Picture this: golden, buttery pastry that shatters into delicate flakes with every bite, giving way to a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Now imagine adding a luscious cream filling that takes these turnovers to a whole new level of indulgence. Yep, these Flaky Apple Turnovers are next-level delicious—and trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making them on repeat!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up, these turnovers are easy to make and taste like something straight out of a bakery. The best part? You can keep them classic with just the apple filling or go all out with a smooth, creamy surprise inside.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Flaky: Made with puff pastry for that irresistible crispiness.
- Sweet & Spiced: A perfectly balanced apple filling with warm cinnamon and a hint of vanilla.
- Creamy Option: Add a cream cheese or custard filling for an extra indulgent twist.
- Easy to Make: Uses store-bought puff pastry for a quick, foolproof treat.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep them in advance and bake fresh when you need them.
Ingredients in Flaky Apple Turnovers
Here’s what makes these turnovers so special:
- Puff Pastry: The secret to that light, buttery, flaky texture. Keep it chilled until ready to use.
- Apples: The star of the filling! Choose a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deep caramelized sweetness to the filling.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Warm spices that bring out the natural flavor of the apples.
- Lemon Juice: Keeps the apples fresh and enhances the flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A little extra depth of sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it doesn’t leak out.
- Egg Wash: A simple mix of egg and water for a golden, bakery-style finish.
- Optional Cream Filling: A blend of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla for a rich, smooth surprise inside.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Prepare the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook until the apples are soft and the mixture thickens. Stir in vanilla and set aside to cool.
Make the Cream Filling (Optional): In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the chilled puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred turnover shape.
Assemble the Turnovers: Place a spoonful of apple filling on one side of each pastry square. If using the cream filling, add a small dollop on top of the apples. Fold the pastry over to form a triangle or rectangle and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Egg Wash & Venting: Brush the tops with the egg wash for a golden finish. Cut small slits on top to allow steam to escape while baking.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange turnovers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
Cool & Serve: Let the turnovers cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with icing for an extra treat.
How to Serve Flaky Apple Turnovers
- With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A simple way to add an elegant touch.
- Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: For an ultra-indulgent upgrade.
- Paired with Vanilla Ice Cream: Warm turnovers with cold ice cream? Perfection.
- With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: The ideal cozy pairing.
Additional Tips
- For Extra Flakiness: Keep the puff pastry cold until the moment you assemble and bake.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare and freeze unbaked turnovers; bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
- Customize the Filling: Try pears, berries, or even a mix of apples and cranberries.
- Reheating: Warm up leftovers in the oven for the best texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use homemade pastry instead of store-bought puff pastry?
A1: Absolutely! If you have time, homemade pastry makes these even more special.
Q2: Can I make these turnovers ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can assemble them in advance and refrigerate until baking.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q4: Can I freeze these turnovers?
A4: Yes! Freeze unbaked turnovers and bake directly from frozen when ready.
Q5: Can I use different fruits for the filling?
A5: Definitely! Peaches, berries, or pears work wonderfully too.
Q6: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A6: Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Q7: Can I skip the egg wash?
A7: Yes, but they won’t have that glossy, golden finish. Milk or cream can be used as a substitute.
Q8: How do I prevent turnovers from leaking?
A8: Don’t overfill them, and make sure the edges are sealed well with a fork.
Q9: Can I make them smaller for bite-sized treats?
A9: Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time to prevent over-browning.
Q10: Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
A10: Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch, and raisins give extra sweetness.
Final Thoughts
These Flaky Apple Turnovers are the perfect balance of crisp, buttery pastry and warm, spiced apple filling. Whether you stick with the classic version or add the optional cream filling, they’re guaranteed to be a hit! Make them once, and I promise, they’ll become a go-to treat in your kitchen.
Print
Flaky Apple Turnovers (Cream-Filled Option)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 turnovers 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Description
These homemade apple turnovers are crisp, golden, and filled with a deliciously spiced apple filling! Made with flaky puff pastry and a sweet cinnamon apple center, they’re way better than store-bought. Serve them warm with whipped cream for dipping or try the cream-filled version for an extra treat!
Ingredients
Apple Turnover Filling:
- 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced into 1.25 cm (1/2-inch) cubes (~6 cups)
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Apple Turnovers:
- 2 sheets puff pastry, butter-based (25 cm/10-inch squares)
- 1 egg, whisked
Optional Cream-Filled Version:
- 2 batches stabilized whipped cream or stiff whipped cream
Serving Extras (Optional):
- Whipped cream for dipping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. Make the Apple Filling:
- In a large saucepan, toss apples with cornstarch.
- Add cinnamon, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Cook over medium-high heat, stirring regularly, for 5 minutes until apples are softened but still hold their shape.
- Transfer filling to a large plate and let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the Turnovers:
- Line a cutting board or tray with parchment paper.
- Cut each puff pastry sheet into 4 squares (12.5 cm/5 inches).
- Brush two edges of each square with egg wash.
- Place apple filling on one side, avoiding excess sauce.
3. Fold & Seal:
- Fold pastry over into a triangle and seal edges with a fork dipped in flour.
- Transfer to the parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 20 minutes (helps with puffing).
4. Bake the Turnovers:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) (or 180°C fan).
- Slide parchment with turnovers onto a baking tray.
- Brush tops with egg wash and stab 3 times for venting.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Serve Warm:
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve with whipped cream for dipping.
Optional Cream-Filled Version
- Let turnovers fully cool on a rack.
- Split them open along the seam and pipe in whipped cream.
Notes
- Best Apples: Granny Smith apples work best for a tart contrast against the sweet filling.
- Puff Pastry Tips: Keep pastry cold for the best rise and flakiness.
- Extra Filling: Use leftover apple filling as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 turnover
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg