Baked Apple Turnover Dessert Recipe

Introduction

This baked apple turnover dessert is a delightful treat featuring tender, caramelized apples wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Simple to prepare yet impressive to serve, it’s perfect for any occasion that calls for a warm, comforting dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 2 cups diced apples (from about 3 small apples)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt
• 1 large egg yolk, beaten
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Peel, core, and dice the apples to get about 2 cups. Slightly less is fine.
3. Step 3: In a sauté pan over medium heat, combine the apples, cinnamon, lemon juice, brown sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the apples soften and caramelize, about 7 minutes.
4. Step 4: Remove the apples from the heat and allow them to cool.
5. Step 5: Roll out the puff pastry into a 12-inch square, using flour as needed to prevent sticking.
6. Step 6: Divide the apple mixture into 4 equal piles, placing each in a corner of the dough while leaving a 3/4-inch border around each pile. Cut the dough into four equal squares, one pile per square.
7. Step 7: Fold the edges of each square over the apple piles to form triangles. Crimp the edges closed using your fingers and the tines of a fork.
8. Step 8: Transfer the turnovers carefully to the prepared baking sheet.
9. Step 9: Brush each turnover generously with the beaten egg yolk and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
10. Step 10: Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart filling.
• Add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the apple mixture for extra texture.
• For an extra glossy finish, brush the turnovers with a simple sugar glaze after baking.
• If you prefer, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon for more warmth.

Storage

Store leftover turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350-degree F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pie dough instead of puff pastry?

Yes, fresh pie dough will work, but puff pastry gives a lighter, flakier texture that complements the caramelized apples perfectly.

Can I prepare the turnovers ahead of time?

You can assemble the turnovers and refrigerate them unbaked for a few hours. Brush with egg wash just before baking. For longer storage, freeze unbaked turnovers and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Baked Apple Turnover Dessert Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 63 reviews

Delight in these warm, flaky Baked Apple Turnovers made with tender apple filling infused with cinnamon and lemon, all wrapped in golden puff pastry. Perfect as a comforting dessert or a sweet snack, these turnovers are easy to prepare and bake to crispy, caramelized perfection.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 turnovers 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Pastry

• 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed

Filling

• 2 cups diced apples (from about 3 small apples)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt

Finishing

• 1 large egg yolk, beaten
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples to make approximately 2 cups. A slight variance in quantity is acceptable.
3. Cook apple filling: In a sauté pan over medium heat, combine diced apples, cinnamon, lemon juice, light brown sugar, unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt. Cook and stir frequently for about 7 minutes until the apples soften and caramelize to enhance their natural sweetness.
4. Cool filling: Remove the apple mixture from heat and allow it to cool completely to avoid soggy pastry when baking.
5. Prepare dough: Roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 12-inch square on a floured surface to prevent sticking.
6. Assemble turnovers: Divide the cooled apple filling into four equal piles positioned in each corner of the dough, leaving about 3/4 inch border around edges. Cut the dough into four equal squares around the piles. Fold edges over the filling to form four triangular turnovers.
7. Seal edges: Crimp the edges securely using your fingers and the tines of a fork to ensure the filling stays inside during baking.
8. Transfer to sheet: Carefully place each formed turnover onto the prepared baking sheet.
9. Apply egg wash: Brush each turnover generously with the beaten egg yolk for a shiny, golden finish. Optionally, sprinkle with coarse sugar for added texture and sweetness.
10. Bake: Bake the turnovers in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Serve warm immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn to balance the sweetness.
• Ensure the filling cools before assembly to keep the pastry flaky and crisp.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
• Coarse sugar on top is optional but adds a delightful crunch.

Keywords: apple turnover, baked apple dessert, puff pastry dessert, cinnamon apple turnover, easy apple dessert