Apple Turnovers

Delicate and utterly irresistible, these Chaussons aux Pommes, or classic French Apple Turnovers, are a symphony of flavors and textures. Imagine luscious, generously chunky apples, perfectly spiced with warm cinnamon, all tenderly embraced by layers of golden, flaky, and exceptionally buttery puff pastry. This traditional French apple pastry is not just a treat for the palate; it’s an experience that transports you straight to a quaint Parisian patisserie, right from the comfort of your own kitchen.

While these delightful creations might appear sophisticated, mastering this French Apple Turnover Recipe at home is surprisingly simple. They are incredibly versatile, making them a perfect addition to any meal or occasion. Serve them warm for a comforting breakfast, a elegant brunch centerpiece, an afternoon tea indulgence, or as a decadent dessert after dinner. No matter the time of day, these easy apple turnovers promise a moment of pure bliss with every bite.

Why These French Apple Turnovers Are a Must-Bake

As the vibrant hues of summer berries and stone fruits begin to fade, ushering in the crisp embrace of autumn, our culinary focus naturally shifts to the comforting bounty of apples, pears, and pumpkins. Even if the temperatures outside haven’t quite caught up to the calendar, it’s never too early to indulge in the warm, inviting flavors of fall. These puff pastry apple turnovers are the perfect autumnal treat, bringing the essence of the season directly to your table.

My personal journey with apple turnovers began in childhood, much like many, with the convenience of pre-packaged pastries. While those held a nostalgic charm, my perception of what an apple turnover could be was completely transformed during a visit to France. There, I discovered the unparalleled taste of authentic Chaussons aux Pommes. The rich, flaky pastry and the perfectly balanced apple filling were a revelation, far surpassing any store-bought version. This experience ignited a passion to recreate that genuine French patisserie magic at home.

This particular apple turnover recipe stands out for its simplicity and the incredible results it yields. By using a flavorful, chunky homemade apple filling combined with the convenience of quality puff pastry, you can achieve that authentic taste with minimal fuss. These “apple slippers” (a literal translation of Chaussons aux Pommes) are designed to perfectly satisfy any apple craving, providing a delicious and satisfying experience.

One of the most appealing aspects of these easy apple turnovers is their remarkable versatility. Whether you’re looking for a delightful morning pastry to pair with your coffee, a charming addition to a brunch spread, a sophisticated treat for afternoon tea, or a warm, comforting dessert after dinner, Chaussons aux Pommes fit seamlessly into any part of your day. Their inviting aroma and delicious taste make them a welcomed indulgence at any hour.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chaussons aux Pommes

Crafting the perfect French apple turnover starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the desired flavor and texture that makes these pastries so beloved.

• Kitchen Staples: You’ll need fundamental baking ingredients such as fresh, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, a pinch of salt to enhance flavors, fragrant cinnamon (optional but highly recommended for a warmer profile), and a splash of milk for that beautiful golden-brown finish.
• Baking Apples: The choice of apples is paramount for a rich and complex filling. A combination of varieties typically yields a superior depth of flavor. For instance, pairing a tart apple like Granny Smith with a sweeter, softer apple such as Golden Delicious provides a wonderful balance of sweetness and acidity, as well as varying textures when cooked. These apples hold their shape well enough to create a chunky filling, rather than a mushy one.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon juice is essential for preventing the apples from browning once they are peeled and chopped. Furthermore, both the juice and finely grated zest contribute a bright, zesty note that cuts through the sweetness and enhances the natural apple flavor. Remember, always zest your lemon before you squeeze it; it’s significantly easier to get that fine zest from a firm, whole lemon.
• Vanilla Extract: For the best results, always opt for real vanilla extract, not imitation vanilla. The rich, aromatic notes of genuine vanilla elevate the overall flavor profile of the apple filling, adding a layer of warmth and sophistication that imitation versions simply cannot replicate. A quick check of the label will confirm its authenticity.
• Puff Pastry: This is the cornerstone of a truly exceptional apple turnover. You’ll find ready-made puff pastry in the frozen food section of most grocery stores. For an authentic French taste and a superior flaky texture, seek out an all-butter brand. Brands like Dufour are renowned for their quality and can often be found at specialty stores or Whole Foods. Trader Joe’s also occasionally carries an excellent all-butter version, particularly around the holidays. Proper handling is key: ensure your puff pastry is defrosted overnight in the refrigerator before you plan to begin baking. This gradual defrosting helps maintain its delicate structure.

