Nothing hits better than an apple and cinnamon combination when fall gives you the best apples. The sweet and woody aroma fills up the house on a quiet evening and suddenly everyone comes looking for the source. These easy puff pastry apple turnovers with homemade apple pie filling are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
Making this recipe for the first time might look daunting, but if you follow the instructions I’m sharing, you’ll be surprised at how quick and easy it is. I promise you, these delicious apple treats are worth it! These apple turnovers can be made with store bought puff pastry dough. As for the filling, you can make your own apple pie filling (shared below) or use store bought.
After enjoying these flaky puff pastry apple turnovers, you’ll want to try my Apple Cinnamon Waffles for breakfast! They’re packed with warm spices and fresh green apples, perfect for a weekend brunch or an autumn-inspired treat.
Looking for more puff pastry recipes? Try my Puff pastry hearts and Nutella puff pastry swirls , my favorite desserts!
Jump to:
- WHY YOU WILL LOVE THESE PUFF PASTRY APPLE TURNOVERS
- INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS FOR APPLE TURNOVERS RECIPE
- INSTRUCTIONS (How to Make Apple Turnovers with Puff Pastry )
- Bake and serve
- VARIATIONS FOR PUFF PASTRY APPLE TURNOVERS
- SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR APPLE TURNOVERS WITH PUFF PASTRY
- Equipment
- STORAGE AND REHEATING TIPS
- TOP TIPS FOR APPLE TURNOVERS RECIPE
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Puff pastry apple turnovers with apple pie filling
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THESE PUFF PASTRY APPLE TURNOVERS
- Freezer Friendly: Making apple turnovers is very easy and simple, but if you have a busy schedule, you can make a batch and freeze them for up to two weeks. I’ve shared details in the storage and reheating tips at the bottom.
- Fruity and Woody Aroma: These apple turnovers have a strong fruity smell because of the apples. The cinnamon in the filling hits the right spots when you bake them. It gives you fall vibes instantly.
- Great Texture: The flaky and crispy puff pastry crumbles in your mouth and the gooey apple filling melts. Kids love it. It’s not chewy at all. The texture of this apple turnovers recipe is best enjoyed when it’s fresh.
- Simple Ingredients: For this apple turnovers recipe you don’t need any fancy ingredients. You can find the puff pastry dough at any store. The apple pie filling is also really easy to make. You can use any type of apples for this recipe, but I personally prefer Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples.
INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS FOR APPLE TURNOVERS RECIPE
The ingredients you need for making this recipe:
For the Apple pie Filling:
- Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Peel and core the apples once they’re washed. Dice them in the same size.
- Unsalted Butter: Use unsalted butter because apple pie spice is already slightly salty. You can use plant based butter instead of dairy.
- Light Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar instead of brown so that the filling is not too dark. You can also use other alternatives like agave nectar or coconut sugar.
- Ground Cinnamon: You need a teaspoon of cinnamon for the signature nutty and woody flavor for this apple pie filling recipe.
- Apple Pie Spice: Use apple pie spice for making your filling for apple turnovers with puff pastry.
- Water: You’ll need two tablespoons of water to soften the apples.
- Lemon juice: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice for a citrusy punch to balance the sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water for thickening.
For the Turnovers:
- Puff Pastry: You’ll need 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry. Let it thaw on the counter or in the fridge before using.
- Egg: For that golden color of the crispy pastry, you’ll need one egg.
- Water: Water is required for making the eggwash.
To make Glaze:
- Powdered Sugar: You can also substitute it with powdered coconut sugar.
- Milk: Both dairy and plant-based milk options are suitable for this apple turnovers recipe.
See recipe card for quantities.
INSTRUCTIONS (How to Make Apple Turnovers with Puff Pastry )
Make the Apple Filling
In a saucepan, cook apples with butter, sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice until soft and syrupy for about 8–10 minutes.
Let the filling cool completely.
Prepare the Puff Pastry
Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to package instructions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry and cut into even squares (6 squares)
Place a spoonful of cooled apple filling in the center of each puff pastry square.
Assemble the Turnovers
Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle. Seal the edges with a fork.
Cut a small slit or poke a hole in the top for steam to escape. Brush each turnover with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake and serve
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Let turnovers cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.
Drizzle with icing and enjoy once the icing is set.
Hint: Don't forget to brush the egg wash on top of the pastries before baking to get that golden and crispy color on top of the turnovers.
VARIATIONS FOR PUFF PASTRY APPLE TURNOVERS
There are quite many variations you try with this recipe. All of the versions are simple and easy.
- Apple Pecan Turnovers: Apples go really well with pecan nuts. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the nuts for 10 minutes. Chop them and add to your apple pie filling.
- Apple Coconut Turnovers: Add a twist to this apple turnovers recipe by adding desiccated shredded coconut to the apple pie filling. You can also sprinkle it on top of the pastry.
- Apple Pear Turnovers: Apples and Pears taste great together. Simply peel, core and dice the pear just like apples. Mix diced pear and apple to make the filling. The rest of the recipe will be the same.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR APPLE TURNOVERS WITH PUFF PASTRY
Coffee/Tea: These delicious turnovers can be a perfect breakfast, served with a hot cup of coffee or vanilla bean latte or salted caramel latte.
Waffles and Scones: You can make this recipe and serve it along with apple cinnamon waffles and scones at hi-tea or brunch.
Fruit-forward treats: Try my Blackberry Oatmeal Cookies or Berry chia seed pudding for a delicious and satisfying pairing.
