Appelflappen (Dutch Apple Turnovers): A Beloved Traditional Pastry

Appelflappen, literally translating to “apple flaps,” are a quintessential hand pie deeply ingrained in Dutch culinary culture. While you can easily find them in bakeries, local shops, and supermarkets across the Netherlands, there’s a special charm and satisfaction in making these sweet treats at home. Their simplicity in preparation is a key reason why many Dutch households choose to bake their own, filling their homes with the inviting aroma of warm apples and cinnamon.

A classic Dutch Turnover is crafted from a square sheet of flaky puff pastry, expertly folded into a triangle. The heart of this pastry is its delectable filling, a harmonious blend of diced apples and aromatic cinnamon, often enriched with the addition of sweet currants or raisins. Sometimes, a touch of almond paste is included for an extra layer of flavor and moisture. This filling is remarkably similar to that found in a traditional Dutch apple pie, guaranteeing a familiar and comforting taste. Before baking, each pastry is lovingly brushed with an egg wash, which helps achieve that perfect golden-brown hue, and then generously sprinkled with a mix of (cinnamon) sugar, forming a delightful, crunchy crust. Baked until piping hot and wonderfully golden, these turnovers are a true delight. Just remember to let them cool slightly before taking that first bite to avoid a delightful but fiery experience!

It’s common for people to confuse Appelflappen with Appelbeignets (Dutch Apple Doughnuts), but there’s a significant difference between the two. Appelbeignets are essentially slices of apple coated in a light batter and then deep-fried, typically enjoyed on New Year’s Eve as a festive treat. Appelflappen, on the other hand, are baked and savored year-round, regardless of apple season. Their versatility and ease of preparation make them a staple for coffee breaks, dessert, or a comforting snack any day of the week. Now that we’ve cleared up the confusion, let’s dive into making this easy and delicious apple turnover recipe!

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Apple Turnovers

Crafting these delightful Dutch Appelflappen requires a few simple yet essential ingredients. You’ll find the precise measurements detailed in the recipe card located at the bottom of this blog post. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Apples: The star of our filling! For the best texture and flavor, choose firm, slightly tart apples that hold their shape well during baking. Varieties like Elstar, Jonagold, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, or Cox are ideal. These apples provide a wonderful balance of sweetness and acidity, softening beautifully without becoming mushy. Avoid overly soft or ‘stewing’ apples like Golden Reinette or Pippin, as they tend to lose their pleasant texture after baking. Remember to peel and dice your apples into small, uniform cubes for even cooking and distribution within the turnover.
• Puff Pastry: The foundation of a perfect Appelflap is its wonderfully flaky crust. This recipe calls for pre-cut slices of butter puff pastry, typically measuring around 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm). Butter puff pastry is highly recommended for its rich flavor and superior flakiness. You can use either fresh or frozen puff pastry, but if using frozen, ensure it is thoroughly thawed in the refrigerator before use to prevent it from cracking when folded. If your pastry sheets are larger, simply use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to trim them to the desired size. You will typically need six sheets of puff pastry for a standard batch.
• Egg: A single egg, lightly beaten, serves as our essential egg wash. Brushing the pastry with egg wash before baking is crucial for several reasons: it gives the Appelflappen their signature golden-brown, inviting color, and it acts as a ‘glue’ to help the cinnamon sugar topping adhere beautifully to the puff pastry, creating that irresistible sweet and crunchy finish.
• Sugar and Cinnamon: This classic duo is vital for both sweetening the apple filling and creating that delicious caramelized topping. Granulated sugar works well for both applications. For the topping, you might prefer a coarser sugar for extra crunch, though regular granulated sugar is perfectly fine. Cinnamon provides that warm, comforting spice that perfectly complements the apples. As an alternative, you could substitute cinnamon with a good quality apple pie spice blend for a slightly more complex flavor profile, which often includes nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
• Raisins: These small, sweet additions are a traditional component of the Appelflappen filling, adding little bursts of concentrated sweetness and a pleasant chewiness. While they contribute significantly to the authentic taste and texture, if you’re not a fan of raisins, you can certainly omit them without compromising the overall deliciousness of the turnover. Alternatively, for a subtle tropical hint, consider substituting them with small, finely chopped pieces of dried apricot.

How to Prepare Delicious Apple Cinnamon Turnovers

Creating these delightful Appelflappen is a straightforward process, and you’ll find a detailed, printable recipe with step-by-step instructions at the bottom of this blog post. Follow these simple steps to bring a taste of Dutch tradition into your home:

1. Prepare the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced apple cubes, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and raisins. Stir everything together thoroughly until the apple pieces are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture. This ensures every bite of your apple turnover is packed with flavor.
2. Assemble the Turnovers: Lay a sheet of puff pastry flat on your clean work surface. Take about two tablespoons of the prepared apple filling and place it onto one corner of the puff pastry sheet. Make sure to leave a small border of about ½ inch (1 cm) along the edges; this will help you seal the pastry securely.
3. Fold and Seal: Carefully fold the puff pastry sheet in half, bringing the opposite corner over the filling to create a triangular shape. Gently press down the edges of the pastry with your fingers to seal them. For a classic, decorative touch and extra security, use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges firmly together. This also helps prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Transfer the unbaked turnover onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Egg Wash and Sprinkle: Once all your turnovers are assembled and on the baking tray, lightly brush the top surface of each puff pastry turnover with the beaten egg wash using a pastry brush. In a small bowl, mix an additional tablespoon of sugar with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to create your topping. Generously sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture over the egg-washed turnovers. This will create a beautiful golden crust with a sweet, sparkling finish.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the Appelflappen in a preheated oven at 390 °F (200 °C) for approximately 20 minutes, or until they puff up beautifully and turn a rich, golden brown. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.