Mastering Your French Apple Turnovers: Expert Baking Tips

Achieving bakery-quality French apple turnovers at home is entirely within reach with a few expert tips. These insights will guide you in creating Chaussons aux Pommes that are not only delicious but also visually stunning.

• The Puff Pastry Advantage: The secret to truly magnificent puff pastry turnovers lies in the quality of your pastry. Investing in an all-butter brand, such as Dufour (available at Whole Foods) or the seasonal butter puff pastry from Trader Joe’s, makes a dramatic difference. All-butter pastry delivers unparalleled flavor and a superior, crispier, and more tender flaky texture compared to those made with vegetable shortenings. This single ingredient choice can elevate your homemade pastries from good to absolutely sublime.
• Optimal Apple Blending: For a filling that boasts complexity and balance, never rely on just one type of apple. A thoughtful combination of apples will provide a much richer flavor profile. Aim to mix sweet varieties with tart ones, and apples that offer both softer and crisper textures after cooking. This ensures a filling that is neither too sweet nor too tart, and delightfully varied in every bite.
• The Oblong Shaping Technique: While traditional turnovers often use circular pastry cutouts, a valuable tip for these Chaussons aux Pommes is to cut your puff pastry into an elongated oval shape. This simple adjustment allows you to fold one side over the apple filling more effectively, creating a more secure seal. This technique significantly reduces the likelihood of the delicious apple filling oozing out during baking, ensuring your pastries look as perfect as they taste.
• Customizable Chunky Filling: The heart of these turnovers is the chunky, homemade applesauce filling. This allows for complete customization to suit your personal preferences. If you have some homemade applesauce on hand, it’s an excellent base. Simply enhance it with a touch of real vanilla extract, an extra dash of cinnamon for warmth, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. You control the sweetness and spice, creating a filling that is perfectly tailored to your liking.
• PRO-Tip: The Cinnamon Debate: For an authentically French experience, you might consider omitting the cinnamon altogether. Traditional Chaussons aux Pommes are often made without this spice, allowing the pure, natural flavor of the apples to shine through. However, if you adore the warmth that cinnamon brings, feel free to add it. A fantastic compromise is to make a batch with cinnamon and another without, then conduct a delicious taste test to discover your preferred version!
• PRO-Tip: Keep Your Pastry Cold: Puff pastry performs best when it is kept cold. The butter layers within the pastry need to remain firm to create those distinct, airy layers when exposed to the oven’s heat. If your kitchen is warm, or if you’ve spent some time assembling your French apple turnovers, the pastry might start to soften. Before baking, pop your prepared baking tray of chaussons into the freezer for about 10-15 minutes or the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This re-chilling step ensures the pastry is perfectly cold, leading to maximum puff and flakiness in the oven.
• Serving Suggestions: These apple turnovers are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature. For breakfast, they pair wonderfully with coffee or tea. As a dessert, elevate them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Their inviting aroma alone is enough to gather everyone around the table.
• Storage and Reheating: Leftover Chaussons aux Pommes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For optimal flakiness, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwave reheating as it can make the pastry soggy.

Explore More Delicious Pastry Creations

If you’ve fallen in love with these Chaussons aux Pommes, you’ll be delighted to discover other fantastic dessert recipes that are equally satisfying and perfect for any occasion. Expand your baking repertoire with these delightful options:

• Rustic Berry Turnovers: A vibrant and fresh alternative, these turnovers capture the essence of summer berries in a flaky pastry shell.
• Peach Turnovers: Indulge in the sweet, juicy flavors of ripe peaches, encased in a delicate pastry, perfect for peach season.
• Easy Apple Crisp: A timeless classic, this apple crisp offers a comforting and warm dessert experience with a crunchy topping.
• Apple Crostata: A rustic Italian tart featuring beautifully arranged apples and a free-form crust, showcasing the fruit’s natural beauty.
• Plus, explore all my Best Dessert Recipes for endless inspiration to satisfy your sweet tooth!

