These caramel apple turnovers are a delightful treat, combining a flaky puff pastry crust with a rich, cinnamon-sweet apple filling, topped with gooey caramel. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any fall-inspired occasion, they are easy to make with either homemade or store-bought puff pastry.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 2 apples (a mix of tart and sweet varieties)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sugar (white or brown)
- Puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Homemade or store-bought caramel sauce
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and chop apples into small cubes. In a saucepan, combine apples, cornstarch, cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the apples soften and the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.
- Roll out the puff pastry into squares (about 4×4 inches each).
- Spoon the apple filling into the center of each square.
- Fold the pastry into triangles and seal the edges with a fork.
- Refrigerate the shaped turnovers for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Brush with egg wash, cut small vents in the top, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 250 per turnover (estimate)
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 32g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 18g
Choosing the Right Apples
The choice of apples plays a crucial role in the final flavor of caramel apple turnovers. A mix of tart apples like Granny Smiths and sweet apples like Fuji or Gala strikes the perfect balance. Tart apples provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the caramel, while sweeter varieties ensure the filling isn’t overly acidic. The apple variety you choose will determine how much sugar is needed to balance the flavors.
The Importance of Caramel
Caramel adds a luxurious richness to these turnovers. The sauce can be homemade or store-bought, depending on your preference and time constraints. Making your own caramel allows you to customize the flavor by adjusting the sweetness and adding a pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel variation. Store-bought caramel is a quicker option, but for those seeking the authentic taste, homemade caramel is worth the extra effort.
Texture and Consistency of the Filling
The filling’s texture is key to a great turnover. You want the apples to retain their shape and bite, rather than turning into mush. Cooking the apples with cornstarch thickens the filling, preventing it from becoming too runny and ensuring it stays in place inside the pastry. The filling should be sweet, spiced with cinnamon, and have a smooth caramel undertone.
Egg Wash for the Perfect Finish
Brushing the turnovers with an egg wash before baking gives them a glossy, golden finish. This step is essential for achieving that bakery-style look and ensuring the pastry crisps up beautifully. It also helps to seal the edges, keeping the apple filling secure inside. If you’re looking for a more rustic finish, you could skip the egg wash, but it does make a noticeable difference in appearance.
Baking Tips for a Golden Crust
To achieve the perfect golden-brown color, it’s important to bake the turnovers at the right temperature. Preheat your oven and ensure it reaches the specified temperature before placing the turnovers inside. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation, which helps the pastries bake evenly. Bake until they are crisp, puffed up, and golden.
How to Store Leftover Turnovers
Leftover turnovers can be stored at room temperature for a day or two. Place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you’d like to store them for a longer period, you can refrigerate them and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes. To extend their shelf life, turnovers can also be frozen before baking. Simply freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container once firm.
Serving Suggestions
Caramel apple turnovers are delicious on their own, but they can be enhanced with a few additional touches. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements the warmth and sweetness of the turnover. For a festive twist, drizzle extra caramel sauce on top or sprinkle powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finishing touch.
The Versatility of Turnovers
Though caramel apple turnovers are a classic fall dessert, they can be adapted to suit different tastes and seasons. Try substituting apples for pears, berries, or even stone fruits like peaches. The filling can be customized with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom to create a unique flavor profile. Caramel can also be swapped out for other sauces like chocolate ganache or lemon glaze, providing endless variations to explore.
Healthier Alternatives
While caramel apple turnovers are undeniably indulgent, there are ways to make them healthier. Opt for whole wheat puff pastry to increase the fiber content, or use a sugar substitute for the filling. You could even reduce the amount of sugar in the caramel sauce by making a lighter version with coconut sugar or honey. For those looking to cut calories, consider making smaller turnovers or sharing them with others.
Why Turnovers Are Perfect for Special Occasions
These turnovers make an excellent addition to holiday menus or special gatherings. Their individual, handheld size makes them easy to serve at parties or brunches. They are also a great make-ahead option, allowing you to prepare them in advance and bake them fresh just before serving. Their combination of warmth, sweetness, and flaky texture will surely impress guests at any occasion.
Exploring Regional Variations
While the traditional apple and caramel filling is a crowd-pleaser, many cultures have their own versions of turnovers or hand pies. For instance, in Latin American cuisine, turnovers filled with sweet fruits like guava or sweetened cream cheese are quite popular. The concept of a turnover is versatile, and you can experiment with flavors that reflect different culinary traditions.
Perfect Pairings with Beverages
Caramel apple turnovers pair beautifully with a wide range of beverages. For a cozy, comforting option, serve them with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai. For a lighter touch, pair them with a cup of green tea or apple cider. If you’re looking for a boozy twist, serve these turnovers with a glass of dessert wine or a spiced rum cocktail.
The Role of Cinnamon in the Filling
Cinnamon is a staple spice in caramel apple turnovers, adding warmth and depth to the apple filling. Its sweet and slightly spicy flavor complements the apples and caramel, creating a balanced taste. You can adjust the amount of cinnamon based on your personal preference, or try experimenting with other spices like ginger or cloves for a different flavor profile.
Perfect Timing for Caramel Apple Turnovers
While caramel apple turnovers can be enjoyed year-round, they are especially popular during the fall season. The combination of apples and caramel evokes the spirit of autumn, making them perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and other fall festivities. However, the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—you can make these turnovers at any time of year.
Why Homemade is Better
Making turnovers at home allows you to control every aspect of the recipe, from the quality of the ingredients to the texture of the pastry. Homemade turnovers tend to be fresher and more flavorful than store-bought alternatives. The satisfaction of creating these treats from scratch adds to their enjoyment, making them more rewarding to share with family and friends.
The Science Behind Puff Pastry
Puff pastry, the star of these turnovers, is a marvel of culinary science. Layers of butter and dough are repeatedly folded and rolled to create hundreds of flaky layers. When baked, the butter melts, causing the dough to puff up and form delicate, airy layers. This unique texture is what makes puff pastry so irresistible, adding both flavor and visual appeal to any dish.
Caramel Apple Turnovers for Beginners
For those new to baking, caramel apple turnovers are an excellent recipe to start with. The steps are straightforward, and with a bit of practice, you can master the technique of sealing and shaping the turnovers. Even beginners can achieve impressive results, especially when using store-bought puff pastry.
Conclusion
Caramel apple turnovers are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with flaky pastry, spiced apples, and gooey caramel. Whether you’re looking to enjoy them with a cup of coffee or serve them at your next gathering, these turnovers are a versatile, crowd-pleasing treat. With the flexibility to adapt the recipe to suit different tastes and preferences, this dish will remain a beloved classic in your baking repertoire.