Easy Apple Turnovers

This fancy apple turnover recipe will make you feel like a pastry chef.

Freshly cut apples are simmered in a brown sugar cinnamon combo and then tucked into puff pastry pockets. They’re baked until golden and flaky. Elegant, but oh, so easy!

You actually won’t believe how easy these are to make!

Homemade Apple Turnovers

Who doesn’t love an apple turnover hot and fresh from the oven? They remind me of my Grandma who always called them “Apple Upside Downs”.

This easy recipe uses fresh apples and just a handful of ingredients.
Store-bought puff pastry makes the perfect flaky dessert but keeps the prep super simple. Time and energy-saving!
Make individual apple turnovers for a party or picnic and watch them disappear (half the size to make them mini!).
Everyone loves a hand-held treat. Perfect for tucking into a lunchbox or briefcase for a sweet surprise!

apples , brown sugar , puff pastry , egg , cinnamon , butter and cornstarch to make Easy Apple Turnovers with labels

Ingredients for Apple Turnovers

Puff Pastry – This recipe starts with frozen sheets of puff pastry. Puff pastry is easy to work with and has thin layers of dough that bake into an extra flaky crust. You can use pie pastry instead and while it won’t have the same flaky texture, it’ll still taste great.

Apples – We prefer tart Granny Smith apples for their fresh flavor and since they hold their shape well. You can use any variety, however, the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly. Ensure the apples are cooked just to tender so they don’t get mushy.

Shortcut – Swap out the apples with canned pie filling. If using canned, chop the apples a bit finer. If you have leftover homemade apple pie filling (or any flavor!) that will work too.

Sugar and Spice – And everything nice. The flavor of fresh apples is accented with a little brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Kick up the flavor with this DIY apple pie spice blend.

apples in a bowl to make Easy Apple Turnovers

adding apple filling to pastry to make Easy Apple Turnovers

How to Make Apple Turnovers

Make this easy recipe with the kids!

Thaw Pastry: Thaw puff pastry and use a rolling pin to roll into a square.
Make Filling: Cook the apples with a bit of sugar and spice (per the recipe below).
Fill Turnovers: Cut the pastry into 4 squares and top with the apple mixture. Fold in half and seal the edges.
Bake: Brush with egg wash for shine & sprinkle with optional sugar or sliced almonds. Bake until the turnovers are puffed & golden.

open Easy Apple Turnovers to show filling

OPTIONAL GLAZE: Whisk together a cup of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Drizzle over turnovers while they are still hot from the oven.

Or, garnish apple turnovers with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, caramel sauce, or homemade no-churn vanilla ice cream!

cooked Easy Apple Turnovers on a sheet pan

Keep leftover apple turnovers in the refrigerator for about 4 days. Freeze chilled apple turnovers in a zippered bag for up to 4 weeks. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before reheating, or enjoy them cold!

PRO TIP: Reheating in the air fryer will restore the crispy flakiness on the outside!

Delicious Hand-Held Desserts

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Soft and sweet apples in a flaky pastry, baked until golden, and drizzled with glaze!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Remove puff pastry from the freezer to thaw.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine apples with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Mix 2 tablespoons of water and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Add to the apple mixture.
Cover and cook stirring occasionally until softened, about 4 minutes or until very slightly softened and the sauce has thickened. Remove from the heat and cool.
Lightly dust the work surface with flour. Gently roll the puff pastry into a 14-inch square. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut it into 4 squares.
Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon water and brush the edges of the 4 pieces with the egg wash.
Divide the cooled apple mixture over the pastry. Fold each turnover diagonally and press the edges with a fork to seal. Brush the tops with remaining egg wash and with a knife, cut a couple of small slits in each turnover. Sprinkle with additional sugar if desired.
Bake 25-30 minutes or until puffed and golden. Cool slightly before serving.

Optional Glaze: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Drizzle over turnovers. Apples: Use any variety, however the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly. Ensure the apples are cooked just to tender so they don’t get mushy. Storage: Keep leftover turnovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze chilled turnovers in a zippered bag for up to 4 weeks. Reheating: Reheating turnovers in the air fryer (or oven) at a low temperature for a few minutes will restore the crispy flakiness on the outside. A microwave will make the pastry soft.

5 from 1 vote↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

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