Aug 31 2026
RestaurantsKeys CafeSweet Turnover Recipe

Sweet Turnover Recipe

Inspired by Keys Cafe
Time1h 25m
Serves6

Make Sweet Turnover Recipe in just 1h 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Dough

Method

Dough

  1. 1

    Combine dry ingredients

    In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until evenly mixed.

  2. 2

    Cut in butter

    Add 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.

  3. 3

    Add cold water

    Sprinkle 6 tablespoons cold water over the flour-butter mixture a tablespoon at a time, tossing gently with a fork after each addition until the dough just comes together when pressed. Do not overwork — it should be shaggy but hold when pressed.

  4. 4

    Chill the dough

    Form the dough into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours). Chilling makes rolling easier and creates flakier layers.

Filling

  1. 5

    Prepare apples

    While the dough chills, place 3 cups diced apples in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

  2. 6

    Cook filling

    Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon butter to the apples. Cook, stirring frequently, until the apples soften and the mixture thickens, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let cool to warm or room temperature.

Assembly & Baking

  1. 7

    Preheat oven and prepare sheet

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

  2. 8

    Roll out dough

    On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a roughly 12 x 14-inch rectangle about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Use a bench scraper to lift and reposition dough as needed to prevent sticking.

  3. 9

    Cut and portion

    Cut the dough into 6 rectangles (about 4 x 5 inches each) or 8 smaller rectangles for smaller turnovers. Transfer rectangles to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

  4. 10

    Fill the turnovers

    Place about 2–3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto the center of each rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Brush the border lightly with a little beaten egg wash (whisk 1 egg with 1 teaspoon milk).

  5. 11

    Seal and vent

    Fold each rectangle in half over the filling to form a triangle or sealed rectangle. Press the edges together with your fingers, then crimp with a fork to fully seal. Use a sharp knife to cut 1–2 small vents in the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape. Brush the top of each turnover with remaining egg wash for a golden finish.

  6. 12

    Bake

    Bake in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 18–22 minutes, until the turnovers are puffed and deep golden brown. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even browning. If tops brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil.

  7. 13

    Cool

    Remove turnovers from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let cool for 10–15 minutes before glazing or serving so the filling sets and avoids burns.

Finishing

  1. 14

    Make glaze (optional)

    If using glaze, whisk together 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar with about 1 tablespoon milk or lemon juice until smooth and pourable. Add more liquid a few drops at a time if needed.

  2. 15

    Glaze or dust

    Drizzle the glaze over warm turnovers or dust with additional powdered sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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