How to create buttery flaky puff pastry apple turnovers

How to Create Buttery Flaky Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers: A Simple Guide

If you’re a fan of sweet treats and pastries, apple turnovers are a must-try dessert that combines buttery, flaky puff pastry with a sweet apple filling. The best part? You can make them at home without needing any fancy equipment or advanced baking skills. In this blog, we’ll take you step-by-step through the process of making delicious apple turnovers using puff pastry. You’ll impress your family and friends with a bakery-worthy dessert in no time!

What Are Apple Turnovers?

Apple turnovers are pastry pockets filled with a warm, spiced apple mixture. The puff pastry creates a light, flaky texture that pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy apples inside. They’re versatile too—you can enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or even with coffee in the morning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make buttery and flaky apple turnovers:

For the apple filling:

3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices)
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

For the puff pastry:

1 pack of store-bought puff pastry sheets (thawed)
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon milk (to mix with the egg)

Optional toppings:
– Powdered sugar for dusting
– Glaze made from powdered sugar and milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and chop apples: Start by peeling three medium apples. Remove the cores and chop the apples into small cubes. You want them small enough to cook evenly and fit nicely into the turnovers.
Cook the apples: In a medium skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. Stir everything together so the apples are coated with the sugar and spices.
Simmer until softened: Cook the apples for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the apples soften and release their juices.
Thicken the filling: Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Add this to the apple mixture and stir well. Cook for another minute or two until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Thaw the puff pastry: If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, make sure it’s fully thawed before you begin. Puff pastry is typically sold frozen, so leave it in the refrigerator overnight or let it sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes.
Roll out the pastry (optional): Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll out the puff pastry sheets to make them slightly thinner and larger. This step is optional but can help you create lighter, crispier turnovers.
Cut the pastry into squares: Use a knife or pizza cutter to divide the puff pastry into squares. About 4–5 inches per square works well for apple turnovers.

Step 3: Assemble the Apple Turnovers

Add the filling: Place about 1–2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto the center of each puff pastry square.
Seal the turnovers: Fold the pastry diagonally to create a triangle shape, enclosing the apple filling. Press the edges together with your fingers or use a fork to crimp the edges and give them a decorative look. This also ensures the turnovers stay sealed while baking.
Apply the egg wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of milk. Brush this mixture lightly on the tops of the turnovers. This will help them turn golden brown and shiny in the oven.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Bake: Arrange the turnovers on the baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed up.
Cool slightly: Remove the turnovers from the oven and let them cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

Optional Finishing Touches

Dust with powdered sugar: Sprinkle some powdered sugar over the turnovers for a bit of added sweetness and a pretty finish.
Add a glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a few teaspoons of milk to create a simple glaze. Drizzle this over the turnovers for an extra decorative touch.

Tips for Success

Work quickly with puff pastry: Puff pastry is delicate and can become sticky if left out for too long. Keep it cool while working with it.
Don’t overfill the turnovers: Too much filling can make it hard to seal the edges and may cause leaks during baking.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add raisins, chopped walnuts, or caramel to the apple mixture for a unique twist.

Conclusion

Making buttery, flaky apple turnovers at home is easier than you might think! With store-bought puff pastry and a homemade apple filling, you can whip up a delicious dessert in under an hour. The soft spiced apples nestled inside the golden, crispy pastry are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

So grab your apron and get baking—your kitchen will soon be filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked apple turnovers!