There’s something magical about pulling golden-brown apple turnovers puff pastry out of the oven – that first whiff of cinnamon and buttery layers gets me every time! I’ll never forget the first batch I made for my niece’s birthday sleepover. The girls went wild for them, and now it’s our tradition whenever she visits. What I love most is how simple they are – just flaky puff pastry hugging sweet, spiced apples. In under an hour, you’ve got a dessert that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier. Trust me, once you try homemade, those frozen ones just won’t cut it anymore!
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Ingredients for Apple Turnovers Puff Pastry
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to apple turnover heaven! Here’s what you’ll need – and yes, I’ve learned the hard way that these prep details make all the difference:
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed overnight in the fridge, or 40 minutes on the counter – no shortcuts here!)
- 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced – I like mine in 1/2-inch pieces for perfect bites)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (this sweetens without overpowering the apples)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (the secret spice that makes it smell like home)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (keeps those apples looking fresh and adds zing)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (trust me, this prevents soupy filling disasters)
- 1 egg (beaten with a fork until smooth – this golden wash makes them shine)
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for that snowy finish that makes everyone say “wow”)
See? Nothing complicated – just good ingredients prepped right. Now let’s make some magic!
How to Make Apple Turnovers Puff Pastry
Ready for the fun part? Making these apple turnovers puff pastry is like edible origami – simple folds create something spectacular! Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have perfect golden parcels bursting with cinnamon apples.
Preparing the Apple Filling
This is where the magic starts! Grab your diced apples (I like them chunky for texture) and toss everything together in a bowl. The sugar draws out the juices, cinnamon adds warmth, lemon keeps things bright, and cornstarch? That’s your insurance policy against runny filling. Mix until every apple piece wears a light, sparkly coat – you’ll know it’s right when the kitchen smells like autumn.
Assembling the Turnovers
Now unfold those beautiful puff pastry sheets (careful not to tear them!) and cut into squares with a sharp knife. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto one half of each square – resist overstuffing! Fold diagonally into triangles, then press the edges shut with a fork. Those crimped marks aren’t just pretty – they’re your glue against apple escapes!
Baking and Finishing
Here comes the golden touch! Brush each turnover with beaten egg (edges too!) for that gorgeous shine. Bake at 375°F until they puff up like little pillows and turn deep golden brown – usually 20-25 minutes. Let them cool just enough so you don’t burn your tongue, then shower with powdered sugar through a sieve. That snowy dusting makes them look straight from a bakery!
Tips for Perfect Apple Turnovers Puff Pastry
After countless batches (and a few hilarious kitchen disasters), here are my golden rules for apple turnover success:
- Pick Granny Smith apples – their tartness balances the sweetness and they hold shape beautifully when baked (mushy apples = sad turnovers)
- Thaw pastry slowly – overnight in the fridge keeps the layers perfect (rushing causes tears… in the pastry and your eyes)
- Toss in a pinch of nutmeg – it dances with the cinnamon for extra warmth (my grandma’s secret touch)
- Don’t skip the cornstarch – it transforms apple juices into luscious glaze instead of pastry soup
- Egg wash edges too – this seals them extra tight so no filling escapes mid-bake
Follow these, and you’re guaranteed flaky, golden perfection every time!

Ingredient Substitutions
Out of something? No worries – here are my go-to swaps that still make amazing apple turnovers puff pastry! Use brown sugar instead of granulated for deeper caramel notes. Swap lemon juice with orange for a citrus twist. Add almond extract (just 1/4 tsp!) for nutty warmth. Just avoid skipping the cornstarch – it’s the glue that holds everything together!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, let me tell you how we LOVE serving these apple turnovers puff pastry in my house! Warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top – pure bliss. For special occasions, I’ll drizzle them with caramel sauce and watch everyone’s eyes light up. Sometimes we’ll even have them for breakfast with a dollop of Greek yogurt. However you serve them, just make sure to enjoy them while they’re still slightly warm – that’s when the flaky pastry and spiced apples sing together perfectly!
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3-Ingredient Apple Turnovers Puff Pastry – Irresistibly Flaky & Sweet
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 8 turnovers
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious dessert made with puff pastry and apple filling.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
- 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Roll out puff pastry sheets and cut into squares.
- Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each square.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle. Seal edges with a fork.
- Brush turnovers with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith for best texture.
- Thaw puff pastry according to package instructions.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Storing and Reheating Apple Turnovers Puff Pastry
Here’s the good news – these apple turnovers puff pastry keep beautifully! Let them cool completely, then tuck them into an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Want that fresh-from-the-oven crispness? Pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes – microwaving turns them soggy (learned that the hard way!). For longer storage, freeze before baking – just add a few extra minutes when you’re ready to bake them straight from frozen.
Nutritional Information
Just so you know what you’re biting into – these nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on your specific ingredients. Each glorious apple turnover puff pastry clocks in at about 220 calories, with 11g fat (3g saturated), 28g carbs (2g fiber), and 3g protein. Not bad for such a heavenly treat!
FAQs About Apple Turnovers Puff Pastry
Over the years, I’ve gotten so many great questions about my apple turnovers puff pastry – here are the ones that pop up most often! Can you freeze them? Absolutely! Freeze unbaked turnovers on a tray until solid, then transfer to bags. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes. Best apples to use? Firm ones like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp – they keep their shape and balance the sweetness perfectly. Why is my pastry soggy? Three culprits: overfilling (stick to 2 tbsp!), skipping the cornstarch (it thickens juices), or not sealing edges tight enough. And yes – you can totally make mini versions by cutting smaller squares (just reduce baking time by a few minutes)!
Alright, it’s your turn to work some apple turnover magic in your kitchen! I can’t wait to hear how your apple turnovers puff pastry turn out. Did they puff up golden and gorgeous? Did you add any special twists to the filling? Maybe you discovered a new favorite way to serve them? Drop me a comment below and share your baking adventure – the triumphs, the funny mishaps, and especially those happy faces enjoying your homemade creations. Happy baking, and may your pastry always be flaky!