Homemade Apple Turnovers

There’s something magical about biting into a warm, flaky apple turnover. The sweetness of baked apples, enhanced by cinnamon and sugar, wrapped in golden, crispy pastry, is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Homemade apple turnovers are not only delicious but also easy to make, whether you opt for a quick store-bought puff pastry or decide to create your own from scratch. This recipe will guide you through crafting these delightful pastries that can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert. Serve them warm, drizzled with salted caramel, and you’ll have a comforting dessert that everyone will love.

Ingredients about Homemade Apple Turnovers

List of ingredients with measurements

To make your homemade apple turnovers, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb homemade rough puff pastry or 2 sheets of store-bought frozen puff pastry (thawed)
• 2 cups peeled and diced apples (approximately 2 medium apples)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon milk (any kind)
• 1/2 cup salted caramel (optional for drizzling)

Optional ingredient substitutions

If you’re looking to customize your apple turnovers, consider these substitutions:

• For the apples, you can use any variety, such as Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Honeycrisp for a sweeter option.
• Instead of granulated sugar, feel free to use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you need a healthier option.
• If you don’t have cornstarch, all-purpose flour can work as a thickener for the apple filling.
• You can replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
• For those who prefer to avoid egg, you can use a mixture of flaxseed meal and water or a store-bought egg replacer for the egg wash.

How to Make Homemade Apple Turnovers

Step 1: Prepare the pastry

Start by preparing your rough puff pastry according to your recipe’s instructions, ensuring it is chilled and ready to use. If you are using store-bought puff pastry, ensure it has fully thawed before moving on to the filling.

Step 2: Cook the apple filling

In a medium saucepan, place your diced apples, cornstarch, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sugar. Heat over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly for about 5 minutes until the apples begin to soften. Once they are slightly cooked, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully. After this time, remove the saucepan from heat and allow the apple filling to cool for about 20 minutes.

Step 3: Cut the pastry

While the filling cools, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. If you are using homemade puff pastry, roll it out into a 12-inch square on a lightly floured surface. Cut the rolled dough into nine 4-inch squares. If you are using store-bought puff pastry, simply cut each of the two sheets into four equal squares, giving you a total of eight squares.

Step 4: Assemble the turnovers

After cutting the pastry, it’s time to assemble the turnovers. Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto the center of each pastry square. Carefully fold one corner of the square over the filling to create a triangle shape. Next, crimp the edges using a fork to seal in the filling, making sure there are no openings. Place the shaped turnovers in the refrigerator to chill for at least 15 minutes; this will firm them up and prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

Step 5: Bake the turnovers

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). While the oven heats, whisk together the egg and milk in a small bowl to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the tops of each chilled turnover for a beautiful golden finish. Use a sharp knife to cut 2 or 3 small steam vents in the tops of the turnovers; this will allow steam to escape and help them bake evenly. Place the turnovers in the preheated oven and bake for 23 to 25 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. If desired, drizzle with salted caramel sauce before serving to add an extra layer of flavor.

How to Serve Homemade Apple Turnovers

Best ways to serve Homemade Apple Turnovers

Serve your homemade apple turnovers warm for the best experience. The combination of flaky pastry and warm apple filling makes each bite delightful. You can enjoy them plain, or for an added touch of indulgence, serve them fresh out of the oven drizzled with salted caramel sauce. A dusting of powdered sugar on top can make them look a little more elegant, especially for a special occasion.

Serving suggestions or pairings

To elevate your apple turnover experience, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. The cold creaminess pairs beautifully with the warm, sweet turnovers. A cup of hot coffee, tea, or apple cider complements this treat perfectly, making it an ideal pairing for a cozy afternoon snack or a dessert after dinner.

How to Store Homemade Apple Turnovers

Proper storage methods

To keep your homemade apple turnovers fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. If you need to store them longer, placing them in the refrigerator is advisable, where they can last for up to 5 days.

Tips for reheating or freezing

To reheat your turnovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the turnovers on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through. If you’re considering freezing your turnovers, it’s best to freeze them before baking. Simply assemble the turnovers, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Once solid, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Tips to Make Homemade Apple Turnovers

Common mistakes to avoid

One of the most common mistakes when making apple turnovers is overfilling them. While it’s tempting to add a generous amount of filling, too much can cause the turnovers to burst open during baking. Stick to the suggested 2-3 tablespoons for each pastry square. Additionally, make sure to crimp the edges well to ensure they seal properly.

Helpful tips for better results

For perfectly flaky turnovers, ensure your puff pastry is adequately chilled throughout the process. Warm dough can become tough and lose its ability to puff during baking. It’s also crucial to keep the filling cooled before assembling the turnovers to avoid soggy pastry. Lastly, do not skip the chilling step after shaping the turnovers; this extra time helps them hold their shape beautifully in the oven.

Variation of Homemade Apple Turnovers

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

For a variation on your apple turnovers, try adding other fruits like pears or blueberries to the apple filling for a fruit medley. You could also incorporate nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor. To spice things up, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the apple filling for a deeper flavor profile.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

If you are looking to make a gluten-free version of the apple turnover, substitute the regular pastry with gluten-free puff pastry available at many grocery stores. For a vegan option, use a non-dairy butter or oil for the pastry and replace the egg wash with a mixture of almond milk and maple syrup for a golden shine.

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your apple turnovers aren’t puffing up, it could be due to the butter in the pastry not being cold enough, or the dough being overworked. Ensure your butter is cold and maintain minimal handling of the dough. If the filling leaks during baking, try crimping the edges better and keeping the filling amount within the recommended amount.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the turnovers and freeze them before baking. When ready to serve, bake straight from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

If you do not have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent. Any variety of apples can be used, so feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand. For the egg wash, non-dairy milk or a mixture of maple syrup and water can be used for a vegan alternative, which will still give a nice finish to your turnovers.

With this simple yet delicious recipe for homemade apple turnovers, you can bring the warm and comforting flavors of apple pie into a flaky, portable form. Whether for a cozy family breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, or a sweet ending to your dinner, these turnovers are sure to impress. Enjoy the process of making them, and don’t forget to share with loved ones—if you can resist the urge to keep them all for yourself!

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