Apple Turnovers with Cream Filling
Ingredients:
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Cream Filling (optional):
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Turnovers:
- 1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth, then add to the apple mixture.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the mixture has thickened.
- Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cream Filling (optional):
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined and creamy.
- Set aside.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each sheet of puff pastry into a 12-inch square.
- Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares, giving you a total of 8 squares.
4. Assemble the Turnovers:
- If using the cream filling, spread about 1 tablespoon of cream filling in the center of each pastry square.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling on top of the cream filling.
- Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle, and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
- Transfer the turnovers to the prepared baking sheet.
5. Apply the Egg Wash:
- In a small bowl, mix the beaten egg with 1 tablespoon of water.
- Brush the tops of the turnovers with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
6. Bake:
- Bake the turnovers in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
7. Prepare the Glaze (optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled turnovers.
8. Serve:
- Enjoy the turnovers warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
These Apple Turnovers, with the optional cream filling, are a delightful treat combining the tartness of apples with the richness of cream cheese, all encased in a flaky puff pastry. Enjoy!
