Puff pastry sheets make this bakery classic super easy to cook up at home.
Apple turnovers have been around for a long time. One theory traces their origins back to 17th-century France, when a noblewoman gave out baking supplies and apples to the villagers in Saint-Calais to aid them during an epidemic. As is the case with a lot of recipes, they migrated and changed into what we know as an apple turnover today: a flaky, triangular pastry containing a sweet, spiced apple filling.
The “turnover” part of their name is just a reference to the fact that a square of dough is laid out flat, filled with the apple mixture, and then folded or “turned” over to seal and bake. Sometimes they’re known as hand pies (versus pan pies), but “apple turnover” has just a certain cozy ring to it. You can find pastries similar to turnovers (with a variety of sweet and savory fillings) in many cuisines: think samosas in Indian cooking or empanadas in Spanish and Latin American cuisine.
You will love making apple turnovers from scratch in your own kitchen because it starts with a prepackaged dough. Puff pastry is sold in sheets, usually in a box in the frozen aisle. It’s super easy to work with and makes this recipe easy, even if you’re not an accomplished baker. Apple turnovers are delicious for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. The warm, spiced aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake will have you drooling to taste one as soon as they are cooled!
Apple varieties to consider
While Granny Smith apples are a common choice for baked apple treats like apple turnovers and generally work well, they are not the only option. You can also use Honeycrisp or Braeburn varieties, which are sweeter. Of course, you can also mix it up and use three Granny Smiths plus one Honeycrisp if you like the tart flavor but want to temper it a bit. Whatever variety or mixture you go with, as long as it’s one that keeps its shape when baked and has vibrant flavor, these turnovers will taste great.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers will keep, covered, at room temperature for about 2 days. You can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 4 or 5 days if you need to keep them longer.
Serving suggestions
Apple turnovers are delicious on their own, but they taste especially lovely at an autumn brunch or tea. For brunch, consider serving them alongside this Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe or with Almond Breakfast Rolls. Apple turnovers also work well at a bridal shower tea, or other festive gathering. Pile the tea trays high with apple turnovers, Chocolate Chip Scones, and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars for a delicious spread of goodies.
Apple Turnover
Ingredients
- 4 medium Granny Smith apples peeled and diced
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 sheets puff pastry thawed
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each into four squares.
- Spoon the cooled apple mixture onto one half of each square, leaving a border. Mix the beaten egg with water to make an egg wash. Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash, fold over to form a triangle, and press edges to seal.
- Place turnovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut small slits in the tops to vent steam. Brush with remaining egg wash. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze, adding more milk if needed until it reaches your desired consistency. Drizzle over warm turnovers. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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