Fall baking is in full swing around here, and let me tell you — if you’ve got a fridge full of apples from a recent orchard trip, this apple turnover recipe with puff pastry is exactly what you need. When we went apple picking last weekend, I came home with way too many apples (classic move), and I’ve been baking ever since. Pies, mini pies, crisps, but these puff pastry apple turnovers have been the standout favorite.
Why? Because they are so easy to make. All you need is a box of puff pastry and a quick homemade apple filling. They bake up golden and flaky, and they’re just the kind of cozy treat that goes perfectly with a cup of coffee on a chilly fall morning.
If you’re looking for a recipe for apple turnovers made with puff pastry, you’re in the right place.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Turnover Puff Pastry Recipe
- Minimal ingredients: Just puff pastry, a simple apple filling, and an egg wash
- Bakery-style results at home: Flaky, golden layers without making dough from scratch
- Small-batch friendly: This recipe makes 8 turnovers, perfect for sharing
- Quick and easy: From start to finish in under an hour
- Perfect fall dessert: Warm cinnamon apples wrapped in buttery pastry
If you’ve been looking for a puff pastry apple turnovers recipe that’s both simple and delicious, this is it. It also checks the box for anyone searching for a recipe for apple turnovers using puff pastry that doesn’t require a ton of prep or specialty ingredients. The result is a flaky, cozy, fall-inspired treat that’s totally doable on a weeknight.
Looking for more fall treats? You might love my Mini Apple Pies, Easy Mini Dutch Apple Pies, or Dutch Apple Pie Recipe!
What You’ll Need to Make Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers
Here’s everything you need for this easy apple turnover recipe using puff pastry. You probably already have most of it in your kitchen.
For the turnovers
- 1 package puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash
For the apple filling
- ½ tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 to 1¼ cups peeled, diced apples (about 1 medium apple)
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons honey
- 1½ teaspoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a combo of sweet and tart apples all work beautifully.
How to Make Apple Turnovers with Puff Pastry
Step 1: Make the Filling
Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples and lemon juice. Stir in the sugar, honey, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the apples have softened slightly and the mixture thickens. Stir in vanilla and let the filling cool completely.
Step 2: Roll Out and Cut the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your surface and gently unroll both sheets of puff pastry. Use a rolling pin to flatten and square off the sheets slightly so they’re even. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares, giving you a total of 8 turnovers.
Step 3: Fill and Fold
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of cooled apple filling into the center of each square. Brush the edges with egg wash. Fold the pastry into a triangle and press the edges closed with a fork.
Optional but helpful: place the assembled turnovers in the fridge for 5 to 10 minutes before baking. This helps the pastry puff nicely and keeps everything sealed.
After chilling, use a sharp knife to cut three small slits in the top of each turnover so steam can escape. Brush the tops with more egg wash and sprinkle with sugar if you want a little extra sparkle.
Step 4: Bake
Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. The filling will be hot.
FAQs: Recipe for Apple Turnovers Using Puff Pastry
Yes, but it’s best to thicken it slightly and make sure it’s not too wet. Otherwise, it may make the pastry soggy.
You can freeze them before or after baking. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
It usually means the pastry wasn’t sealed tightly enough. Be sure to brush the edges with egg wash and crimp with a fork. Chilling them before baking helps too.
Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape best, but any firm apple will work.
Apple Turnover Recipe with Puff Pastry
Ingredients
For the turnovers
- 1 package puff pastry 2 sheets, thawed
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
For the apple filling
- ½ tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 to 1¼ cups peeled diced apples (about 1 medium apple)
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1½ teaspoons honey
- 1½ teaspoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small skillet, melt the butter. Add apples and lemon juice. Stir in sugar, honey, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in vanilla and let cool.
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to even it out into a square. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares (8 total).
- Add 2 tablespoons of filling to each square. Brush the edges with egg wash. Fold into triangles and seal with a fork.
- Optional: chill the turnovers in the fridge for 5 to 10 minutes before baking.
- Cut three slits in the top of each turnover. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden and puffed. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Recipe Notes
- Chilling the turnovers before baking helps them puff up better and prevents leaking
- Use a tart apple like Granny Smith or mix sweet and tart apples for balance
- Best enjoyed the day they’re made, but can be stored and reheated
There’s something so satisfying about baking with fresh apples on a cool fall day. This apple turnover recipe with puff pastry is the kind of cozy treat that checks all the boxes. Buttery, flaky pastry. Warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Just the right amount of sweetness.
It’s quick, easy, and so much better than anything store-bought. Make a batch, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and enjoy the best kind of fall morning.
