Apple Turnovers are a classic pastry featuring a flaky, buttery crust filled with sweet, spiced apple filling. The turnovers are typically made with puff pastry and can be baked to golden perfection. To take it up a notch, you can also fill them with cream, creating a delightful balance between the tart apples and the creamy richness.
Here’s a breakdown of Apple Turnovers with a Cream-Filled Option:
Ingredients:
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled, cored, and diced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Cream Filling (Optional):
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Turnovers:
- 1 package puff pastry (usually contains 2 sheets), thawed
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced apples, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender and coated in the syrupy mixture.
- Stir in the cornstarch and cook for another minute, letting the filling thicken.
- Remove from heat and allow the apple filling to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cream Filling (Optional):
- In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a small corner snipped off. Keep in the fridge until needed.
3. Assemble the Turnovers:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut each sheet into 4 squares (you should get 8 squares total).
- Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each puff pastry square.
- If using the cream filling, pipe a dollop of whipped cream on top of the apple filling.
- Fold the pastry squares diagonally to form a triangle. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges tightly.
4. Bake the Turnovers:
- Whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the turnovers with the egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky.
5. Serve:
- Allow the turnovers to cool slightly before dusting them with powdered sugar if desired.
- Enjoy warm, with the option to serve with extra whipped cream on the side.
Apple Turnovers with Cream Filling are a delightful combination of crisp, flaky pastry, spiced apple filling, and a creamy center, offering a comforting yet elegant dessert.