Apple Turnover with Pie Crust: A Delightful Dessert Experience

Apple turnovers with pie crust are the epitome of a perfect, indulgent dessert. There’s just something about the crispy, flaky texture of a golden pie crust paired with the soft, cinnamon-spiced apples that warms the soul. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or a quick snack, apple turnovers with pie crust are incredibly versatile and satisfying. This article will walk you through the process of making these delicious treats, offering tips, variations, and everything you need to know about perfecting your Apple Turnover with Pie Crust.

What is an Apple Turnover?

An apple turnover is a pastry made by folding a sweet apple filling into a piece of dough, then baking until golden brown. It’s essentially a mini version of an apple pie, with the added benefit of being individual-sized and easy to serve. Apple turnovers are a popular dessert for their delightful combination of crispy, buttery pie crust and warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. They’re also very portable, making them a perfect dessert for on-the-go or as a lunchbox treat.

These turnovers are commonly filled with spiced apples and sugar, but there’s room for customization. Whether you prefer a sweet and tart filling or a more indulgent caramelized version, the beauty of apple turnovers lies in their flexibility. The Pie Crust Apple Dessert is simple yet full of rich flavor, making it a dessert that fits well in any season, especially during the fall when apples are at their peak.

Ingredients for Apple Turnover with Pie Crust

To make the best Baked Apple Turnovers, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. These can be modified to suit your taste, but here’s the classic list to get you started:

1. Pie Crust – This is the most important ingredient. You can use homemade pie crust or store-bought crusts like Pillsbury Pie Crust. A flaky, buttery crust is ideal for these turnovers, so it’s worth choosing a high-quality pie crust.
2. Apples – The star of the dish. You can use tart apples like Granny Smith or mix tart and sweet apples like Gala and Fuji to balance flavor. Tart apples hold their shape well during baking.
3. Sugar – A mixture of granulated sugar (for sweetness) and brown sugar (for richness and moisture) works perfectly.
4. Cinnamon and Nutmeg – These spices give the turnover its warm, comforting flavor that pairs so wonderfully with apples.
5. Butter – For richness, butter is added to the filling and melted for a glossy, smooth texture.
6. Lemon Juice – A bit of lemon juice helps balance the sweetness and adds a slight tang to the filling, enhancing the apple flavor.
7. Egg Wash – This simple mixture of egg and water brushed onto the turnovers before baking helps achieve that golden, glossy finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Apple Turnovers with Pie Crust

Making Apple Turnovers With Pie Crust at home is straightforward. With just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a delicious homemade treat in no time. Here’s how to make the perfect apple turnovers.

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

The filling is what makes the apple turnover so special. Here’s how to make it:

• Peel and Core the Apples: Peel the apples and remove the cores. Slice them into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the apples cook evenly and the filling is easy to spoon into the pie crust.
• Cook the Apples: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the apple slices and cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples should begin to soften, but they should still hold their shape.
• Add Sugar and Spices: Once the apples begin to soften, add sugar (about 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar), 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Also, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. These ingredients will help create a syrupy mixture that coats the apples and gives them that classic apple pie flavor.
• Simmer: Let the apples simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender, and the mixture has thickened slightly. Remove from the heat and let the filling cool completely before assembling the turnovers.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust

While the apple filling is cooling, it’s time to prepare the pie crust. You can either use Pillsbury Pie Crust (a convenient option for busy bakers) or make your own from scratch. Homemade pie crust offers a delicious buttery flavor, but store-bought options are quick and reliable.

• Roll Out the Pie Crust: If you’re using homemade pie dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. If using Pillsbury Pie Crust, simply unroll it and it’s ready to use.
• Cut Circles for the Turnovers: Using a round cutter (about 4 to 5 inches in diameter) or the rim of a glass, cut circles from the dough. You should be able to make 8 to 10 circles, depending on the size of your turnovers.