With Mocktails: These flaky and crispy turnovers are perfectly paired with evening mocktails like blueberry mojito.
With Ice Cream: Just like waffles, you can serve apple turnovers with a scoop of ice cream after lunch or dinner. It can make a good dessert.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet: For baking the turnovers.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Medium Saucepan: To cook the apple filling.
- Pastry Brush: For brushing egg wash on the turnovers.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accuracy in ingredients.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the turnovers after baking.
STORAGE AND REHEATING TIPS
Storage Tips:
- You can store apple turnovers with puff pastry in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
- You can prepare and freeze the turnovers in the freezer for two weeks. Use an airtight container or freezer bag.
Reheating Tips:
- Thaw the frozen turnovers in the fridge. Bake the raw ones for 20-25 minutes. Pre-baked only need 5-7 minutes in the oven.
TOP TIPS FOR APPLE TURNOVERS RECIPE
- Drizzle the glaze over slightly cooled turnover, otherwise they’ll get soggy.
- To keep them crisp and flaky, place the turnovers on a cooling rack in a single layer.
- Don’t over do the filling.
- Use cooled filling or else it will get mushy after baking.
FAQ
Let the filling cool completely before assembling. Avoid overfilling, and make a small vent in each turnover so steam can escape while baking.
Apple the egg wash around the corners of the square and use a fork, apply light pressure to the edges of the pastry. This will seal the puff pastry without tearing the dough.
Apple turnovers are made with pastry dough, whereas apple strudel is made with stretched dough that’s extremely thin. The layers in turnovers are from the puff pastry while the strudel is made by rolling the dough over the filling many times.
Apple turnover is called “Chaussons aux pommes” in French, meaning French Apple Turnovers. They're the same thing as apple turnovers with puff pastry.
Yes! You can assemble the turnovers, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Baked turnovers can also be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Make sure your puff pastry is cold when it goes into the oven and that your oven is fully preheated. Warm pastry or a cool oven can prevent those flaky layers from rising.
Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the filling perfectly.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Homemade Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers recipe:
If you tried this Easy Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers recipe or any other recipe from my blog, I’d love to hear your thoughts! ⭐ Please leave a STAR rating and share your experience in the COMMENTS below. Your support means so much and helps me continue creating delicious recipes. Thank you for being part of this journey!
Puff pastry apple turnovers with apple pie filling
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper
- Skillet
- Rolling Pin
- Fork
- Pastry Brush
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Apple pie Filling:
- 4 medium apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon apple pie spice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 teaspoon water for thickening
For the Apple Turnovers:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry thawed
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Make the Apple Filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, apple pie spice, water and lemon juice. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the apples soften.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) and cook for another 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry and cut into 6 equal squares.
- Meanwhile, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Set it aside.
- Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of apple filling onto the center of each square.
- Brush the outer corners of the square with egg wash and fold each square diagonally to form a triangle. Press edges with a fork to seal.
- Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Brush over the tops of each turnover. Cut small slits in the center.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk.
- Drizzle over slightly cooled apple turnovers. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Work quickly and keep the puff pastry dough chilled to ensure the flakiest layers.
- Make sure your apple filling is completely cooled before assembling to prevent soggy pastry.
- Fill the pastry with just enough filling so the turnovers seal well and don’t burst open in the oven.
- Don't forget to cut a small slit in each turnover to allow steam to escape during baking.
Therese says
I can not wait to make these! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Abi Guna says
Please give it a try and let me know how it turns out:) Thank you!
Rebecca gaytan says
What’s the calorie content on them. Also the macros?
Abi Guna says
Hi Rebecca, the calories are approximately 310 kcal per apple turnover, and I have updated the macors in the "Nutrition" section of the recipe card. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Karina says
These were so good, they almost didn't make it to dinner for dessert. The apple cinnamon aroma had everyone in the kitchen waiting to get a taste. It was a breeze to do and I'll be making more. Thanks.
Abi Guna says
yay! Glad you enjoyed the recipe, puff pastry with apples are just amazing to enjoy in this season!
Risa says
I love apple desserts, and this puff pastry treat looks amazing. Your homemade apple pie filling looks so delicious! Can't wait to try this!
Abi Guna says
I'm so happy to hear that, homemade pie filling are the BEST!
Kanyi says
These looks so yummy! Could I use pears instead of apples?
Abi Guna says
Of course you can use pears instead of apples and follow the exact same recipe 🙂 Let me know if you try this recipe!
Leanne says
This was so delicious! I froze some and will reheat for breakfast treats!
Abi Guna says
I'm so glad to hear that, what a wonderful treat to enjoy in this apple season!
Courtney says
Love how simple these were to make with the puff pastry! Can't wait to try these again with some locally grown apples in the fall 🙂
Abi Guna says
Do give it a try and let me know how you liked it!
Cara Leonard says
Perfect for apple season!
Abi Guna says
Agree! Best dessert with apples during apple season!
Eva says
Apple recipes have my heart. These look incredible, I can’t wait to make these.
Abi Guna says
Do try and let me know how it turned out:)
Madhu says
These look absolutely perfect for fall! Love how golden and flaky the pastry turned out, definitely trying this for a weekend breakfast treat!
Abi Guna says
I'm so glad to hear that, try and let me know how you liked these turnovers 🙂
Abi Guna says
I just love how puff pastry makes baking so simple and fun! You get those beautiful, flaky layers with hardly any work, and the results always look like they came from a bakery. It’s my favorite shortcut for quick treats like these apple turnovers, honestly, anyone can make them and impress a crowd!