Creations Galore and Moore: Apple Crumble Turnovers with Buttery Cinnamon Streusel and Vanilla Glaze

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - This is the perfect breakfast or anytime food for the holidays!

Homemade Apple Pie Filling ingredients:

• 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of kosher salt
• ½ cup apple cider, divided
• 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter

Puff Pastry Turnovers ingredients:

• 1 package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed but cold
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• All-purpose flour for dusting

Buttery Cinnamon Crumble ingredients:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
• Pinch of salt

Vanilla Glaze ingredients:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy whipping cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling

1. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, approximately ¼-inch pieces.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Stir well and allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for approximately 10 minutes to release some of the natural apple juices.
4. Add 6 tablespoons of apple cider, reserving the remaining 2 tablespoons.
5. Cook over medium heat for approximately 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften but still hold their shape.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and reserved 2 tablespoons of apple cider until smooth.
7. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the apples and stir continuously.
8. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, until the filling becomes thick and glossy.
9. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter.
10. Allow the filling to cool completely before assembling the turnovers.

Baker’s Tip: The filling should be thick, not runny, to prevent the turnovers from becoming soggy or leaking during baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Crumble

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter.
4. Using a fork or pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Spread the mixture evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for approximately 10–15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until lightly golden.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. The crumble will become crisp as it cools.

Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Lightly flour a clean work surface.
4. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets.
5. Cut each sheet into four equal squares, creating eight squares total.
6. Place approximately 1½–2 tablespoons of cooled apple pie filling in the center of each square.

Step 4: Assemble the Apple Turnovers

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash.
2. Lightly brush the edges of each pastry square with egg wash.
3. Fold each square diagonally over the filling to form a triangle.
4. Gently press the edges together to seal.
5. Use a fork to crimp the edges securely.
6. Transfer the turnovers to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart.
7. Cut a small slit in the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape.
8. Lightly brush the tops with egg wash.
9. Refrigerate the assembled turnovers for 10–15 minutes before baking to help maintain their flaky layers.

Step 5: Bake the Turnovers

1. Bake in the preheated 400°F oven for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the turnovers are puffed, golden brown, and fully baked.
2. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack.
3. Allow to cool for approximately 5–10 minutes before adding the glaze.

Step 6: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze

1. In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of milk or heavy whipping cream.
3. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add additional milk or cream as needed to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.

Step 7: Finish the Apple Crumble Turnovers

1. Arrange the warm turnovers on a serving platter.
2. Drizzle each turnover with vanilla glaze.
3. Immediately sprinkle the prepared cinnamon crumble over the glaze, allowing it to adhere.
4. Let the glaze set slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestion: Enjoy warm with a cup of coffee for Thanksgiving breakfast or serve with vanilla ice cream for an easy holiday dessert.

Make-Ahead Tips

The apple pie filling can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

The cinnamon crumble can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container once completely cooled.

For the best texture, assemble and bake the turnovers the day you plan to serve them.

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