Okay, let’s be real for a sec: we all love the idea of making fresh, flaky, golden-brown apple turnovers from scratch. But do we have the time to whip up laminated dough, let it chill for hours, and hand-dice apples like we’re auditioning for a baking competition? Ha. No.
That’s why I put together this list of 9 super-speedy apple turnover recipes you can whip up in 30 minutes or less—and actually enjoy doing it. These are the kind of treats you make when you want something warm, cozy, and homemade… without breaking into a full sweat or crying into your flour sack.
Whether you’re working with store-bought puff pastry (we love a shortcut queen) or using up that last sad apple on the counter, there’s something here for you.
Ready to turn up the turnover game? (Too cheesy? Oh well 😉)
1. Classic Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers
Why It’s Awesome:
You can’t go wrong with a good ol’ classic. Golden, flaky, buttery puff pastry + sweet cinnamon apples = perfection in under 30.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of store-bought puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, thank you very much)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix diced apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Cut puff pastry into 4 squares.
- Spoon apple mixture onto one side of each square.
- Fold into triangles and press edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush with beaten egg for that glossy bakery look.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Dust with powdered sugar (because aesthetics).
Why You’ll Love It
It’s simple, cozy, and tastes like fall exploded in your mouth. Plus, you’ll feel like a domestic god(dess) with zero effort.
2. Caramel Apple Turnovers
Why It’s Awesome:
Apple pie is great. Apple pie with caramel? Even better. These turnovers are basically dessert on steroids.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large apple, diced
- 2 tbsp caramel sauce (jarred or homemade if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 egg (egg wash)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Toss apples with sugar, cinnamon, and caramel.
- Cut pastry into 4 squares.
- Fill, fold, fork-seal, and brush with egg wash.
- Bake for 18 minutes.
- Drizzle extra caramel on top while still warm. Do it. You deserve it.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s sticky, gooey, and insanely addictive. Also, pro tip: these taste even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Just sayin’.
3. Maple Glazed Apple Turnovers
Why It’s Awesome:
The maple glaze? Game-changer. It’s like fall wrapped itself in a flaky crust and kissed you on the forehead.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 apple, diced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 egg
- For glaze:
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat to 400°F.
- Mix apple with sugar and cinnamon.
- Fill pastry squares and seal.
- Brush with egg, bake for 20 mins.
- Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm turnovers.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s got that extra flavor punch thanks to the maple glaze. Perfect for when you want your kitchen to smell like a Vermont vacation home.
4. Apple Pie Turnovers with Crescent Rolls
Why It’s Awesome:
No puff pastry? No problem. Crescent roll dough is your best friend in this one—super soft, buttery, and ready to roll.
Ingredients
- 1 can crescent roll dough
- 1 apple, peeled & chopped
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp apple pie spice (or cinnamon + nutmeg)
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix apples with sugar and spices.
- Roll out triangles of dough.
- Add filling, fold over, and pinch closed.
- Brush with melted butter.
- Bake for 12–15 mins.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s soft, fluffy, and dangerously easy. Also, I may or may not have eaten two before they cooled. No regrets.
5. Apple Turnovers with Cream Cheese
Why It’s Awesome:
If apple pie and cheesecake had a baby, it would be this turnover. Sweet, tangy, and totally irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 apple, diced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg (egg wash)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Mix apple with sugar and cinnamon.
- Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on each pastry square.
- Add apple filling, fold and seal.
- Brush with egg, bake for 18–20 mins.
Why You’ll Love It
The cream cheese adds a creamy, rich layer that makes these feel extra special—like, “I brought these to brunch and everyone asked for the recipe” special.
6. Air Fryer Apple Turnovers
Why It’s Awesome:
No oven? No problem. These little guys crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, and you don’t even have to preheat.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 apple, chopped
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 egg
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix apple with sugar and cinnamon.
- Cut pastry, add filling, seal, and brush with egg.
- Place in air fryer at 350°F for 10–12 mins, flipping halfway.
Why You’ll Love It
Crispy, golden perfection in half the time. If your air fryer’s been collecting dust, here’s your reason to plug it back in.
7. Apple Turnovers with Cinnamon Glaze
Why It’s Awesome:
Because why stop at cinnamon inside when you can also drizzle it on top? Exactly.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 apple, diced
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 egg
- For glaze:
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat to 400°F.
- Fill and fold turnovers as usual.
- Bake for 18 minutes.
- Mix glaze and drizzle over cooled turnovers.
Why You’ll Love It
The glaze takes these from “mmm” to “OH WOW.” Serve with coffee and prepare for applause.
8. Mini Apple Turnovers (for Snack-Size Cravings)
Why It’s Awesome:
Tiny food = cute food. These are perfect for sharing, snacking, or hoarding all to yourself.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 small apple, diced fine
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Dash of cinnamon
- 1 egg
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut puff pastry into 8 small squares.
- Add small scoops of apple mix.
- Fold and seal.
- Bake at 400°F for 15 mins.
Why You’ll Love It
They’re snackable, poppable, and no one will judge you for eating four (because they’re mini, duh 😎).
9. Vegan Apple Turnovers
Why It’s Awesome:
Zero dairy, zero eggs, but still flaky and fabulous? Yep, it’s possible.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet vegan puff pastry
- 1 apple, chopped
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp plant milk (for brushing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat to 400°F.
- Mix apple with syrup and cinnamon.
- Fill pastry squares, seal, and brush with plant milk.
- Bake for 18–20 mins.
Why You’ll Love It
Crispy