Serving Tip: When these delicious treats emerge from the oven, they will be incredibly hot, especially the cooked apple filling inside. Allow the hot apple turnovers to cool for a few minutes before taking that first bite. This prevents burning the roof of your mouth and allows the flavors to meld perfectly. They are best enjoyed warm!

Creative Substitutes & Variations for Appelflappen

While the classic apple and cinnamon filling is undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to get creative and experiment with other flavors to customize your Appelflappen:

• Pear Turnovers: For a delightful twist, substitute the apples entirely with finely diced pears. Pears offer a slightly different sweetness and a softer texture that bakes beautifully within the flaky pastry.
• Tropical Hint: If raisins aren’t your favorite, or if you’re looking for a more exotic flavor, replace them with small, finely cut pieces of dried apricot or even dried cranberries for a touch of tartness.
• Berry Boost: Add a small handful of fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries or raspberries) to your apple filling for an extra burst of fruity flavor and vibrant color.
• Nutty Crunch: Incorporate finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple filling for added texture and a rich, nutty flavor.

Enhance Your Appelflappen Experience

These Dutch apple turnovers are fantastic on their own, but a few additions can elevate them even further:

• Crunchy Texture: For an added layer of flavor and delightful crunch, mix in 1 tablespoon of finely chopped walnuts or almonds with your apple filling.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm Appelflappen with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm pastry and cold ice cream is simply divine.
• Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For an elegant finish and a touch more sweetness, dust the cooled turnovers with powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) just before serving.
• Caramel Drizzle: A light drizzle of caramel sauce over your warm Appelflappen can turn them into an even more indulgent dessert.

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?

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Appelflappen (Dutch Apple Turnovers)

Andréa

More Delicious Dutch Apple Treats

If you’ve fallen in love with Appelflappen, you’re in for a treat! The world of Dutch apple pastries is rich and diverse. Here are a few more traditional recipes you might enjoy trying:

Tips for Baking Perfect Appelflappen Every Time

Achieving bakery-quality Appelflappen at home is easier than you think with a few expert tips:

• Keep Puff Pastry Cold: Puff pastry is temperamental; it loves to be cold! Work quickly and keep unused sheets in the refrigerator. If your kitchen is warm, you can even place the baking sheet with assembled turnovers in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking to firm up the butter in the pastry. This helps achieve maximum puff and flakiness.
• Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to cram in as much delicious apple filling as possible, overfilling can make it difficult to seal the turnovers properly, leading to leaks during baking. Stick to the recommended two tablespoons per turnover.
• Seal Firmly: Ensure the edges are well-sealed. The fork crimping method not only looks professional but also securely locks the filling inside, preventing any apple goodness from escaping.
• Even Egg Wash: Apply a thin, even layer of egg wash. Too much can make the pastry soggy, while too little won’t give you that beautiful golden sheen or help the sugar stick.
• Preheat Oven Properly: Always make sure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature before putting the Appelflappen in. A hot oven helps the puff pastry rise quickly and evenly, creating those distinct, flaky layers.
• Cool Before Serving (Slightly): As mentioned, the filling gets incredibly hot. Allowing them to cool for 5-10 minutes not only prevents burns but also allows the filling to set slightly, making for a better eating experience.

Why You’ll Love Making Homemade Appelflappen

Beyond the simple satisfaction of baking from scratch, making your own Appelflappen offers numerous benefits:

• Freshness You Can Taste: Nothing beats the taste and aroma of freshly baked goods. The apples are more vibrant, the cinnamon more fragrant, and the pastry exceptionally flaky when made at home.
• Customization: You have complete control over the ingredients. Choose your favorite apples, adjust the amount of sugar and cinnamon, and experiment with additions like different dried fruits or nuts.
• Cost-Effective: Making Appelflappen at home is generally more economical than purchasing them from a bakery, especially if you enjoy them frequently.
• A Fun Activity: Baking is a wonderful activity to share with family and friends. It’s simple enough for children to help with, making it a delightful way to spend time together and create lasting memories.
• Impress Your Guests: Serve these warm, golden pastries to guests, and they’ll be impressed by your baking prowess. They’re perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or as a cozy dessert.

So, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, looking for a comforting treat, or simply want to explore traditional Dutch baking, these easy homemade Appelflappen are a fantastic choice. The combination of crispy puff pastry and sweet, spiced apple filling is truly irresistible. Get your apron on and prepare to enjoy one of the Netherlands’ most cherished pastries!