Why These Skinny Apple Turnovers Are a Must-Try

I have a soft spot for traditional Dutch Apple Turnovers (Appelflappen), a sweet treat I find myself enjoying perhaps a bit too often during the cooler seasons. However, these particular apple turnovers quickly became a new favorite due to their exceptional flavor profile and significantly lower calorie count. This recipe offers a “skinny” twist on the classic, primarily because it swaps rich puff pastry for much lighter phyllo dough and foregoes the usual sugary coating. The result is a turnover that still delivers an incredibly satisfying, crispy bite, but without the guilt.

Instead of granulated sugar, we’ve opted for honey, which imparts a warm, natural sweetness that beautifully complements the apples. To ensure a generous and satisfying filling, I’ve increased the apple quantity. The addition of crunchy walnuts introduces an extra layer of texture and a delightful nutty flavor, elevating the overall taste. During our initial tasting session, the only complaint was that there wasn’t enough for everyone! Sometimes, it’s good to leave a little something to crave. This fantastic recipe is inspired by Pauline from Piens kitchen, a wonderful Dutch blog.

Mastering the Art of Rolling Phyllo Dough Apple Turnovers

Working with phyllo dough might seem intimidating at first, but it’s surprisingly simple, especially when you use a technique similar to rolling lumpia (spring rolls). The key is to handle the delicate sheets gently and keep them covered to prevent drying out. Here’s how you’ll roll these delectable apple turnovers:

1. Lay a sheet of phyllo pastry in a rhombus (diamond) shape in front of you on a clean, dry surface.
2. Spoon a portion of the apple mixture onto the bottom third of the phyllo sheet.
3. Fold the bottom corner up over the apple filling, rolling once to snugly enclose it.
4. Next, fold the left and right sides inwards, creating neat edges. This helps secure the filling and creates a compact shape.
5. Continue rolling the phyllo dough upwards until you reach the top corner.
6. Brush the very last tip of the phyllo dough with a little vegetable oil. This acts as a seal, ensuring your turnover stays perfectly closed during baking and achieves that beautiful golden-brown crispness.

If you’re a visual learner, I’ve created a helpful video demonstrating how to roll lumpia, which perfectly illustrates the technique you’ll use for these apple turnovers. This method ensures a beautifully layered and securely wrapped pastry every time.

Essential Ingredients for Flaky Phyllo Apple Turnovers

Crafting these delicious phyllo dough apple turnovers requires a selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients. You’ll find the precise measurements in the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this blog post. But first, let’s dive into why each component is essential for the perfect outcome:

• Apples: The star of the show! For the best filling, we use peeled and grated apples. Ideal varieties include Elstar, Jonagold, or Golden Delicious, as they are firm and offer a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors, holding their shape well during baking.
• Raisins: These contribute a concentrated burst of fruity sweetness to the filling. Remember to soak them in hot water before mixing; this rehydrates them, preventing them from drying out or burning in the oven, and keeps them plump and juicy. You can also experiment with chopped dried cranberries or apricots for a different twist.
• Walnuts: Adding a wonderful nutty crunch and depth of flavor. For an even richer taste, lightly toast the walnuts before chopping and adding them to the filling. Pecans make an excellent substitute if preferred. If you or your guests have a nut allergy, simply omit the walnuts entirely – the recipe will still be delicious without any other modifications.
• Cinnamon: This warm, sweet, and slightly woody spice, with a hint of citrus, is quintessential for apple desserts. We use ground cinnamon here to infuse the filling with its comforting aroma and taste. A pinch of nutmeg or allspice could also be added for extra warmth.
• Honey: Our chosen sweetener, honey offers a unique slightly herbaceous and floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with apples and cinnamon. It’s a natural alternative to refined sugar, contributing to the “skinny” aspect of this recipe. Maple syrup is another great option if you prefer.
• Phyllo Dough (Filo dough): This is the secret to our light and crispy turnovers. Phyllo dough is a tissue-thin pastry made from flour, water, and a small amount of oil. Unlike puff pastry, which is rich in butter and creates a denser, layered texture, phyllo consists of single, almost translucent sheets. It’s significantly lower in fat and conveniently lactose-free, making it a healthier choice for a flaky crust.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for brushing the phyllo layers, this helps achieve that golden, shatteringly crisp exterior without the need for butter. Olive oil or a neutral-flavored cooking spray can also be used.

