once you have divided the filling between the squares, fold over the dough to create a triangle. Pinch the edges closed with a fork.
Brush the closed turnovers with an egg wash. If desired, sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake in the preheated oven.
Once baked and slightly cooled, you can drizzle the apple turnovers with a powdered sugar glaze. I usually add glaze to half of my turnovers and leave the other half with just the sugar on top. They both get eaten equally as fast!
These turnovers taste like fall in dessert form. With the warm spices and delicious apples, you’ll find yourself craving these all fall long. Plus, these easy apple turnovers look like they took a lot of time and effort so making them perfect for fall bake sale or potluck.
More Delicious Apple Recipes
- Bourbon Apple Blondies
- Cranberry Apple Farro
- Cranberry Apple Slaw
- Turkey Apple Grilled Cheese
- Chicago Style Apple Slice
Easy Apple Turnovers
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 medium apples (e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp) peeled, cored, and diced
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch mixed
- 2 Tablespoons water
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
- 1 egg beaten, for egg wash
- coarse sugar for sprinkling optional
For the glaze (optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 Tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Apple Filling
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples and stir over medium heat for 2 minutes.1 Tablespoon unsalted butter, 3 medium apples (e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp)
- Incorporate granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples soften.3 Tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 Tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Mix the cornstrach and water to create a slurry. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.1 Tablespoon cornstarch mixed, 2 Tablespoons water
Assemble the Turnovers
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry (25x45cm) on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 8 equal squares.1 sheet puff pastry
- Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each square. Brush with water 2 consecutive sides of the square; this will help to seal the edges.
- Fold the pastry diagonally to form a triangle, sealing the edges by pressing with a fork.
- Transfer the turnovers to the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg. Optional: Sprinkle some granulated sugar on top.1 egg, coarse sugar for sprinkling
- Use a sharp knife or a kitchen scissor to cut small slits on the tops for steam to escape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until the turnovers are puffed and golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
Make the Glaze (optional)
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled turnovers.1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 Tablespoons milk, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Notes
- Don’t overcook the apples—aim for tender but not mushy. They will soften a bit more in the oven.
- Let the filling cool before placing it on the pastry—warm filling can cause the dough to get soggy or tear.
Nutrition
These apple turnovers were delicious! Perfect amount of flakiness, I loved them!
I baked these for dessert and they came out golden and delicious. The apple filling was perfect!
These are too simple to make for sure. And the taste goes through the roof – yummo!