Easy Apple Turnovers From Scratch

Making Easy Apple Turnovers From Scratch

Apple turnovers are a delightful pastry that combines the sweet and slightly tart taste of apples with a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack, these turnovers can be surprisingly easy to make from scratch. This article will guide you through making delicious apple turnovers, including tips for the best results and a basic recipe with both U.S. and metric measurements.

Why Make Apple Turnovers from Scratch?

There’s something uniquely satisfying about making apple turnovers from scratch. The process allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that you use fresh apples, quality butter, and just the right amount of sugar and spices. While store-bought options are convenient, homemade turnovers have a depth of flavor and a flaky texture that’s hard to match.

Making turnovers from scratch also allows you to customize the recipe to your taste. Want them sweeter? Add more sugar. Prefer a tart filling? Use Granny Smith apples. You can also experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or ginger or add a touch of lemon juice for brightness.

Key Ingredients for Apple Turnovers

The main components of apple turnovers are the pastry and the filling. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

1. Pastry: A good turnover starts with a flaky pastry. You can use store-bought puff pastry for convenience, but making your own dough brings a homemade touch. The dough typically involves flour, butter, a bit of sugar, and water. The key is to keep the butter cold and handle the dough minimally to maintain flakiness.
2. Apples: Choose apples that hold their shape during baking. Common choices include Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweet-tart balance. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
3. Sugar and Spices: A combination of sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt enhances the natural sweetness of the apples. You can also add nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to bring warmth and depth to the filling.
4. Thickener: Cornstarch is often used to thicken the apple filling, preventing it from becoming too runny. A small amount goes a long way, ensuring that the filling stays inside the pastry.
5. Egg Wash: A simple egg wash made from beaten egg and a splash of water or milk helps the turnovers achieve a golden, glossy finish when baked.

Basic Apple Turnover Recipe

Here’s a simple recipe that yields about 8 turnovers, perfect for sharing or enjoying over a few days.

Ingredients

Ingredient	U.S. Measure	Metric Measure
All-purpose flour	2 cups	250 g
Unsalted butter	1 cup (2 sticks), chilled	225 g, chilled
Cold water	1/2 cup	120 ml
Sugar (for dough)	1 tablespoon	15 g
Salt	1/2 teaspoon	2.5 g
Granny Smith apples	3 medium	3 medium
Sugar (for filling)	1/2 cup	100 g
Ground cinnamon	1 teaspoon	2 g
Cornstarch	1 tablespoon	8 g
Lemon juice	1 tablespoon	15 ml
Egg (for egg wash)	1	1
Water (for egg wash)	1 tablespoon	15 ml

Instructions

1. Make the Dough:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add cold water, mixing just until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should still have small bits of butter visible.
• Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

1. Prepare the Filling:

• Peel, core, and dice the apples into small cubes. Place them in a medium bowl and toss with sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Add lemon juice to balance the sweetness and prevent browning. Set aside.

1. Roll Out the Dough:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 1/8-inch thick rectangle. Cut the dough into 4 equal squares. Repeat with the second disc.

1. Assemble the Turnovers:

• Spoon a generous tablespoon of the apple filling onto the center of each square. Fold the dough over to form a triangle, pressing the edges with a fork to seal.
• Transfer the turnovers to the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut a small slit in the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape.

1. Egg Wash and Bake:

• In a small bowl, beat the egg with water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of the turnovers with the egg wash.
• Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the turnovers are golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

1. Serve:

• Apple turnovers are best enjoyed warm, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a low oven for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Turnovers

1. Keep Ingredients Cold: For the flakiest pastry, keep the butter and water as cold as possible. Cold butter creates steam when baked, which helps the dough puff and form layers.
2. Avoid Overfilling: It’s tempting to load up on filling, but too much can cause the turnovers to burst open during baking. Stick to a tablespoon of filling per turnover for the best results.
3. Vent the Turnovers: Cutting a small slit in the top of each turnover allows steam to escape, preventing soggy pastry and helping the turnovers bake evenly.
4. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to get creative with your apple filling. Try adding raisins, chopped nuts, or a splash of vanilla extract for added complexity.
5. Glaze Option: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the turnovers with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk once they have cooled slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Apple turnovers are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with a few simple additions:

• Ice Cream: Serve warm turnovers with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
• Whipped Cream: Freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy complement to the rich pastry.
• Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the apple filling and adds a touch of decadence.

Storing and Reheating

Apple turnovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to two months. Reheat frozen turnovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Variations to Try

• Berry Turnovers: Swap the apples for mixed berries like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Adjust the sugar according to the fruit’s natural sweetness.
• Savory Turnovers: For a savory twist, try fillings like cheese and ham or spinach and feta. The same dough can be used with savory fillings for a versatile snack option.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dough suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

Making apple turnovers from scratch is not only rewarding but also a delicious way to enjoy fresh, homemade pastry. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a bakery-quality treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, a dessert, or a special snack, these turnovers are sure to impress.

---