Step 3: Assemble the Apple Turnovers

This is where you bring everything together:

• Spoon the Apple Filling: Place a spoonful of the cooled apple filling in the center of each pie crust circle. Be sure to leave enough space around the edges so that the crust can seal properly. Don’t overfill, or the turnover may burst open during baking.
• Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges gently to seal them together. You can crimp the edges with a fork to ensure they stay sealed and to create a nice decorative touch.
• Brush with Egg Wash: Beat an egg and mix it with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the top of each turnover to give it that beautiful golden, glossy finish when it bakes.

Step 4: Bake the Turnovers

Now that your turnovers are assembled, it’s time to bake them.

• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your turnovers will bake evenly and become golden and crispy.
• Bake the Turnovers: Arrange the turnovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling. You’ll know they’re done when the top is golden and the turnovers have puffed up slightly.
• Cool Before Serving: Let the turnovers cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to firm up slightly and makes them easier to handle.

Variations and Creative Ideas for Apple Turnovers

While the classic Apple Turnover with Pie Crust is absolutely delicious, there are many fun ways to customize this recipe. Here are a few variations to try:

• Apple and Cranberry Turnovers: Add a handful of fresh or dried cranberries to the apple filling for a tart contrast that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the apples.
• Caramel Apple Turnovers: Drizzle a little homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the apple filling before sealing the turnovers. This adds a rich, indulgent flavor to the dessert.
• Apple Cinnamon Raisin Turnovers: For a twist on the traditional recipe, add a handful of raisins or currants to the apple filling. The raisins will add a chewy texture that complements the crisp pie crust.
• Apple and Nut Turnovers: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, to the apple filling. The nuts will give the turnovers a nice crunch and an extra layer of flavor.

The Best Pie Crust for Apple Turnovers

The pie crust is one of the key elements that will determine the success of your apple turnovers. The best pie crust for apple pie turnovers should be flaky, buttery, and slightly crisp. Here are some tips for ensuring you get the perfect pie crust for your turnovers:

• Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is essential for making flaky pie crust. When you cut cold butter into the flour, it creates little pockets of fat in the dough that puff up during baking, creating a light and airy texture.
• Chill the Dough: After forming your dough, chill it for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This prevents the crust from shrinking during baking.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: When handling the dough, be careful not to overwork it. Overworking the dough can result in a tough crust instead of a flaky one.
• Consider Pillsbury Pie Crust: For convenience and consistency, Pillsbury Pie Crust is a great choice for turnovers. It’s pre-rolled and easy to handle, and it yields a light, crispy crust that’s perfect for these pastries.

Healthier Apple Turnover Options

While apple turnovers are a delicious dessert, they can be a bit rich. If you’re looking for a healthier option, here are some modifications you can make to lighten up the recipe:

• Use Whole Wheat Pie Crust: For a healthier crust, opt for whole wheat pie crust instead of traditional white crust. Whole wheat crust is higher in fiber and has a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with the apples.
• Reduce Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can cut down on the sugar in the filling. Choose naturally sweet apples like Fuji or Gala, which will reduce the need for added sugar.
• Use a Butter Substitute: For a lower-fat version, try substituting butter with light butter or a plant-based butter alternative. This will reduce the fat content while still maintaining a rich flavor.

Conclusion

Apple turnovers with pie crust are a classic dessert that never goes out of style. Whether you’re using Pillsbury Pie Crust or making your own from scratch, these turnovers are guaranteed to impress your friends and family. The buttery, flaky crust combined with the sweet and spiced apple filling makes for a truly irresistible treat.

With endless variations and customization options, you can make these turnovers as simple or as indulgent as you like. Whether you add cranberries, caramel, or nuts, the combination of warm apples and flaky pie crust is sure to be a hit every time. Whether for a family gathering, a special occasion, or a simple afternoon snack, Apple Turnover with Pie Crust will always be a go-to dessert.

So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake up a batch of these delightful turnovers – the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crispy goodness!