How to Prepare Apple Turnovers Using Filo Dough

Creating these delightful apple turnovers is a straightforward process, promising a rewarding baking experience. Below, you’ll find a detailed step-by-step guide to ensure your pastries turn out perfectly crisp and flavorful. For your convenience, a printable recipe card with all measurements and instructions is available at the very end of this post.

1. **Prepare the Filling:** In a medium-sized bowl, combine the grated apples with the pre-soaked and dried raisins, coarsely chopped walnuts, ground cinnamon, and honey. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until the apples are evenly coated with the spices and honey.
2. **Set Up the Phyllo:** Carefully lay a single sheet of phyllo dough on your work surface, orienting it in a diamond shape (one corner pointing towards you). This orientation makes rolling easier. Spoon approximately one-quarter of the prepared apple mixture onto the bottom section of the phyllo sheet.
3. **Roll the Turnovers:** Begin by folding the bottom corner of the phyllo sheet up and over the apple filling, rolling it about one-third of the way. Next, fold the side corners inwards towards the center. This creates a neat package. Continue rolling the dough tightly upwards until you are left with a small triangular tip. Brush this tip with a little vegetable oil to help it seal, then complete the roll to create a neat, spring-roll-like parcel.
4. **Bake to Golden Perfection:** Place each rolled apple turnover onto a baking sheet that has been lined with baking paper. Repeat the process for the remaining phyllo sheets and apple filling. Once all turnovers are assembled, lightly brush their tops with vegetable oil to encourage a golden, crispy crust. Bake them in a preheated oven at 430 °F (220 °C) until they are beautifully golden brown and irresistibly flaky. Serve warm for the best experience!

Tips, Creative Variations, and Smart Substitutions

Elevate your phyllo dough apple turnovers even further with these handy tips and delicious variations:

• Apple Alternatives: While apples are classic, don’t hesitate to get creative! Substitute apples with cubed pears for delightful pear turnovers, or use a vibrant mix of your favorite berries like blueberries and raspberries for a tangy and colorful filling. Stone fruits like peaches or nectarines also work wonderfully when in season.
• Add Creaminess: For a lusciously rich and pudding-like interior, spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the phyllo dough before adding the apple filling. You can also mix a tablespoon of softened cream cheese directly into the apple mixture.
• Make Ahead Option: These turnovers are perfect for preparing in advance. Assemble them completely (steps 1-3) and store them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just brush with oil and bake when ready to serve.
• Dough Alternatives: If phyllo dough is unavailable, you can use lumpia sheets (often found in Asian markets) for a similar thin, crispy texture. While this recipe specifically aims for a “skinny” version, traditional puff pastry can also be used, though it will result in a richer, higher-calorie pastry.
• Handling Phyllo Dough: Phyllo is notoriously delicate and dries out quickly. Always keep the unused phyllo sheets covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap while you are assembling the turnovers. This prevents them from becoming brittle and tearing.
• Avoid Overstuffing: Resist the temptation to overload your turnovers with too much filling. Overstuffing can cause the phyllo dough to burst open during baking, leading to a messy outcome. A modest amount ensures even baking and a beautiful presentation.
• Boost the Flavor: Enhance your apple filling with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors, a dash of vanilla extract for aromatic sweetness, or a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for an exotic twist.
• Serving Suggestions: While delicious on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant finish. For an extra treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.

Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.

Need more inspiration?

• You can find video recipes on my YouTube channel.
• And don’t forget to save the recipes on Pinterest, so you can easily find them again next time!

Phyllo Dough Apple Turnovers

Andréa

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