Delicious Cinnamon Apple Turnovers
These Delicious Cinnamon Apple Turnovers boast a flaky, golden puff pastry enveloping a warm, spiced apple filling. Inspired by a recipe from The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook, this dish is a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, making it an ideal treat for any season. The addition of a touch of flour helps prevent excess runniness, yielding a satisfying pie-like consistency. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these turnovers are sure to impress family and friends with their delightful taste and delightful aroma filling your kitchen. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Granny Smith apples
2 (peeled, cored, and cut in chunks)
Sugar
3/4 cup (divided)
Fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (none)
Salt
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Flour
1 tablespoon (for thickening filling (optional))
Frozen puff pastry
1 (17 1/3 ounce) box (thawed (two sheets))
Applesauce
1/2 cup (none)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (for sugar mixture)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a food processor, pulse the chopped granny smith apples, 1/2 cup of sugar, lemon juice, and salt until the apples are coarsely chopped (about 5 pulses). Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then drain to reserve any accumulated juice.
3
For a thicker filling, mix the tablespoon of flour with the remaining sugar before tossing it with the apples. You can also blend the applesauce directly with the apple mixture for a more cohesive filling.
4
On a lightly floured surface, unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry and roll it into a 10-inch square. Cut the pastry into four 5-inch squares.
5
Place 1 tablespoon of applesauce and 1 tablespoon of the apple mixture in the center of each square.
6
Brush the edges of the squares with the reserved apple juice to help seal them.
7
Fold each square into a triangle and crimp the edges together using a fork to ensure they are well-sealed.
8
Transfer the assembled turnovers to a wire rack and freeze for about 15 minutes to help them hold their shape during baking.
9
Repeat the rolling and filling process with the second sheet of pastry and the remaining applesauce and apple filling.
10
In a separate small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar with the cinnamon.
11
Once the turnovers are out of the freezer, brush each with the reserved apple juice, then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
12
Place the turnovers on two parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring there's space between them. Bake for 20 to 26 minutes or until they are golden brown, rotating and switching the baking sheets halfway through.
13
After baking, transfer the turnovers to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Delicious Cinnamon Apple Turnovers?
They are flaky, golden puff pastry treats filled with a warm, spiced apple mixture inspired by America's Test Kitchen.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tart flavor and firm texture balance the sweetness and hold up well during baking.
How do I prevent the apple filling from becoming too runny?
The recipe suggests adding a tablespoon of flour to the sugar and draining the pulsed apple mixture to maintain a thick, pie-like consistency.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for the best results.
How do I prepare the puff pastry?
Unfold a sheet of thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 10-inch square, then cut it into four 5-inch squares.
What is the secret to a well-sealed turnover?
Brush the edges of the pastry squares with reserved apple juice and use a fork to crimp the edges together tightly.
Why should I freeze the turnovers before baking?
Freezing the assembled turnovers for 15 minutes helps them maintain their shape and ensures the pastry stays flaky when it hits the hot oven.
How much filling goes into each turnover?
Place 1 tablespoon of applesauce and 1 tablespoon of the pulsed apple mixture in the center of each pastry square.
How long do the turnovers need to bake?
Bake them for 20 to 26 minutes or until they reach a beautiful golden brown color.
What should I do halfway through the baking process?
Rotate and switch the positions of the baking sheets to ensure even browning across all turnovers.
How is the cinnamon sugar topping applied?
Brush the frozen turnovers with reserved apple juice and sprinkle them generously with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon before baking.
Can I use a food processor for the apples?
Yes, pulse the chopped apples with sugar, lemon juice, and salt about 5 times until they are coarsely chopped.
What role does the applesauce play in the recipe?
Applesauce adds moisture and helps create a more cohesive, jam-like filling inside the pastry.
Should the puff pastry be thawed or frozen when I start?
The puff pastry should be thawed according to package directions before you attempt to roll and cut it.
How many turnovers does this recipe make?
Using two sheets of puff pastry, this recipe yields a total of eight 5-inch turnovers.
Is the lemon juice necessary?
Yes, lemon juice adds a bright acidity that balances the sugar and prevents the apples from browning too quickly.
What kind of surface should I roll the pastry on?
Use a lightly floured surface to prevent the puff pastry from sticking as you roll it out.
How should I serve these turnovers?
They are best served warm, either on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Do I need to use parchment paper?
Yes, lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
Can I mix the flour directly with the apples?
It is better to mix the flour with the sugar first before tossing it with the apples to prevent clumping.
What is the purpose of the salt in the filling?
A small amount of salt enhances the natural flavors of the apples and spices.
How long should the apple mixture sit after pulsing?
Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to release before draining.
Can I use the leftover apple juice?
Yes, the reserved juice is used to brush the edges for sealing and to help the cinnamon sugar stick to the top.
Are these turnovers suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely, they make a delightful breakfast treat, snack, or dessert for any occasion.
Can I substitute the cinnamon?
While cinnamon is traditional, you could experiment with apple pie spice or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
What if I don't have a food processor?
You can finely chop the apples by hand, though a food processor provides a more consistent texture for the filling.
How do I cool the turnovers?
Transfer them to a wire rack immediately after baking to let them cool slightly and keep the bottom crust crisp.
What is the texture of the finished pastry?
The pastry should be light, airy, and very flaky with a crisp golden exterior.
Does this recipe include a glaze?
No, this version uses a cinnamon-sugar crust for texture, though you could add a simple powdered sugar glaze if desired.
Can these be made ahead of time?
You can assemble and freeze them, then bake them fresh when you are ready to serve.