Apple Turnovers with Cream Filling Recipe

If you are craving a delightful treat that perfectly balances flaky pastry and luscious filling, this Apple Turnovers with Cream Filling Recipe is exactly what you need. These turnovers combine tender, cinnamon-kissed apples with a creamy whipped filling that takes every bite to a new level of indulgence. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, dessert, or a special snack, this recipe brings warmth and charm to your kitchen with every golden-baked pocket of happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is such a joy because it’s all about simplicity and quality here. Each component contributes something special — the tart apples add zest, the cinnamon offers cozy aroma, and buttery puff pastry creates that irresistible crispness you crave.

• 4 Granny Smith apples: Peeled and diced into 1.25cm cubes for just the right balance of tart and tender in every bite.
• 2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch: The secret to thickening the apple sauce perfectly without it becoming too runny.
• 1 tsp cinnamon: Adds that classic warm spice that tells you fall is just around the corner.
• 1/2 cup white sugar: Sweetens the filling gently so the apples shine without overpowering.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the flavor, giving it a lovely aromatic lift.
• Pinch of salt: Balances and enhances the sweetness beautifully.
• 2 sheets puff pastry (25 cm/10″): Use butter-based for the flakiest, most golden turnovers.
• 1 egg, whisked: For brushing on pastry edges to create a perfect seal and a shiny finish.
• 2 batches stabilized or stiff whipped cream: This is the luscious cream filling that makes these apple turnovers unforgettable.
• 1 batch whipped cream for dunking (optional): For those who love an extra creamy dip alongside each turnover.
• Icing/powdered sugar: To dust the top adding a touch of sweetness and pretty finish.

How to Make Apple Turnovers with Cream Filling Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by placing the diced Granny Smith apples in a large saucepan. Toss them with the cornflour so they’ll thicken the sauce as they cook. Add cinnamon, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt before cooking the mixture over medium to medium-high heat. Stir regularly for about 5 minutes until the apples become tender but still maintain their shape. You want some caramelization happening but not too much to keep that fresh apple texture.

Step 2: Cool the Filling

Once the apple filling is cooked, spread it out on a large plate to cool completely. This step is crucial because warm filling can make your pastry soggy. Plus, cooling allows flavors to meld together nicely so every bite is packed with deliciousness.

Step 3: Prep Your Work Surface

Line a large cutting board or use an upside-down tray covered with baking/parchment paper. This will be your workspace for assembling the turnovers and makes transferring them to the oven much easier.

Step 4: Assemble the Turnovers

Take one puff pastry sheet, slightly thawed but still cold, and cut it into 4 equal squares (12.5cm/5″). Brush two adjacent sides of each square with the whisked egg — this acts like a natural glue. Spoon a generous amount of the cooled apple filling onto the egg-brushed side. Be careful to avoid any excess sauce that might leak and prevent proper sealing. Save any leftover sauce for topping pancakes or ice cream later!

Step 5: Seal and Shape

Fold the pastry over to create a triangle or rectangle shape and gently press edges together. Use a fork dipped in flour to crimp and seal the edges perfectly while adding a pretty pattern. Transfer each turnover carefully onto the prepared surface.

Step 6: Chill Before Baking

Pop the turnovers into the fridge for 20 minutes. This chilling step helps the butter in the puff pastry stay solid so it creates those signature puffed layers as they bake.

Step 7: Heat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C fan-assisted to get the perfect baking environment that crisps and browns the turnovers beautifully.

Step 8: Bake the Turnovers

Transfer the parchment paper with turnovers onto a large baking tray. Brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg for that gorgeous shine and stab three small holes in each pastry to allow steam to escape. Bake them for about 25 minutes until they turn a stunning golden brown.

Step 9: Serve Warm with Cream

These turnovers are best enjoyed warm. Dust with icing sugar for a delicate sweetness and serve alongside dollops of whipped cream for dunking and extra indulgence.

How to Serve Apple Turnovers with Cream Filling Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar instantly elevates the visual appeal and adds a sweet touch that complements the apple and cream filling. Fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon also make beautiful, fragrant enhancements.

Side Dishes

Pair these turnovers with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad to create a balanced dessert experience. For breakfast or brunch, a cup of spiced chai or freshly brewed coffee works wonders alongside the sweet and creamy turnovers.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the turnovers in a rustic basket lined with linen for a charming farmhouse vibe, or on fine china with a drizzle of caramel sauce around for a special occasion. You can even create mini versions for parties by cutting puff pastry into smaller squares and adjusting the filling quantities.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any turnover leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerating may cause the pastry to lose some of its crispness, but it will keep the cream fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled turnovers before baking. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or bag. They keep well in the freezer for up to a month—just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked taste, reheat turnovers in a 180°C oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, which softens the pastry.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer the perfect tartness and firmness, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples for a sweeter or softer filling; just keep an eye on cooking times as some varieties get mushier faster.

What kind of whipped cream works best for the cream filling?

Stabilized whipped cream holds its shape longer and is ideal if you plan to prepare the turnovers ahead of time. However, stiffly whipped regular cream also works beautifully for a lighter, fresh-tasting filling.

Can I make these turnovers vegan?

Yes! Use vegan puff pastry made with plant-based fats and swap the egg wash with plant milk or aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) for brushing. Coconut cream can be whipped as a dairy-free cream filling alternative.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?

Make sure not to overfill and avoid excess sauce on the pastry edges. Brushing the edges with egg before sealing creates a strong seal, and chilling the turnovers before baking helps the pastry hold everything inside.

What’s a fun way to use leftover apple sauce?

Leftover sauce is wonderful spooned over pancakes, swirled into yogurt, added as a topping for ice cream, or even stirred into oatmeal for a warm, comforting breakfast.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Turnovers with Cream Filling Recipe is one of those magical desserts that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. Its buttery, flaky pastry combined with luscious apple and cream filling hits all the right notes for anyone who loves comforting flavors with a touch of elegance. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favorite in your dessert rotation!

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