Apple Pie Turnovers

There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of warm apple pie wafting through the kitchen. It evokes memories of grandma’s baking, cozy afternoons, and the simple joys of home. But what if you could capture all that goodness in a handheld, easy-to-enjoy package? Enter the Apple Pie Turnover: a delightful pastry that offers all the classic flavor of apple pie with a convenient twist. Perfect for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a charming dessert, these turnovers are a true testament to the timeless appeal of apple and cinnamon.
This recipe takes the beloved flavors of apple pie and transforms them into a more approachable and portable form. Imagine flaky pastry pockets bursting with tender, spiced apple filling, all dusted with a whisper of powdered sugar and perhaps a drizzle of caramel. It’s a treat that satisfies the soul and delights the palate. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, these apple pie turnovers are surprisingly simple to make, yet yield impressive results that will have everyone asking for more.

The Allure of the Apple Turnover

Why are apple turnovers so universally loved? Perhaps it’s their nostalgic charm, or maybe it’s the perfect balance of sweet apples and delicate pastry. Unlike a full pie, which can be a commitment to bake and serve, turnovers are individual portions, making them ideal for grab-and-go enjoyment. They offer that same comforting taste without the fuss, allowing you to savor a moment of indulgence whenever the craving strikes.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can customize the spices to your liking, experiment with different apple varieties, and even play with various glazes or toppings. But at its heart, it remains a classic: a celebration of wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these delicious apple pie turnovers doesn’t require an extensive list of obscure ingredients. In fact, you likely have many of them in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

For the Apple Filling:

Apples: 4-5 medium-sized apples (about 4 cups diced). A mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith, or Gala works wonderfully to create a balanced flavor profile.

Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup. Adjust this amount based on the sweetness of your apples and your personal preference.

Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (packed). This adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness and helps create a richer caramelization.

Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon. The quintessential apple pie spice!

Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon. A touch of nutmeg enhances the warmth of the cinnamon.

Allspice: 1/8 teaspoon (optional). For an extra layer of warm spice.

Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon. This brightens the apple flavor and prevents them from browning.

Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon. To thicken the filling and prevent it from becoming too watery.

Water: 2 tablespoons. To dissolve the cornstarch.

Butter (or plant-based butter): 2 tablespoons. Adds richness and helps the apples caramelize beautifully.

For the Pastry:

Puff Pastry Sheets: 2 sheets (from a 17.3-ounce package), thawed according to package directions. This is the secret to quick and easy, wonderfully flaky turnovers!

Egg: 1 large. For an egg wash to give the pastry a golden sheen.

Water (for egg wash): 1 tablespoon.

For Garnish (Optional):

Powdered Sugar: For dusting.

Caramel Sauce: For drizzling (store-bought or homemade).

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection

Let’s break down the process of creating these delectable apple pie turnovers. Don’t worry, it’s simpler than you might think!

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel, Core, and Dice the Apples: Begin by peeling your apples, removing the core, and dicing them into small, approximately 1/2-inch pieces. Smaller pieces will cook more evenly and be easier to fit into your turnovers.
Cook the Apples: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter (or plant-based butter). Add the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice (if using). Stir everything together until the apples are well coated.
Simmer and Soften: Cook the apple mixture for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples have softened but still retain a slight bite. You don’t want them to be mushy.
Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour this cornstarch slurry into the simmering apple mixture. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the filling thickens. It should resemble a thick apple pie filling.
Cool the Filling: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Transfer the apple filling to a bowl and let it cool completely. This step is crucial; placing warm filling into puff pastry can make the pastry soggy. You can even prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Thaw the Puff Pastry: Ensure your puff pastry sheets are thawed according to the package instructions. This usually means leaving them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for 30-40 minutes. They should be pliable but still cool.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Roll and Cut the Pastry: Gently unfold one sheet of puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. You can roll it out slightly to smooth any creases and make it a bit larger, aiming for roughly a 10×10-inch square. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the pastry sheet into four equal squares. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry, giving you a total of eight squares.

Step 3: Assemble the Turnovers

Spoon the Filling: Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one half of each puff pastry square, leaving a small border around the edges.
Form the Turnovers: Fold the other half of the puff pastry square over the filling, creating a triangle or rectangular shape.
Seal the Edges: Press firmly along the edges of the pastry with your fingers to seal the turnover. To create a decorative and secure seal, use the tines of a fork to crimp all around the edges. This also helps prevent the filling from oozing out during baking.
Vent the Pastry: Using a small, sharp knife, make 2-3 small slits on the top of each turnover. This allows steam to escape, preventing the pastry from puffing up too much and ensuring an even bake.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water.
Brush with Egg Wash: Carefully transfer the assembled turnovers to the prepared baking sheets. Brush the tops of each turnover with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a lovely shine.
Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the turnovers are golden brown and puffed up. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
Cool: Once baked, remove the turnovers from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the turnovers have cooled for a few minutes (they’re delicious warm!), lightly dust them with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve.
Drizzle with Caramel (Optional): For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle a little caramel sauce over the tops of the turnovers.
Serve: Enjoy your homemade apple pie turnovers warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Turnover Success

Apple Variety Matters: While any apple will work, a mix of sweet and tart apples creates the most balanced and flavorful filling.

Cool the Filling: This cannot be stressed enough! Warm filling will melt the butter in the puff pastry, leading to a less flaky result.

Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can make it difficult to seal the turnovers and may cause them to burst during baking.

Proper Thawing of Puff Pastry: Ensure the puff pastry is thawed but still cold. If it gets too warm, it becomes sticky and difficult to work with. If it’s too cold, it will crack when unfolded.

Seal Well: Take your time to crimp the edges firmly with a fork to prevent leakage.

Vent the Pastry: The small slits are essential for a good texture and to prevent the turnovers from exploding.

Storage: Leftover turnovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a toaster oven for best results.

Variations to Explore

While the classic apple pie turnover is perfect as is, you can always experiment with variations to suit your taste:

Different Spices: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a different flavor profile.

Add Nuts: Fold in a few tablespoons of chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple filling for added texture and nutty flavor.

Dried Fruit: A small amount of dried cranberries or raisins can add a chewy sweetness to the filling.

Cream Cheese Glaze: Instead of powdered sugar, mix powdered sugar with a little softened cream cheese and a splash of milk for a tangy, creamy glaze.

Oatmeal Crumble Topping: Before folding, sprinkle a small amount of an oatmeal crumble mixture (oats, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon) on top of the apple filling for an extra layer of texture.

A Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

Apple pie turnovers are incredibly versatile. They make a fantastic addition to a brunch spread, a delightful packed lunch treat, or a comforting dessert after dinner. Their individual portions make them perfect for sharing with friends and family, or for simply enjoying a moment of pure culinary bliss all to yourself.
The process of making them is a rewarding experience, filling your home with an intoxicating aroma that promises warmth and happiness. So next time you’re craving that classic apple pie flavor but want something a little less traditional and a lot more convenient, reach for this recipe. You’ll be delighted by how easy it is to create these flaky, apple-filled pockets of joy.
Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade baking with these delightful apple pie turnovers. They are a timeless treat that brings smiles and satisfaction with every bite. Visit naiyarecipe.com for more delicious and easy-to-follow recipes that celebrate the joy of cooking!