This playful twist on the classic apple turnover flips the script: the juicy, cinnamon-spiced apples bake on the bottom and the flaky pastry envelopes the top. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients and store-bought puff pastry, it is a perfect recipe for beginners. Soft apple slices and warm cinnamon bring all the cozy flavors of autumn to every bite. This easy upside down apple turnovers is the ideal fall dessert.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Easy to make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and an easy baking method.
Flaky and buttery: The puff pastry bakes into golden, crispy layers that pair perfectly with the soft, tender apples.
Perfect for fall: With cozy cinnamon and baked apples, these turnovers make a delicious autumn dessert.
No complicated pastry work: Using store-bought puff pastry saves time and eliminates the need to make dough from scratch.
Origin
Apple turnovers are baked goods inspired by European pastries with fruit filling. The upside-down variation takes inspiration from upside-down fruit desserts like French tarte Tatin. The modern version takes puff pastry as a shortcut to this dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- Convenient flaky buttery pastry
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- Main fruit in this recipe. It caramelizes as it bakes
- Honey, for drizzling
- Adds sweetness
- Cinnamon, for sprinkling
- Adds classic fall warmth
Click on the images for the direct link to the ingredients/tools I used:
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Thinly slice the apple into even slices.
Drizzle small pools of honey onto the parchment paper, leaving space between each turnover. Sprinkle cinnamon over the honey.
Arrange a layer of apple slices on top of the honey and cinnamon. Drizzle a little more honey over the apples and sprinkle with additional cinnamon if desired.
Cut the puff pastry into rectangles slightly larger than the apple slices. Place one piece of puff pastry over each stack of apples.
Gently press and tuck the edges of the puff pastry around the apples to lightly seal everything together.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown.
Easy Upside Down Apple Turnovers Cooking Tips
Use firm apples: Choose apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady that hold their shape during baking.
Slice the apples evenly: Cut the apples into uniform slices so they cook evenly and become tender at the same time.
Seal the edges gently: Press the pastry edges together if your recipe calls for folded turnovers to help keep the apple filling in place.
Bake until golden brown: Don’t remove the turnovers too early. The pastry should be puffed and deeply golden to ensure the layers are fully cooked and crisp.
Storage Tips
Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 325F until crispy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Easy Upside Down Apple Turnovers
Using overly soft apples: Apples that break down too much during baking can turn mushy and release excess moisture.
Cutting the apples unevenly: Thick and thin slices cook at different rates, leaving some pieces firm while others become too soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best apples to use for upside down apple turnovers?
Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady apples are great choices because they hold their shape when baked.
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes! Pears, peaches, and plums can work well as substitutes.
How do I keep the puff pastry crispy?
Allow the turnovers to cool slightly on a wire rack so steam can escape.
Ingredient Substitutions
Apples → Substitute Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Fuji apples depending on your preferred sweetness and tartness.
Puff pastry → Use store-bought crescent roll dough for a softer, less flaky texture, or homemade puff pastry if you prefer to make it from scratch.
Ground cinnamon → Substitute apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice for a blend of warm spices.
What to Serve with Easy Upside Down Apple Turnovers
Vanilla ice cream → The creamy, cool texture pairs perfectly with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and flaky puff pastry.
Whipped cream → A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, creamy finish.
Caramel sauce → Drizzle caramel sauce over the turnovers for an extra layer of sweetness.
Easy Upside Down Apple Turnovers
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
- 1 apple thinly sliced
- Honey for drizzling
- Cinnamon for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Thinly slice the apple into even slices.
- Drizzle small pools of honey onto the parchment paper, leaving space between each turnover. Sprinkle cinnamon over the honey.
- Arrange a layer of apple slices on top of the honey and cinnamon. Drizzle a little more honey over the apples and sprinkle with additional cinnamon if desired.
- Cut the puff pastry into rectangles slightly larger than the apple slices. Place one piece of puff pastry over each stack of apples.
- Gently press and tuck the edges of the puff pastry around the apples to lightly seal everything together.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown.
If you enjoyed this easy upside down apple turnovers recipe, you might also like my creme brulee sweet potato recipe or my mango dipped chocolate stick.
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