It's autumn, and that definitely means it's apple season! I have so many different apple recipes from American Apple Pie to Russian Apple Sharlotka Cake. However, this Apple Turnovers with Puff Pastry is easy to make and one of my favorites. They are also known as Apple Hand Pies, because it's like eating a pie in your hand!
Living in Western Australia, our autumn and winter seasons are a lot milder then they are in North America or Northern Europe. Our apple season is truly finishing up at the end of June, and we had the privilege of apple picking directly from the orchard. Growing up in the Okanagan Valley in Canada, we always went apple picking every single year. We had friends from church, the Horochuks, who had a big apple orchard, and I fondly remember all the apples.
Taking my kids to the local orchard reminded me of my childhood. Plus it's good for kids to see that not all things come from a supermarket. They need to understand where and how they grow and to support local farmers. It was pouring rain the day we drove to the orchard, and we forgot our umbrellas. We felt a bit like drowned rats, but at least we remembered to take some hot coffee with us. We picked a few boxes full of Golden Delicious and Pink Lady apples, and then proceeded to make all sorts of different apple recipes. These Apple Turnovers with Puff Pastry was the kids favorite.
What Apples are best for Turnovers?
There are many different views on types of apples and the benefits and flavors they bring to different recipes. That being said, I believe the best apple to use the one in front of you! Let's not get too precious over baked pastries and the different apple varieties. Use what is in season, is affordable and tastes great. As I mentioned earlier, we are using the Australian Pink Lady apples but any apple variety works.
One of my favorite apples is the Pink Lady which was developed here in Western Australia and is now sold all over the world. It's also known as the Cripps Pink apple and is a cross between the Golden Delicious and the Lady Williams apple. They are a very popular apple in Australia, and are now grown all over the world in warmer climate countries.
How to Make Apple Hand Pies
What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Of course, you're going to buy the puff pastry. No one has time to make that from scratch, unless you're Martha Stewart. Store bought puff pastry is the way to go. I always have some in the freezer because it's cheap and easy to use for so many recipes.
Start will peeling your apples and dicing them into small pieces. The smaller the quicker they will cook. Mix in spices and sugar and you're ready to make turnovers! That's how easy it is to prepare!
I use 2 sheets of puff pastry at a time, allowing the sheets to slowly soften enough to fold over. If your puff pastry is too soft after removing from the freezer, put it back in for a few minutes for firm it up. Puff Pastry that is too soft is hard to work with and will tear easier allowing the juices to leak out of the stuffing. You have to work quick to fold and seal the apples. Don't allow any juices to touch the edges, otherwise the pastry won't seal and ti will leak out. Make sure you place the apple turnovers on baking paper, making it easy to remove if any sticky apples spill out.
I have included an optional cream cheese icing for the turnovers. I love cream cheese icing, and it works perfectly, either as a drizzle or completely covering the apple turnover.
How to store Apple Turnovers
It's best to place them in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated. I've covered them with cling wrap as well, as long as they're not covered in icing. If you want to reheat them before serving, just pop them into the oven for a few minutes to warm them up. This Apple Turnover recipe freezes well, so roll up your sleeves and make a few batches to enjoy after apple season.
Your family will love this Apple Turnovers with Puff Pastry recipe. So easy to make, the whole family can help. Just make sure they also help with the clean up! Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!
Easy Apple Turnovers with Puff Pastry
Ingredients
Apple Turnover ingredients
- 5 medium apples peeled and diced
- ¼ cup brown sugar firmly packed
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- puff pastry
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon whipping cream
Cream Cheese Drizzle
- ¼ cup cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 2 tablespoons butter softned to room temperature
- ½ cup icing sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Use store bought puff pastry sheets.
- Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C in a fan forced oven. Prepare baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix diced apples, brown sugar, white sugar cinnamon nutmeg and cornstarch together until apples are coated. Add the melted butter.
- Cut puff pastry sheet into 4 squares. Spoon the apple filling onto half of a square (about ¼ cup). Careful not to let the apples touch the sides of the puff pastry. Fold the pastry diagonally over the apples, pressing the edges with a fork to seal.
- Make the egg wash by beating together with a fork. Brush each apple turnover with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for about 14-18 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool before drizzling with a cream cheese glaze.
Notes
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