If you love the flavors of classic apple pie but want something quicker, easier, and perfectly portioned, this apple turnover recipe with pie crust is about to become your new favorite fall bake. It’s everything you love in a cozy dessert, warm spiced apples, flaky buttery crust, and just the right amount of sweetness, wrapped up in a hand-held pastry.
These turnovers are easy to make with simple ingredients, bake up beautifully golden, and are perfect for dessert, snacking, or pairing with your morning coffee. Whether you use store-bought or homemade pie dough, they come together fast with a soft, cinnamon-apple filling that’s hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Turnover Recipe with Pie Dough
- Flaky, buttery crust: Pie dough gives these turnovers that old-fashioned feel and flavor
- Quick and approachable: Perfect for beginner bakers or busy fall days
- Flexible ingredients: Use store-bought or homemade pie crust
- All the cozy vibes: Warm apples, cinnamon, and a golden crust—yes please
- Kid- and husband-approved: They disappear fast every time I make them
If you’re looking for a recipe for apple turnovers using pie crust that doesn’t require any fancy tools or special ingredients, you’re in the right place. This is an easy, fuss-free way to make apple cinnamon turnovers from scratch.
If you love apple recipes, you might also enjoy my Apple Pie Rings, Dutch Apple Pie Recipe, and Apple Turnover Recipe with Puff Pastry!
What You’ll Need
This apple turnover recipe using pie crust keeps it simple. Here’s what you’ll need to make 6 turnovers:
For the dough
- 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought, rolled into circles)
For the apple filling (doubled from the previous recipe)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 to 2½ cups peeled, diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
For finishing
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Optional: coarse sugar for topping
How to Make Apple Turnovers with Pie Crust
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set out your pie crusts to soften slightly if they’ve been in the fridge.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples and lemon juice. Stir in the sugar, honey, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for 5–6 minutes, until the apples soften and the mixture thickens slightly. Stir in the vanilla extract and let the filling cool completely.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Pie Crust
On a lightly floured surface, roll each pie crust into a rough rectangle, about ⅛ inch thick. You want to square off the edges a bit so you can cut even pieces. Cut each crust into 3 equal rectangles or squares (6 total). You can gently re-roll scraps if needed to get full-sized pieces.
Step 4: Fill and Seal
Spoon about 3 tablespoons of apple filling into the center of each piece. Brush the edges with egg wash, then fold the dough over into a rectangle or triangle shape, depending on your cut. Press the edges closed with a fork to seal.
Tip: If the dough is feeling too soft, pop the assembled turnovers into the fridge for 10 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
Use a sharp knife to cut 2–3 small slits on top of each turnover to vent steam. Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if you like a little crunch.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the turnovers for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Let cool slightly before serving. The filling will be hot and gooey right out of the oven.
FAQs About Apple Turnovers with Pie Crust
Yes! That’s what makes this an apple turnovers recipe easy enough for weeknights. I often use refrigerated crusts when I’m short on time.
Tart varieties like Granny Smith or a mix of tart and sweet (like Fuji or Honeycrisp) work great. You want apples that hold their shape when baked.
Absolutely. You can assemble the turnovers and keep them in the fridge until ready to bake, or bake them in advance and reheat in the oven before serving.
Yes. Freeze unbaked turnovers on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Apple Turnover Recipe with Pie Crust
Ingredients
For the dough
- 2 pie crusts homemade or store-bought
For the filling
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 to 2½ cups peeled diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
For finishing
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water beaten
- Optional: coarse sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a skillet, melt butter. Add apples and lemon juice. Stir in sugar, honey, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for 5–6 minutes, then stir in vanilla. Let cool.
- Roll out pie crusts on a floured surface into rough rectangles. Cut each into 3 even pieces (6 total).
- Spoon 3 tablespoons of filling into each piece. Brush edges with egg wash, fold over, and seal with a fork.
- Optional: chill turnovers in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Cut 2–3 small slits in the top. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
This apple turnover recipe with pie crust is one of those cozy, simple bakes that feels like fall in every bite. It’s easier than pie, just as comforting, and totally customizable depending on your apple stash and mood. Whether you’re using homemade pie dough or a shortcut from the fridge, these apple turnovers come out golden, flaky, and filled with warm cinnamon-spiced goodness.
