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Flaky Apple Turnovers with Creamy Filling

flaky apple turnovers - featured image

These flaky apple turnovers feature a buttery, crisp puff pastry crust filled with tender spiced apples and a smooth, creamy cream cheese filling. Perfect for a quick, comforting snack or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet puff pastry (about 8 oz / 227 g), thawed but still cold
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened (plain, full-fat)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (optional, for brushing crust edges)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, toss diced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Stir well to coat evenly.
  2. Cook the apples: In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, cook the apple mixture until apples soften slightly and sugars dissolve, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  3. Mix the creamy filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  4. Prepare puff pastry: Roll out thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth creases and make slightly thinner if desired. Cut into 4 equal squares (about 4×4 inches).
  5. Assemble turnovers: On each square, spread about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture in the center. Top with 2-3 tablespoons of cooled apple filling. Avoid overfilling.
  6. Seal and shape: Fold each square into a triangle by bringing one corner over the filling to the opposite corner. Press edges firmly with a fork to seal. Brush edges with melted butter if desired.
  7. Apply egg wash: Lightly brush tops with beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish.
  8. Bake: Place turnovers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
  9. Cool and serve: Transfer turnovers to a cooling rack for a few minutes before serving as filling will be hot.

Notes

Keep puff pastry cold until assembly to prevent stickiness. Do not overfill turnovers to avoid leaking. Chill turnovers for 10 minutes before baking if edges do not seal well. Use egg wash for a shiny golden crust. If filling is too runny, add more cornstarch next time. Can freeze unbaked turnovers and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple turnovers, flaky pastry, cream cheese filling, quick dessert, easy snack, spiced apples, homemade turnovers