Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's both elegant and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this Apple Turnover Recipe with Phyllo Dough! This recipe transforms readily available ingredients into a delightful treat perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. Forget complicated baking – this recipe is your shortcut to homemade deliciousness. It's a perfect example of how easy recipes can deliver big on flavor. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
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For the Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
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For the Pastry:
- 1 package (14.1 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
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For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the apples to release some of their juices and soften slightly. This step is key to preventing a soggy turnover.
Step 2: Assemble the Turnovers:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet. Lay out a sheet of phyllo dough; brush lightly with melted butter. Top with another sheet of phyllo, brushing it with butter as well. Repeat until you have 2-3 layers of phyllo, depending on your desired thickness.
Step 3: Fill and Fold:
Spoon a generous amount of the apple filling onto one half of the phyllo rectangle, leaving about a 1-inch border. Fold the other half of the phyllo over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal. You can also use a pastry brush to seal the edges with more melted butter for a richer flavor.
Step 4: Bake:
Place the turnovers onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the remaining melted butter. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the turnovers are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them – ovens can vary!
Step 5: Glaze (Optional):
While the turnovers are still warm, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk (or lemon juice) until you achieve your desired consistency for the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm turnovers.
Tips for the Best Apple Turnovers:
- Don't overfill: Too much filling can cause the turnovers to leak and become soggy.
- Work quickly: Phyllo dough dries out quickly, so work efficiently when assembling the turnovers. Keep unused phyllo covered with a damp cloth.
- Use a pastry brush: A pastry brush makes it easy to evenly distribute the melted butter over the phyllo.
- Adjust sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the filling to your liking.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Add nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the apple filling for added texture and flavor.
- Use different apples: Experiment with different apple varieties for varying levels of sweetness and tartness.
- Make mini turnovers: Cut the phyllo dough into smaller squares for bite-sized appetizers or snacks.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion size but expect around 250-300 calories, with varying amounts of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. For a more precise calculation, use a nutritional calculator with your exact ingredient measurements.
This Apple Turnover recipe is a wonderful addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and delicious dishes, making it a perfect choice for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels. Enjoy!