How to Create Golden Caramelized Apple Turnovers: A Simple Guide
There’s something magical about biting into a flaky, golden pastry filled with warm, caramelized apples. Apple turnovers are a dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. Whether you’re looking for a treat to enjoy with coffee, share at a holiday gathering, or simply indulge your sweet tooth, homemade apple turnovers are a delicious and rewarding choice.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through creating golden caramelized apple turnovers step by step using simple ingredients and techniques. By the end, your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll be a turnover-making pro.
What Are Apple Turnovers?
Apple turnovers are individual hand pies filled with spiced apple. The filling is often cooked down until soft and sweetened with sugar or caramel sauce. Then, the mixture is wrapped in puff pastry, baked until golden, and finished with a glaze or sugar dusting. They’re flaky, buttery, and oh-so-delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make caramelized apple turnovers:
For the Filling:
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (or white sugar)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to balance sweetness)
For the Pastry:
- 1 package puff pastry (store-bought, thawed)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (to mix with the egg)
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Icing glaze (made from powdered sugar and milk)
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
The heart of the turnover is its apple filling, and caramelizing the apples adds depth and sweetness.
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Peel and chop the apples: Start by peeling your apples and cutting them into small, bite-sized cubes. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.
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Cook the apples: In a medium-sized pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the apple chunks, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well to coat the apples in the buttery, sugary mixture.
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Caramelize the apples: Allow the apples to cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and the sugar forms a thick caramel sauce. Be careful not to let the mixture burn.
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Add lemon juice: Stir in the lemon juice at the end to brighten up the flavors. Taste the filling to ensure it’s sweet and flavorful. Then, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Puff pastry is the star of the show, creating the flaky, buttery layers that make turnovers irresistible.
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Prepare the pastry: If you’re using frozen puff pastry, make sure it’s fully thawed but still cold to the touch. Roll it out slightly on a floured surface to make it even.
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Cut into squares: Use a knife or pizza cutter to divide the pastry into equal squares. Depending on how large you want your turnovers, aim for about 6–8 squares per sheet.
Step 3: Fill and Fold
This is where the magic begins!
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Add filling: Scoop a tablespoon or two of the cooled apple filling onto one side of each pastry square, leaving space around the edges.
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Fold the pastry: Fold the pastry into a triangle, covering the filling. Press the edges together gently to seal the turnover. Try using a fork to crimp the edges for both style and better sealing.
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Make an egg wash: Whisk the egg with the tablespoon of water, then brush it over the tops of the turnovers. This egg wash will help them bake to a beautiful golden color.
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Cut slits for venting: Cut a small slit or two on the top of each turnover. This helps steam escape and prevents them from bursting.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Arrange turnovers: Place the turnovers on the baking sheet, leaving space between each.
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Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the turnovers puff up and turn golden brown on the outside. Rotate the pan halfway for even baking.
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Cool slightly: Remove the turnovers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before adding any toppings.
Step 5: Add Final Touches
This step is optional but makes your turnovers extra special.
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Dust with powdered sugar: Use a sieve to sprinkle powdered sugar lightly over the tops for a pretty, snowy finish.
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Drizzle with glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk or water to create a glaze, then drizzle it over the turnovers. You can go simple or add fun patterns!
Serve and Enjoy
Caramelized apple turnovers are best served warm, but they’re equally delicious at room temperature. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a show-stopping dessert.
Tips for Success
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Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause the turnovers to burst open, so keep a balance.
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Keep the pastry cold: Warm puff pastry can become hard to work with, so keep it chilled until you’re ready to use it.
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Experiment with flavors: Add chopped walnuts, raisins, or a dash of vanilla to your apple filling for extra texture and taste.
There you have it—golden, caramelized apple turnovers made simple. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can create a dessert that wows your family and friends. So roll up your sleeves, grab some fresh apples, and give this recipe a try. You’ll be glad you did! Happy baking!
