Golden Apple Puff Pastry Turnovers with Caramel Drizzle: An Easy, Elegant Dessert

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm apples and flaky pastry filling your kitchen on a crisp day. Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch, need a quick holiday dessert, or just craving something sweet with your coffee, these Apple Puff Pastry Turnovers are a no-fuss crowd-pleaser. With the help of store-bought puff pastry and canned apple pie filling, you can create a bakery-quality treat in under 30 minutes.

These turnovers are golden, crisp, and buttery on the outside, with a soft, cinnamon-spiced apple center. The final touch? A drizzle of luscious caramel sauce that makes every bite absolutely divine.

Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Recipe

These turnovers are ideal for:

• Beginner bakers who want impressive results with minimal effort

• Busy parents needing quick, sweet treats for the family

• Holiday hosts looking for make-ahead friendly desserts

• Apple lovers who can’t resist a good fall-inspired pastry

Simple, accessible ingredients combine for a flaky, gooey, caramel-kissed pastry that’s every bit as good as a slice of homemade apple pie—without all the work.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes these turnovers so simple yet irresistible:

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed (usually one standard package)

• 21 ounces apple pie filling (one can; homemade or store-bought)

• 1 large egg, beaten

• Water (for sealing the edges)

• Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade for drizzling)

That’s it! Just five ingredients stand between you and warm, golden, fruit-filled pastries that melt in your mouth.

Kitchen Equipment Checklist

You don’t need fancy tools to make these—just a few basics:

• Baking sheet – Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup

• Sharp knife or pizza cutter – To cut the puff pastry into squares

• Pastry brush – For sealing edges and applying the egg wash

• Fork – To crimp the edges and add a rustic finish

• Cooling rack – Ensures the turnovers don’t get soggy as they cool

• Small bowl – For the beaten egg

Optional but useful: ice cream scoop for easy filling, and a small paring knife to vent the turnovers.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Puff Pastry Turnovers

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry

Lightly flour your work surface. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets and lay them flat. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice each sheet into four equal squares—you’ll have 8 total.

3. Add the Filling

Spoon a small amount (about 2 tablespoons) of apple pie filling onto half of each square, placing the filling toward one triangle side of the square. Be careful not to overfill.

4. Seal the Edges

Dip your finger or a pastry brush into water, and moisten all edges of each square. Fold the puff pastry over the apples to form a triangle. Press the edges gently together.

Then, use a fork to crimp and seal the edges all the way around. This step is key to keeping that delicious filling inside during baking.

5. Vent and Egg Wash

Use a small knife to slice a tiny vent in the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape.

Brush the tops of each turnover with beaten egg for that golden, glossy finish.

6. Bake to Perfection

Place the turnovers on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.

7. Cool and Drizzle

Transfer the turnovers to a wire rack. Let cool for about 5 minutes, then drizzle generously with caramel sauce. Serve warm—or at room temperature, they’re just as good.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause leaking during baking.

• Keep puff pastry cold: Work quickly once the pastry is thawed to keep the butter in the dough cold, which helps achieve that flaky texture.

• Use parchment paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

• Egg wash makes a difference: Don’t skip this—it’s what gives that gorgeous golden-brown sheen.

• Let them cool slightly: The filling will be very hot straight from the oven.

Delicious Variations & Customizations

Make it your own with these swaps:

• Homemade apple filling: Cook diced apples with butter, cinnamon, sugar, and a touch of cornstarch for a more rustic, homemade twist.

• Add nuts: A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds crunch.

• Cinnamon sugar top: Instead of caramel, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar after the egg wash for a crunchy topping.

• Different fruit fillings: Try cherry, blueberry, or peach pie filling for fun seasonal variations.

• Savory turnovers: Skip the sugar and fill with cheese and sautéed veggies for a savory spin.

Serving Suggestions

These turnovers are perfect on their own, but you can take them to the next level with these pairings:

Beverages:

• Hot apple cider – Cozy fall vibes in every sip.

• Chai tea or spiced lattes – Complements the warm spice of the apples.

• Vanilla ice cream milkshake – For the ultimate dessert moment.

Add a scoop of ice cream:

Warm turnovers + vanilla bean ice cream = match made in dessert heaven.

Storing & Reheating Tips

Refrigerator:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer:

You can freeze baked turnovers (before adding caramel). Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

To Reheat:

• Oven (best method): Bake at 350°F for 5–8 minutes until crisp.

• Air fryer: 2–3 minutes at 350°F

• Microwave: 15–20 seconds (but they’ll be softer, not crispy)

Avoid adding caramel until after reheating for the best texture.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these in advance?

Yes! Assemble the turnovers, place them on a tray, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Apply egg wash just before baking.

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned filling?

Absolutely. Sauté diced apples with cinnamon, butter, and sugar until just tender, then cool before using.

Can I make them smaller for parties?

Yes—cut each sheet into 6 smaller rectangles instead of 4 squares for mini turnovers.

Is puff pastry the same as phyllo dough?

No—phyllo is much thinner and requires layering with butter. Stick to puff pastry for this recipe.

What’s the best caramel sauce to use?

Store-bought works great, but if you want to elevate your game, use a homemade salted caramel for rich depth of flavor.

Final Thoughts: A Foolproof Fall Favorite

These Apple Puff Pastry Turnovers are everything a dessert should be—crisp, golden, gooey, warm, and irresistibly sweet. They’re the perfect blend of convenience and comfort, and they never fail to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total beginner, this is a recipe that delivers beautiful results every single time.