Puff-Pastry Apple Turnovers with Brown Butter

5.0

(3)

2 Reviews

The filling of these flaky apple turnovers is made with browned butter, giving it a nutty flavor. Granny Smith apples offer a nice balance of sweet and tart, plus they hold their shape when cooked for a pleasant texture. If you want your turnovers sweeter without increasing the sugar, swap them out for a sweeter apple like Gala or Honeycrisp.

Amanda Holstein

Published on November 14, 2023

Tested by

Craig Ruff

Reviewed by Dietitian

Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

a recipe photo of the Puff-Pastry Apple Turnovers with Brown Butter — Photo:
Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Active Time:

35 mins

Total Time:

1 hr

Servings:

8 servings

Nutrition Profile:

Sesame-Free Nut-Free Vegetarian

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Ingredients

2 medium Granny Smith apples, halved and sliced (1/8-inch; about 2 1/2 cups)
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
1 (17.3-ounce) package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
1 large egg
1 tablespoon reduced-fat milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl; toss until fully coated.

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Cook butter in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter solids are amber in color and nutty in aroma, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the apple mixture; cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and caramelized, 7 to 8 minutes.

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Whisk cider vinegar and cornstarch together in a small bowl to create a slurry. Reduce heat to low; add the cider vinegar mixture to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, until the pan is dry and the apples are glazed, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a plate; refrigerate, uncovered, until completely cool, about 30 minutes.
Unfold puff pastry sheets onto a work surface. Cut each sheet into 4 squares. Cut each square in half diagonally to create a total of 16 triangles. Transfer 8 triangles to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart.

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Scoop about 2 tablespoons apple filling into the center of each of the 8 triangles on the baking sheet, leaving about a 1/4-inch border on all sides of the triangle.

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Whisk egg and milk together in a small bowl until fully combined. Using a pastry brush, brush the edges of the triangles with the egg mixture. Carefully place the remaining triangles on top of the filling, aligning the edges. Brush the tops with egg mixture; use a fork to crimp and seal the edges.

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Bake until puffed and deep golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes; serve warm.

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

To make ahead

Store loosely covered with plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Equipment

Parchment paper

Nutrition Information

1 turnover

Calories 283, Fat 17g, Saturated Fat 9g, Cholesterol 27mg, Carbohydrates 28g, Total Sugars 9g, Added Sugars 5g, Protein 4g, Fiber 3g, Sodium 293mg, Potassium 82mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Are apples healthy?

Apples are a hydrating fruit since they are about 85% water. With the skin on, apples are also rich in fiber and antioxidants, and they rank low on the glycemic index. This means they won’t spike your blood sugar like other fruits might. Regularly eating apples can help protect your heart and brain, and may lower your risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

As is, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the puff pastry that is typically made with wheat flour. With that said, you can use gluten-free puff pastry to make an equally delicious gluten-free apple turnover.
What type of apples are best for turnovers?

For these turnovers, we use Granny Smith apples, which have a tart flavor and firm texture that retains its shape when baked. You can also use other varieties of apples that are sweeter, like Honeycrisp or Gala.
Should I peel the apples first?

No, you can keep the peels on the apples. They will give the turnovers more texture, plus you'll save time on prep.
Can I make apple turnovers ahead?

Yes, you can bake the apple turnovers ahead and store them, loosely covered with plastic wrap, at room temperature for up to 3 days.
What is the difference between apple turnovers and apple strudel?

Apple turnovers are typically made with puff pastry that’s filled with cooked apples, then sealed by folding the puff pastry over itself. Apple strudels are long, oblong pastries made with multiple layers of dough that’s stretched thin and stuffed with spiced apple filling.