Appelflappen (Dutch apple turnovers)

Posted: December 29, 2014 Last modified: October 30, 2024
Appelflappen (Dutch apple turnovers)

In the Netherlands we love appelflappen. In America they are better known as apple turnovers. These Dutch apple turnovers are often made for New Year’s Eve, but they are also delicious any time of the year. I give you my recipe.

Apple turnover or apple beignet?

For me, an appelflap is always a puff pastry filled with an apple mixture. But in some parts of the Netherlands, the same pastry is also called apple beignet. Then they are round.

To make it even more complicated, for me an appelbeignet is an apple slice dipped in batter and deep fried. And depending on where you are in the Netherlands, that can be called an appelflap.

Do you still get it?

Anyway, this recipe is for a puff pastry with apple. We eat it all year round, but it’s a popular snack for New Year’s Eve. Appelflappen and Oliebollen (Dutch donuts) are eaten that day by almost everyone.

How to make apple turnovers

It’s always a good idea to make Dutch apple turnovers. Whether it’s for a party, New Year’s Eve or a rainy Sunday. For this recipe, I use store-bought puff pastry, but you can make your own.

To be honest, I usually make my own apple turnovers. I use ready-made puff pastry slices from the freezer. It’s nice and easy, and I can enjoy a fresh, warm apple turnover extra fast.

You can eat them either hot or cold, which makes them easy to prepare. If you prefer them warm, but want to do some prep work, you can heat the apple turnovers in the oven!

I give you all the tips for making, storing and reheating apple turnovers in the article and recipe below. Have fun baking!

TIP: If you love these apple turnovers, you absolutely will love my recipe for traditional Dutch apple pie.

Appelflappen Dutch apple turnovers 2a

Tips for homemade apple turnovers

Which apples to use for apple turnovers?

The same applies here as for apple pie: use firm, sweet and sour hand apples. I prefer Jonagold or the Dutch Goudreinetten.

What is the filling for apple turnovers made of?

This recipe requires only 3 ingredients: apples, sugar and cinnamon. You can vary the amount of sugar if you like, depending on how sweet your apples are.

Can I only use puff pastry for apple turnovers?

True Dutch apple turnovers are made with puff pastry. But if you like, you can also use pie dough. This will of course affect the result. The baking time and temperature will also be different.

Can I freeze the apple turnovers unbaked?

You can if you have used fresh pastry. If your puff pastry comes from the freezer, it is better not to bake it again for food hygiene reasons. In this case, it is best to bake the apple turnovers immediately and then freeze them.

Reheating apple turnovers

If your apple turnovers lose their crispness the next day, reheat them in the oven or air fryer. This will make the apple turnovers nice and crispy again. Maintain the same temperature as in the recipe, 200 °C/400 °F (conventional) and bake the apple turnovers for 5 minutes. The same goes for the air fryer, maybe a minute less.

Appelflappen Dutch apple turnovers 3a

 

appelflappen recipe

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Appelflappen recipe (Dutch apple turnovers)

Make your own Dutch apple turnovers with this recipe. In The Netherlands, we make these for New Year's Eve, but also enjoy them any time of the year.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients 

  • 6 puff pastry squares
  • 1 apple use a big one
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 egg
  • extra cinnamon sugar

Instructions

  • Peel and dice the apple. Place the apple pieces in a bowl and add the sugar and cinnamon. Stir well to combine.
  • Spread the apple-cinnamon filling over the puff pastry slices, leaving the edges free of the filling. Fold in half diagonally and press down the edges with a fork.
  • Beat the egg and brush the apple turnovers with it, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
  • Bake for 15-18 minutes at 200 °C/400 ℉ (conventional).
How to store

Keep them covered outside the fridge for about 2-3 days.

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