Apple Turnovers
Apple turnovers are a classic dessert that can bring warmth and nostalgia to any occasion. There’s something undeniably delightful about flaky pastry filled with sweet, spiced apples. This recipe has been a favorite in my own kitchen, often making appearances during cozy family gatherings or weekend brunches. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these turnovers are approachable and satisfying, making them perfect for both special celebrations and casual treats.
Reasons to Try It
If you’re on the fence about making apple turnovers, let me share why this recipe deserves a space in your culinary repertoire. Firstly, it’s impressively simple and yields a beautiful result without requiring advanced baking skills. These turnovers are budget-friendly, utilizing basic ingredients you likely already have on hand. Plus, they’re a hit with both kids and adults alike, making them perfect for family gatherings. Imagine serving these golden pastries at a fall brunch or as a sweet after-dinner treat – guests will be coming back for seconds!
“I’ve made these turnovers for my family numerous times, and they disappear in minutes! The combination of flaky pastry and spiced apple filling is unbeatable!”
Step-by-Step Overview
Creating these apple turnovers is a rewarding process that can be broken down into simple steps. You’ll begin by preparing the apple filling, then move on to assembling your turnovers using puff pastry. After a short chill in the fridge to enhance puffing, they’re golden-brown perfection right from the oven. Here’s how it all comes together:
What You’ll Need
To create these delightful apple turnovers, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced into 1.25cm cubes (about 6 cups)
- 2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 2 square puff pastry sheets (25 cm / 10", butter preferred)
- 1 egg, whisked (for egg wash)
- 2 batches of stabilized whipped cream or stiff whipped cream
- 1 batch of whipped cream for dunking
- Icing sugar/powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Feel free to swap Granny Smith apples for other tart varieties, or use fresh fruit whenever possible to enhance the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Make the Filling: Start by placing the diced apples in a large saucepan. Toss them with cornflour, then add in cinnamon, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium to medium-high heat for about five minutes, or until the apples are softened but still have a bit of bite.
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Cool the Filling: Transfer the apple mixture to a large plate, spreading it out to cool completely. This step ensures that your filling doesn’t make the pastry soggy.
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Preheat the Oven: While the filling cools, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F or 180°C fan).
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Prepare the Turnovers: Cut each puff pastry sheet into four squares. Brush the edges of two sides with the whisked egg. Spoon some of the cooled apple filling onto the egg-brushed side, then fold over the pastry to create a triangle shape. Seal the edges with a fork.
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Chill Before Baking: Place the turnovers in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes; this helps them puff up nicely in the oven.
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Bake: Transfer the chilled turnovers onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the leftover egg wash and use a fork to stab three slits in each turnover for steam to escape. Bake for 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve these warm, dusted with icing sugar, and accompanied by whipped cream for dunking.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These apple turnovers are best enjoyed fresh from the oven. For an extra touch, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for indulgence. You can also pair them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you find yourself with any leftover turnovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate them for a longer shelf life. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven to retain that flaky texture. They can also be frozen for up to three months; simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap before sealing them in a freezer bag.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Apple Selection: While Granny Smith apples are perfect for their tartness, feel free to mix in a sweeter variety, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, for a more nuanced flavor.
- Egg Wash Alternatives: If you’re vegan, you can substitute the egg wash with almond milk or a simple mixture of water and flour for a similar shine.
- Puff Pastry: To achieve maximum puff, ensure your pastries remain chilled before baking.
Creative Twists
Looking to switch things up? Here are some variations to try:
- Spiced Pear Turnovers: Substitute some or all of the apples with pears for a delightful twist.
- Add Nuts: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch and an added layer of flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once baked and cooled, drizzle some melted chocolate over the tops for a decadent touch.
Your Questions Answered
- What is the prep time for apple turnovers? The total prep time is around 45 minutes, including cooking, cooling, and assembly.
- Can I use different types of apples? Absolutely! Try using a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor profile.
- How do I ensure my pastries are crispy? Make sure to chill them before baking and avoid overfilling to keep them crisp on the outside.
These apple turnovers are not just a dessert; they are a comforting reminder of home and tradition. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll be filling your kitchen with the aromas of cinnamon and sweet apples, creating memories that last long after the last bite.
Apple Turnovers
Ingredients
Method
- Place the diced apples in a large saucepan, toss them with cornflour, then add in cinnamon, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium to medium-high heat for about five minutes, or until the apples are softened but still have a bit of bite.
- Transfer the apple mixture to a large plate, spreading it out to cool completely.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F or 180°C fan).
- Cut each puff pastry sheet into four squares. Brush the edges of two sides with the whisked egg.
- Spoon some of the cooled apple filling onto the egg-brushed side, then fold over the pastry to create a triangle shape. Seal the edges with a fork.
- Place the turnovers in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to help them puff up nicely in the oven.
- Transfer the chilled turnovers onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the leftover egg wash and use a fork to stab three slits in each turnover for steam to escape.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Serve warm, dusted with icing sugar, and accompanied by whipped cream for dunking.
