Homemade Apple Turnovers

Easy, buttery, and incredibly flaky, Homemade Apple Turnovers are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Filled with gooey cinnamon apples and topped with caramel sauce, these turnovers please everyone. Whether served at a family gathering or enjoyed as an afternoon snack, their unique textures and flavors make them a standout dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: These turnovers use easy-to-follow instructions, making them perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Filling Options: While this recipe features apples, feel free to experiment with other fruits or fillings to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual brunch or a festive gathering, these turnovers will impress your guests.
• Deliciously Gooey: The combination of warm apples and caramel creates a delightful contrast that everyone will love.
• Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough and filling in advance, making it easy to bake fresh turnovers on demand.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect homemade apple turnovers, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Rolling pin
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife
• Medium saucepan
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheets: Ensure even heat distribution while baking, promoting golden-brown turnovers.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly for perfectly shaped pastries.
• Pastry brush: Ideal for applying egg wash to achieve a shiny golden crust.

Ingredients

To make your own delicious Homemade Apple Turnovers, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough

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

For the 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)

For Egg Wash

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

Optional Topping

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

How to Make Homemade Apple Turnovers

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. If making homemade rough puff pastry, prepare it through its second refrigeration step. If using store-bought frozen puff pastry, ensure it is fully thawed.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, cornstarch, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sugar.
2. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes until the mixture begins to bubble.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Shape the Turnovers

1. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. If using homemade dough (makes 9): Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch square. Cut into nine 4-inch squares.
3. If using store-bought dough (makes 8): Unroll each sheet on a floured surface and cut into four squares.
4. Place about 2–3 tablespoons of apple filling in the center of each square.
5. Fold one corner over to create a triangle shape. Use a fork to crimp edges to seal them securely.

Step 4: Chill

1. Chill shaped turnovers in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before baking.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Whisk together the egg and milk in a small bowl.

Step 6: Brush and Vent

1. Brush each chilled turnover with the egg wash mixture using a pastry brush.
2. Cut small steam vents in each turnover’s top.

Step 7: Bake

1. Bake for 23–25 minutes until golden brown.
2. Rotate pans halfway through baking to prevent uneven browning.

Step 8: Cool and Drizzle

1. Allow turnovers to cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before serving.
2. If desired, drizzle with salted caramel before indulging.

Step 9: Store Leftovers

Cover any leftover turnovers tightly at room temperature for up to one day or refrigerate them for up to five days.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Homemade Apple Turnovers!

How to Serve Homemade Apple Turnovers

Serving your Homemade Apple Turnovers can take them from delicious to extraordinary. Here are some creative ideas to enhance your dessert experience.

With Whipped Cream

• A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that complements the gooey apple filling.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla or caramel ice cream pairs perfectly with warm turnovers, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle more salted caramel sauce on top before serving.

Sprinkled with Powdered Sugar

• A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and enhances the visual appeal of your turnovers.

Served with Fresh Fruit

• Pairing turnovers with sliced strawberries or berries adds a refreshing element that balances the richness of the pastry.

How to Perfect Homemade Apple Turnovers

Perfecting your Homemade Apple Turnovers is easy with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure the best results every time.

• Use Chilled Ingredients: Keeping your butter and dough chilled will help achieve that flaky texture you desire.
• Don’t Overfill: Use just the right amount of apple filling to prevent overflow during baking.
• Seal Edges Well: Crimp edges securely with a fork to keep the filling intact while baking.
• Chill Before Baking: Refrigerating the shaped turnovers for at least 15 minutes helps maintain their shape in the oven.
• Rotate During Baking: Halfway through baking, rotate your pans to ensure even browning on all sides.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Apple Turnovers

Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Apple Turnovers can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
2. A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the turnovers.
3. Fresh Fruit Salad
4. A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that provides a bright contrast to the warm pastries.
5. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
6. Extra indulgence! These sweet treats echo the flavors in your turnovers for a cohesive dessert spread.
7. Coffee or Tea
8. A warm cup enhances flavors and makes for a comforting experience while enjoying your turnovers.
9. Chocolate Sauce for Dipping
10. Rich chocolate adds decadence; serve it alongside for those who want an extra layer of flavor.
11. Caramel Flavored Yogurt
12. This creamy side brings both tartness and sweetness, making it an interesting accompaniment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Homemade Apple Turnovers, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Avoiding these pitfalls will ensure your turnovers come out delicious and perfectly flaky.

• Using warm dough: Always make sure your puff pastry is chilled. Warm dough can lead to uneven baking and less flaky results.
• Overfilling the turnovers: Be careful not to add too much apple filling. Overstuffed turnovers may burst during baking, creating a mess in the oven.
• Skipping the refrigeration step: Don’t skip chilling the shaped turnovers before baking. This helps them maintain their shape and ensures a crisp texture.
• Not sealing the edges properly: Ensure you crimp the edges well with a fork. Unsealed edges can lead to leaks of filling during baking.
• Ignoring steam vents: Cutting steam vents in the tops is crucial. This allows steam to escape and prevents soggy turnover tops.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• If possible, keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Homemade Apple Turnovers

• Wrap each turnover tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped turnovers in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Homemade Apple Turnovers

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place turnovers on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute. The crust may not be as crispy this way.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my Homemade Apple Turnovers are done?

The turnovers should be golden brown on top when done. A slight puffing up of the pastry indicates they are fully baked.

Can I use different fruits for my turnovers?

Absolutely! You can substitute apples with pears, peaches, or berries depending on your taste preferences.

What can I use instead of caramel sauce on Homemade Apple Turnovers?

You can drizzle melted chocolate or serve them with whipped cream as alternatives for topping.

How do I keep my turnovers from getting soggy?

Make sure you cool the apple filling completely before adding it to the pastry. Chilling the assembled turnovers before baking also helps maintain crispness.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Apple Turnovers are an irresistible dessert that combines gooey cinnamon apples with flaky pastry. They are perfect for any occasion and allow for various customization options—try different fillings or toppings! We encourage you to try making this delightful treat at home.