Apple Turnovers with Cream Filling

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Apple Turnovers with Cream Filling

Ingredients:

For the Apple Filling:

  • 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

For the Cream Filling (optional):

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Turnovers:

  • 1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
  • Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

For the Glaze (optional):

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apple Filling:

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon.
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender, about 8-10 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth, then add to the apple mixture.
  • Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the mixture has thickened.
  • Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

2. Prepare the Cream Filling (optional):

  • In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
  • Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined and creamy.
  • Set aside.

3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out each sheet of puff pastry into a 12-inch square.
  • Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares, giving you a total of 8 squares.

4. Assemble the Turnovers:

  • If using the cream filling, spread about 1 tablespoon of cream filling in the center of each pastry square.
  • Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling on top of the cream filling.
  • Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle, and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
  • Transfer the turnovers to the prepared baking sheet.

5. Apply the Egg Wash:

  • In a small bowl, mix the beaten egg with 1 tablespoon of water.
  • Brush the tops of the turnovers with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.

6. Bake:

  • Bake the turnovers in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.

7. Prepare the Glaze (optional):

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Drizzle the glaze over the cooled turnovers.

8. Serve:

  • Enjoy the turnovers warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

These Apple Turnovers, with the optional cream filling, are a delightful treat combining the tartness of apples with the richness of cream cheese, all encased in a flaky puff pastry. Enjoy!