Golden Flaky Gluten Free Apple Turnovers

Enjoy these golden, flaky gluten free apple turnovers crisp, buttery pastry filled with warm, spiced apples. Easy to make, freezer friendly, and perfectly sweet for any occasion. A simple gluten-free dessert that everyone will love!

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the smell of warm apple turnovers baking in the oven! These Golden Flaky Gluten Free Apple Turnovers are buttery, crisp, and filled with gooey cinnamon apples a treat that everyone (gluten free or not!) will love. They’re easy to make, freeze beautifully, and bake up golden and delicious every time.

❤️ Recipe Summary

These turnovers are perfect for dessert, breakfast, or even a cozy afternoon snack. Using gluten-free puff pastry, a homemade apple filling, and a touch of cinnamon sugar, you can whip up bakery-quality pastries right in your kitchen.

• Naturally gluten-free & easy to make
• Filled with juicy cinnamon-spiced apples
• Golden, flaky, and buttery texture
• Freezer-friendly for make-ahead baking

Ingredient Notes:

Here’s what you’ll need to make these flaky, gluten-free apple turnovers:

• Gluten-Free Puff Pastry: Use brands like Schär or Genius for the best texture. Thaw before using.
• Apples: Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady work beautifully.
• Butter: For that classic buttery flavor — you can use vegan butter if needed.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and depth.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the apple flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the apple filling so it doesn’t leak out.
• Egg Wash: For that perfect golden, glossy finish.

Using Fresh Apple Filling for Gluten-Free Turnovers:

Homemade apple filling makes a world of difference! Simply cook diced apples with butter, sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch until soft and thickened. Let it cool before filling your pastry — this prevents soggy bottoms.

A Note From My Kitchen

I’ve tested many gluten-free puff pastries, and not all are created equal! Schär’s puff pastry gives the best flaky layers, while others may turn slightly dense. Always keep the pastry cold when working with it — that’s the secret to achieving those gorgeous, buttery layers.

How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Turnovers (Step-By-step)

1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Peel, core, and dice fresh apples. Cook them in a pan with butter, cinnamon, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice until soft and caramelized. Let cool completely before using.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Dust your surface with gluten-free flour and roll the chilled dough into a thin sheet. Cut it into equal squares for even turnovers.

Step 3: Add the Filling
Spoon a small amount of apple filling into the center of each square. Be careful not to overfill or the turnovers may burst during baking.

Step 4: Seal the Edges
Fold each square into a triangle and press the edges with a fork to seal. Brush the tops with an egg wash or dairy-free milk for a golden finish.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place turnovers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed and beautifully golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Let them cool slightly before drizzling with vanilla glaze or dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Keep your puff pastry cold before baking — this ensures flakiness.
• Let the apple filling cool completely before assembling.
• Don’t overfill — too much filling can cause leaks.
• Brush the tops with egg wash for a professional golden finish.

Storage and Freezing Tips

• To Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• To Freeze: Freeze unbaked turnovers on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to bake time.
• To Reheat: Warm baked turnovers in a toaster oven or air fryer for 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with vegan butter and use a dairy-free puff pastry.

Q: Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Absolutely — it’s a quick shortcut, though homemade filling gives the best flavor.

Q: Why is my pastry not flaky?
The dough may have become too warm. Always keep it chilled before baking.

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Flaky Gluten-Free Apple Turnovers

Equipment

Baking sheet, parchment paper, saucepan, pastry brush, and fork.

Ingredients 1x2x3x

• 1 sheet gluten-free puff pastry (thawed)
• 2 medium apples, peeled & diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Optional: 1 tbsp coarse sugar for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Make apple filling as described above.
3. Cut pastry into squares and fill with cooled apple mixture.
4. Fold and seal edges with a fork.
5. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
6. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and flaky.
7. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Let the apple filling cool before adding it to the pastry — this keeps the turnovers flaky instead of soggy. Handle the gluten-free puff pastry gently; if it gets too soft, chill it for a few minutes before shaping. For extra shine, brush with egg wash and sprinkle sugar before baking.

You can also drizzle a quick vanilla glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla) once the turnovers cool slightly. These turnovers freeze perfectly just bake them straight from the freezer when needed. Try other fillings like pears, berries, or peaches for fun variations.

Special Note

Keep the pastry cold until baking — that’s the secret to crisp, flaky layers. If it warms up, chill it again for 10–15 minutes. Make small slits on top of each turnover to let steam escape and prevent bursting. Bake on the middle rack and avoid crowding the pan for even browning.

If baking from frozen, add 5–7 extra minutes — no need to thaw.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 11g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 150mg

Nutrition values are approximate and can vary by brand and ingredients used.

Nutrition Disclaimer

All nutritional data is an estimate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes. Always verify with your preferred nutrition calculator.