The Recipe:

Chaussons aux Pommes

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
45 minutes

Total Time
1 hour 5 minutes

Yield
8 servings

These delightful apple-filled pastries are a staple across France, and now you can effortlessly recreate their authentic charm right in your own kitchen! Impress your family and friends with this classic treat.

Ingredients

For the apple filling:

• 1 pound 4 ounces cooking apples (approximately three large apples)
• Zest plus 2 tablespoons juice from one fresh lemon
• 1 rounded tablespoon unsalted butter
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (plus more to taste, depending on apple sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Cinnamon, to taste (optional for a French version, but recommended for warmth)

For the pastry:

• 11 ⅓ ounces ready-made puff pastry dough, defrosted (ideally an all-butter brand like Dufour for best results)
• 2 tablespoons milk (for an egg wash alternative)

Instructions for Delicious Chaussons aux Pommes

1. To begin preparing your apple filling, carefully zest your lemon and then extract 2 tablespoons of its juice. Place both the zest and juice into a large bowl, ensuring it’s spacious enough to hold all your chopped apples without crowding.
2. Next, peel, core, and chop your apples into uniform, chunky pieces. As soon as each apple is chopped, immediately add the chunks to the bowl containing the lemon juice and zest. Stir well to coat them thoroughly. This crucial step prevents the apples from oxidizing and turning brown, preserving their fresh appearance.
3. Transfer the lemon-coated apple chunks into a small, heavy-bottomed pot that has a tight-fitting lid. Add in the sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir all the ingredients together until the apples are evenly coated with the seasonings.
4. Place the pot over medium heat and cover it with the lid. Cook the apples for the first 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. There’s no need to add any additional liquid, as the apples will naturally release their own juices as they soften.
5. Once the apples have begun to soften, remove the lid from the pot and reduce the heat to low. Continue to cook, stirring more frequently, until most of the liquid has evaporated and you are left with a thick, chunky applesauce. You can gently mash some of the apples with a fork if you prefer a smoother consistency, but be sure to leave plenty of delightful chunks for texture.
6. Remove the apple filling from the heat and allow it to cool completely before proceeding. Once cooled, taste the filling and adjust the sweetness by adding a little more sugar if needed. If you desire a warmer, spicier note, stir in cinnamon to your taste preference at this stage.
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature before baking. Line a large baking sheet with baking parchment paper; this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
8. To create uniform turnovers, make a template out of paper. An elongated oval shape, approximately 4 x 5.5 inches, works exceptionally well. This oval design proves to be much more effective for sealing the filling inside the pastry compared to traditional circular cutouts, preventing leaks.
9. Lightly flour a clean work surface. Unroll your defrosted puff pastry dough and gently roll it out a bit thinner if necessary. Using your paper template and a sharp knife, carefully cut out the oval shapes from the pastry dough. Try to maximize your cuts to minimize waste.
10. Arrange the puff pastry ovals on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush a small amount of water around the edges of each oval. Place a generous spoonful of your cooled, chunky applesauce filling in the middle of one half of each oval.
11. Carefully fold the other half of the puff pastry over the apple filling, aligning the edges. Gently press down around the edges with your fingers or a fork to securely seal the pastry, creating a neat turnover shape.
12. Once sealed, transfer the shaped chaussons to your baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart to allow for proper air circulation during baking.
13. Using a sharp knife, lightly score the tops of the chaussons with a few small slits. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the pastry from bursting and ensuring a beautiful puff.
14. For a lovely golden-brown finish, lightly brush the tops of each chausson with a little milk. Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is gloriously golden and beautifully puffed. Allow the turnovers to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm for the best experience!

Notes

For the most complex and delightful apple flavor in your filling, always aim to use at least two different types of baking apples. A combination of tart Granny Smith apples and sweeter Golden Delicious varieties is highly recommended for a balanced taste and texture.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1 turnover

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 405Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 301mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 2gSugar: 9gProtein: 4g

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