Easy Apple Turnovers (VIDEO)

Homemade Apple Turnovers are delightful pastries made with flaky puff pastry filled with a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling that tastes just like classic apple pie. They look fancy but really come together with just a few simple ingredients and easy steps. Check out the video tutorial, and I’ll show you how quick and fuss-free these treats can be!

Apple Turnover Recipe

If you’ve hung out here before, you’ll know I adore apple treats like Baked Apples and our Sharlotka Apple Cake. This apple turnover recipe is another favorite for me because it’s so easy and the filling tastes exactly like my go-to Apple Pie. It’s one of those effortless apple desserts you can whip up quickly with store-bought puff pastry, and the best part? You can even make them ahead and pop them in the freezer for when you need a quick dessert fix.

These turnovers are as easy as they come, making them perfect whenever you want something sweet but without a big mess. They’re single-serving, which means everyone gets their own little pie pocket! We usually dig in after dinner, but honestly, I’ve also served these for breakfast or as a cozy snack during the day. Apples and cinnamon are a win no matter when you enjoy them.

Watch How to Make Apple Turnovers

Don’t let these turnovers intimidate you. They’re super straightforward! Watch the video, and you’ll see how easy it is to become a pro at making these flaky, apple-filled pastries. I keep frozen puff pastry handy at all times because you never know when you’ll want a warm apple treat.

What is an Apple Turnover?

An apple turnover is basically a piece of pastry dough, usually puff pastry, filled with sweet apple filling, then folded, sealed, and baked until golden and crisp. Think of it as a hand-held apple pie, perfect for on-the-go snacking or a casual dessert. This little treat gives you a warm bite of fruit wrapped in buttery puff pastry, which is just so comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients for Apple Turnovers

For these turnovers, you just need a handful of everyday ingredients you likely have on hand. The filling is made with fresh apples, butter, and a few pantry staples, and then it’s all wrapped in store-bought puff pastry—no complicated dough required! Since the puff pastry isn’t sweet on its own, we finish with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and cream that really makes these feel like they came from a bakery.

• Apples – peeled and chopped. I love using Granny Smith for their tartness and firm texture, but really, almost any apple will work. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing a sweeter apple like Pink Lady or Honeycrisp—just keep in mind to adjust the sugar if your apples are sweeter.
• Filling ingredients – you’ll dust your work surface with a bit of flour, plus butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and eggs (plus a little water for brushing the dough).
• Puff Pastry – available in most grocery stores in the freezer aisle, usually near the pie crusts. Follow the package instructions for thawing.
• Glaze ingredients – powdered sugar and heavy cream come together for a luscious drizzle on top.

How to Make Apple Turnovers

This recipe is so straightforward yet turns out looking and tasting like a bakery treat. If you watch the video above, you’ll see how easy it is to whip these up. Let’s get to it!

1. Thaw your puff pastry according to the package directions while you preheat the oven to 400˚F.
2. Cook the butter and diced apples in a pot over medium heat until the apples become tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Mix in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, stirring as it thickens for about 3 minutes. Remove from the stove and set aside to cool.
4. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about an 11-inch square. Cut into 4 even squares using a knife or pizza cutter. Spoon the apple mixture onto half of each square, keeping at least a half-inch border.
5. Whisk together the egg and water. Brush this egg wash lightly around the edges of the pastry squares. Fold the dough over to form triangles and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal everything tightly.
6. Place the turnovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced an inch apart. Cut a couple of small slits on each to let steam escape. For less mess, you can chill uncovered for 20 minutes before baking. Brush the tops with more egg wash and bake at 400°F for around 20 minutes until puffed and golden.
7. Whisk together powdered sugar and cream for the glaze. While the turnovers are still warm, drizzle this glaze generously on top.

How to Keep Apple Turnover Filling from Leaking?

Let’s be real — even with the best effort, sometimes a turnover decides to leak a bit of juice, and that’s totally normal. But to cut down on leaks, try these handy tips:

• Use that egg wash to help seal the pastry edges tightly.
• Press and crimp firmly all along the edge to close the dough well.
• Pop your turnovers in the fridge uncovered for about 20 minutes before baking. This helps the dough firm up and hold the filling better.

Can you Freeze Apple Turnovers Before Baking?

Absolutely! After you’ve filled and folded your turnovers but before brushing them with egg wash, flash freeze them flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Once frozen solid, tuck them into a freezer-safe Ziploc bag. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen turnovers on a baking sheet (no need to thaw), brush with egg wash, and bake at 400˚F for 23 to 25 minutes. It’s so convenient to have a batch waiting in the freezer for busy days or unexpected guests.

Storing Leftovers

Once your apple turnovers have cooled, you can keep them out on the counter for a day or stash them in the fridge if you want to save them a bit longer. If freezing, do this before drizzling the glaze for best results.

• To Refrigerate: Let your turnovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Cool completely, freeze flat on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag to store.
• To Reheat: Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature, then warm them up in a low oven to bring back their crispness.

Give this simple, scrumptious apple turnover recipe a try, and you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly they come together while delivering that gourmet apple pie flavor everyone loves. The crispy, buttery puff pastry pairs perfectly with the soft, sweet apple filling, making these turnovers a total crowd-pleaser. I promise, once you try them, you’ll be hooked just like me!

What Can You Do with Lots of Apples?

If you find yourself with piles of apples this fall, start with these cozy apple turnovers. Then use up the rest by making easy homemade applesauce or baking one of these classic apple desserts everyone in the family will enjoy:

• Sauteed Cinnamon Apples – a quick stovetop treat perfect on pancakes or oatmeal
• Apple Crisp – warm and comforting with a crunchy oat topping
• Apple Bread – a moist and flavorful way to enjoy apples in every bite
• Dutch Apple Pie – for when you want a traditional pie with a crumbly topping
• Caramel Apples – a fun snack everyone loves
• Apple Rice Pudding – a creamy, sweet dessert with a hint of fruit
• Apple Cider – a tasty drink to warm you up
• Apple Pancakes – add apples for a fruity breakfast twist

Apple Turnover Recipe

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