Description of this recipe
These apple turnovers are a delightful combination of flaky, golden puff pastry and a warm, spiced apple filling. The addition of an optional cream filling elevates this classic treat to a new level of decadence. Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack, a delightful dessert, or even a special breakfast treat, these apple turnovers are sure to become a family favorite.
Why you will love this recipe
These apple turnovers are incredibly easy to make, using store-bought puff pastry for convenience. The homemade apple filling is bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of tart Granny Smith apples, cinnamon, and vanilla. The optional cream filling adds a touch of luxury, making these turnovers truly irresistible. Plus, the recipe is versatile – you can adjust the sweetness and spices to your liking.
Ingredients:
Apple Turnover Filling:
- 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled, diced into 1.25cm cubes (approximately 6 cups)
- 2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Apple Turnover:
- 2 square puff pastry sheets (25 cm/10″), butter-based recommended
- 1 egg, whisked
Cream Filled Version:
- 2 batches Stabilized whipped cream OR stiff whipped cream
Optional Serving Extras:
- 1 batch Whipped cream for dunking
- Icing sugar / powdered sugar, for dusting
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling.
In a large saucepan, combine the diced Granny Smith apples with cornflour. Toss to coat the apples evenly, ensuring that the cornflour is distributed throughout. This will help to thicken the filling as it cooks. Add the cinnamon, white sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the saucepan.
Step 2: Cook the Apple Filling.
Place the saucepan over medium to medium-high heat. Stir the mixture regularly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until the apples have softened slightly but still retain their shape. The filling should have some caramelization but not be overly saucy. Avoid overcooking the apples, as they will become mushy.
Step 3: Cool the Apple Filling.
Spread the cooked apple filling onto a large plate in a thin, even layer. This will help the filling cool quickly and prevent it from becoming too soggy. Allow the filling to cool completely before proceeding with the recipe.
Step 4: Prepare the Puff Pastry.
Line a large cutting board or an upside-down baking tray with baking parchment. Working with one puff pastry sheet at a time, ensure that it is only slightly thawed. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares (approximately 12.5cm/5″ each).
Step 5: Assemble the Turnovers.
Brush two adjacent sides of each puff pastry square with whisked egg. This will act as a glue to seal the turnover. Place a generous spoonful of the cooled apple filling onto the egg-brushed side of each square. Be sure to avoid using too much of the sauce, as it can soak the base and prevent the turnover from sealing properly.
Step 6: Wrap and Seal the Turnovers.
Fold the puff pastry square over to form a triangle, aligning the edges as closely as possible. Seal the edges tightly using a fork dipped in flour to prevent sticking. Press firmly to ensure a good seal. Transfer the assembled turnovers to the prepared baking sheet lined with baking parchment.
Step 7: Chill the Turnovers.
Place the baking sheet with the assembled turnovers in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. Chilling the pastry helps to prevent it from shrinking during baking and ensures a flakier end product.
Step 8: Preheat the Oven.
Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F (180°C fan).
Step 9: Bake the Turnovers.
Slide the parchment paper with the chilled turnovers onto a large baking tray. This helps to prevent the bottoms from burning. Brush the tops of the turnovers with whisked egg for a golden-brown finish. Use a sharp knife or skewer to stab each turnover 3 times. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents the turnovers from puffing up too much and bursting. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the turnovers are golden brown and the pastry is fully cooked.
Step 10: Cool and Serve.
Remove the baked turnovers from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm, dusted with icing sugar, and with a dollop of whipped cream for dunking, if desired.
Cream Filled Option
Step 1: Cool Completely.
Transfer the baked turnovers to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely. This is essential to prevent the cream filling from melting.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Filling.
Prepare two batches of stabilized whipped cream or stiff whipped cream. Stabilized whipped cream will hold its shape better and prevent the turnovers from becoming soggy.
Step 3: Fill the Turnovers.
Using a sharp knife, carefully split the seam side of each cooled turnover open. Pipe the cream filling into the opening, filling each turnover generously.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy.
Serve the cream-filled turnovers immediately and enjoy!
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
Serve warm as a dessert, snack, or breakfast treat.
Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Tips:
Use high-quality, butter-based puff pastry for the best flavor and flakiness.
Don’t overfill the turnovers, as this can cause them to leak during baking.
Be sure to seal the edges of the turnovers tightly to prevent the filling from escaping.
Chilling the turnovers before baking helps to prevent the pastry from shrinking.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
Calories: Approximately 350 per turnover (without cream filling)
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 200mg
Conclusion
These homemade apple turnovers are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of warm apples and cinnamon with the flaky goodness of puff pastry. Whether you choose to enjoy them plain or with a decadent cream filling, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. So gather your ingredients and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible apple turnovers!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
- Can I use different types of apples for the filling? Yes, you can definitely experiment with different types of apples. Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness that balances well with the sweetness of the sugar, but you could also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples for a sweeter filling. A combination of different apple varieties can also add complexity to the flavor.
- Can I make the apple filling ahead of time? Yes, you can make the apple filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before assembling the turnovers.
- Can I freeze the assembled turnovers before baking? Yes, you can freeze the assembled turnovers before baking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- What is stabilized whipped cream, and why is it recommended for the cream-filled version? Stabilized whipped cream is whipped cream that has been treated to prevent it from deflating or becoming watery. It typically involves adding gelatin, cornstarch, or other stabilizing agents to the cream before whipping. It is recommended for the cream-filled version of these turnovers because it will help the cream hold its shape and prevent the turnovers from becoming soggy.
- Can I use store-bought apple pie filling instead of making my own? While it is possible to use store-bought apple pie filling, the flavor and texture may not be as good as homemade. Store-bought fillings often contain artificial flavors and preservatives, and they can be overly sweet or have a gloppy texture. If you do use store-bought filling, be sure to drain off any excess liquid before using it in the turnovers.
