Hey there! Today, I’m excited to share a delightful recipe for apple turnovers that’ll have your kitchen smelling like a cozy bakery in no time. These treats are perfect for satisfying that midday sweet tooth or impressing guests with a homemade dessert that seems way more complicated than it is. Trust me, if I can make them, anyone can!
Whenever the kids see a basket of apples, the requests for apple turnovers start flying in. I love how simple these are to whip up, especially using store-bought puff pastry. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy days when you need a quick dessert. If you love the magic of baked apples, you might also enjoy checking out my recipe for Apple Pie.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Apple turnovers are the ultimate quick treat for any occasion. You’ll love the combination of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples in a flaky, golden pastry. Apart from the irresistible taste, here’s what makes this recipe a keep:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for when you’re short on time.
- Minimal ingredients: You only need a handful of readily available ingredients.
- Versatile: You can adjust the spices or even add extras like raisins or nuts.
- Kid-approved: It’s a fun recipe to make with little helpers by your side.

Ingredients
- 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- 1 package puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg (egg wash), beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Step-by-step instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cook the Filling
1. Cook the apples:
In a saucepan over medium heat, mix apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cook for about 5 minutes until the apples soften.
2. Thicken the mixture:
Add cornstarch mixed with water.
Cook until it thickens, then remove from heat and let it cool.
Assemble the Turnovers
1. Roll the pastry:
Roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut it into 4-inch squares.
2. Fill and seal:
Put a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each square.
Brush the edges with egg wash, fold into a triangle, and press the edges with a fork to seal.
Bake
- Bake to perfection: Arrange the turnovers on your prepared baking sheet, brush with the remaining egg wash for that perfect golden finish, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they’re beautifully golden brown.
Recipe tips & variations
- Apples: I prefer a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balance of flavors. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work wonderfully.
- Spices: Feel free to play around with spices like adding a dash of ground cloves or allspice.
- Add-ins: Mix in some raisins or a handful of walnuts for a delightful crunch in your filling.
- Pastry edges: If you’re like me and sometimes struggle with perfect edges, no worries! The egg wash ensures they hold up just fine.

Storage & reheating
- Storing: Once cooled, store your apple turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
- Reheating: To enjoy them warm again, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until heated through. The microwave works too, but they might not stay as crispy.
FAQs
Can I make apple turnovers in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just assemble and bake the turnovers when you’re ready to eat them.
Can I freeze apple turnovers?
Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen until they’re warm and crispy.
What’s the best type of puff pastry to use?
Store-bought frozen puff pastry works beautifully and is time-efficient. Just ensure it’s appropriately thawed before use.
Can these turnovers be made vegan?
Definitely! Use vegan puff pastry and replace the egg wash with a mixture of plant-based milk and a touch of maple syrup.
Recipes you may like
- Irresistibly Flaky Apple Turnovers You’ll Love to Make
Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fritters That Warm Your Heart
I hope you’ll give these apple turnovers a try and see how simple and fulfilling baking at home can be. Let me know how they turn out for you in the comments below. Happy baking!
Print
Apple Turnovers
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy apple turnovers recipe that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- 1 package puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg (egg wash), beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make cleanup a breeze!
- Cook the apples: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until the apples are slightly soft, about 5 minutes.
- Thicken: Stir in the cornstarch mixed with water. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, then remove from heat and let cool.
- Roll out the pastry: Roll out your thawed puff pastry and cut it into 4-inch squares.
- Fill and seal: Place a spoonful of the apple mixture in the center of each square. Brush the edges with the egg wash, fold over into a triangle, and seal the edges with a fork.
- Bake to perfection: Arrange the turnovers on your prepared baking sheet, brush with the remaining egg wash, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Store the turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
- You can freeze baked turnovers for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 turnover
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
