Flaky Apple Turnovers are a delightful way to enjoy apple dessert recipes, perfect for a quick snack or a comforting breakfast. These individual pastries are simple to make and offer a wonderful balance of sweet apples and buttery, flaky crust.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Puff Pastry: Use store-bought for ease, or make your own.
- Apples: Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard; you can reduce it slightly if your apples are very sweet.
- Cinnamon: Essential for that classic apple pie flavor.
- Egg Wash: Creates a golden, shiny crust.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Turnovers:
- 1 sheet (about 9×9 inches) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 turnovers
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (varies by pastry brand)
- Tools Needed: Baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush, knife, mixing bowls.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Apples
Peel, core, and finely dice your apples. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Mix until the apples are evenly coated. This flour helps thicken the apple dessert recipes filling.
2. Roll and Cut the Pastry
Lightly flour a clean surface. Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet and gently roll it out a bit larger, to about 10×10 inches. Cut the pastry into four equal squares.
3. Fill the Turnovers
Place about 2 tablespoons of the apple mixture onto one half of each pastry square. Leave a small border around the edges. Avoid overfilling, as this can make sealing difficult.
4. Fold and Seal
Fold the empty half of the pastry over the filling to create a triangle. Press the edges firmly with your fingers to seal. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges, which creates a decorative seal.
5. Egg Wash and Bake
Transfer the sealed turnovers to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of each turnover with the beaten egg wash. This gives them a beautiful golden sheen. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if you like. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until deeply golden brown and puffed.
Variation Ideas
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling.
- Mix in a tablespoon of finely chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, with the apples.
- Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk after baking for extra sweetness.
- Try other fruit fillings, like berries or peaches, for different easy apple dessert recipes.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Flaky Apple Turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pie crust instead of puff pastry?
A: Yes, you can use a store-bought or homemade pie crust, but the texture will be less flaky and more like a hand pie.
Q: What kind of apples are best for these apple dessert recipes?
A: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work well because they hold their shape and offer a good balance of sweetness and tartness.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can assemble the turnovers and freeze them unbaked. Thaw slightly, then egg wash and bake as directed.
Q: My turnovers are soggy. What went wrong?
A: This usually happens if the apples release too much moisture. Make sure your apples are finely diced and that you include the flour in the filling to absorb excess liquid.
Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
A: Ensure you don’t overfill the pastry and press the edges very firmly to seal. Using a fork to crimp helps create a stronger seal.
Q: Can I add cheese to these turnovers?
A: While not traditional for sweet apple dessert recipes, you could experiment with a small amount of sharp cheddar cheese in the filling for a savory twist.