Apple turnovers are a delightful treat, combining the rich flavors of spiced apples encased in a flaky, buttery pastry. Crafting these pastries at home is simpler than it appears, especially when utilizing store-bought puff pastry. Here’s a guide to making your own delectable apple turnovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 cups of peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firmness)
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
For the Pastry:
- 1 package (17.3 oz) of frozen puff pastry sheets (typically containing two sheets), thawed according to package instructions
- Flour, for dusting the work surface
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: Sanding sugar, for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Preparation:
- Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the diced apples and cook until they begin to soften, approximately 5 minutes.
- Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
- Cook the mixture until it thickens, about 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly flour your work surface.
- Roll out each puff pastry sheet to approximately 10 inches square.
- Cut each sheet into four equal squares, resulting in eight squares in total.
- Assemble the Turnovers:
- Place a spoonful of the cooled apple filling onto one half of each pastry square, leaving a border around the edges.
- Brush the edges with the beaten egg.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle.
- Press the edges together to seal, and crimp with a fork for a decorative touch.
- Transfer the turnovers to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg.
- If desired, sprinkle with sanding sugar for added sweetness and crunch.
- Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Allow the turnovers to cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Success:
- Apple Selection: Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their balance of tartness and firmness, which helps them hold up during cooking.
- Storage: Once cooled, store any leftover turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as adding raisins, nuts, or a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra flavor.
By following these steps, you can enjoy homemade apple turnovers that rival those from your favorite bakery, all from the comfort of your kitchen.
