Healthy & Delicious Sourdough Apple Turnovers
Picture this: a crisp, golden-brown pastry, bursting with the warm embrace of cinnamon-spiced apples, enveloped in the tangy embrace of sourdough. The mere thought is enough to make your mouth water. Sourdough apple turnovers are not just a dessert; they’re a symphony of flavors, a testament to the magic that happens when humble ingredients come together in perfect harmony.
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Sourdough has taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason. Beyond its signature tangy flavor and artisanal appeal, sourdough brings a host of health benefits to the table. The power of sourdough can elevate the classic apple turnover, making it not only delicious but also a healthier indulgence.
Additionally, this recipe utilizes a very low sugar content, giving just enough to satisfy that sweet tooth but not so much to put you into a diabetic coma!

The Benefits of Sourdough in Apple Turnovers
Adding sourdough to your apple turnover recipe isn’t just about flavor; it’s about enhancing the nutritional profile as well. Sourdough fermentation breaks down gluten and phytic acid, making it easier to digest and increasing the bioavailability of nutrients. This means that even those with mild gluten sensitivities may find sourdough more tolerable than traditional bread products.
Moreover, sourdough fermentation produces beneficial bacteria that contribute to gut health. These probiotics aid in digestion and promote a healthy microbiome, which is essential for overall well-being. By incorporating sourdough into your turnovers, you’re not just indulging your taste buds; you’re also nourishing your body from the inside out.
Ready to get started in your Sourdough journey? Check out the step-by-step guide on making your own starter!
Rough Pastry: A Speedy Solution for Delicious Turnovers
Traditional pastry dough is a labor of love, requiring careful handling and ample chilling time. Enter rough pastry, a game-changer in the world of baking. This rustic, no-fuss dough is quick to prepare and yields flaky, tender results that rival those of store-bought pastry, minus the unwanted additives and preservatives.
Check out my Sourdough Rough Pastry Recipe here!
Unlike traditional pastry dough, which requires precise layering and folding, rough pastry comes together effortlessly with just a few simple ingredients. Its crumbly texture lends itself perfectly to turnovers, providing a delightful contrast to the soft, gooey filling within.
If you want to opt out of the sourdough aspect of this recipe, just stick with a traditional pastry recipe for the crust, or even purchase pre-made dough.

Serving and Storage Suggestions
These delectable treats are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, but they can also be stored for later indulgence.
To serve, consider adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of decadence. For a healthier option, try topping with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.
To store leftovers, allow the turnovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for extended freshness. Simply reheat in a toaster oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying treat anytime.
Creating Freezer Apple Turnovers
This sourdough apple turnover recipe makes a great freezer storage item! If you prefer to stock your freezer with yummy snacks or quick meals, these turnovers will make a great addition!
In order to freeze, simple prepare the turnover, including assembly, and place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer for a few hours to flash freeze the them. Once frozen, place the turnovers in a freezer safe bag, such as these reusable silicon bags.
When ready to consume, simple take the frozen turnover and place it on a cookie sheet. Immediately bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes. There’s no need to thaw the raw turnovers before cooking.

How To Make Sourdough Apple Turnovers
These sourdough apple turnovers are incredibly easy to make when using my sourdough rough pastry recipe. I recommend starting on the pastry dough first, getting it to the point where it’s wrapped up and going through it’s 30 minute chill time. That gives you plenty of time to get the apples prepared and ready to go!

Ingredients:
- Finely chopped apples, a tart apple taste best but use whatever you prefer!
- Cane sugar
- Cinnamon
- Butter
- Arrowroot powder (cornstarch)
- Rough pastry dough, or any recipe for pastry dough
Directions:

- Prepare the Rough Pastry: Follow the direction on the rough pastry dough instructions until the dough goes into the freezer for some chill time.
- Crafting the Filling: Now, turn your attention to the star of the show – the apple filling. Select your apples of choice and peel, core, and finely chop them with precision. Toss them in a mixing bowl with the sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of arrowroot powder. Allow the spices to mingle with the sweetness of the apples, creating a tantalizing blend of flavors that will dance on your taste buds.
- Infusing Flavor in the Pan: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter, allowing it to melt. Once the butter is sizzling and fragrant, introduce the seasoned apple mixture to the pan. Allow the apples to cook until soft.
- Rolling and Slicing the Pastry: Return your attention to the pastry dough, taking it out of the freezer and unwrapping onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle until thin, about 1/2 inch thick. With a sharp knife, carefully slice the dough into squares, ensuring each piece is uniform in size and shape.
- Folding and Forming: Spoon the fragrant apple filling onto the center of each pastry square. Take care to distribute the filling evenly in the center, leaving the edges clear. Fold each corner of the pastry square towards the center, creating a diamond-shaped parcel that cradles the apple filling.
- Baking to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing it to reach the perfect temperature to transform your turnovers into golden-brown perfection. As you place the turnovers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and slide them into the oven, anticipate the magic that will unfold as the pastry puffs and the filling caramelizes, creating a tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort.
- Creating the Finishing Touch: While the turnovers bake to golden perfection, take a moment to prepare the icing that will adorn their tops. In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar with a splash of milk, stirring until a thick, creamy paste forms. Adjust the consistency as needed, ensuring that the icing will drizzle smoothly over the semi-cooled turnovers, adding a touch of sweetness to each bite.
- Serving Up Sourdough Bliss: Allow the turnovers to cool slightly before drizzling with the prepared icing, creating a mesmerizing swirl of sweetness that adds the perfect finishing touch. Serve the turnovers warm, inviting your guests to savor each bite and revel in the irresistible combination of tangy sourdough, sweet apples, and fragrant cinnamon.

Sourdough Discard Apple Turnovers
Ingredients
- 1 batch of rough pastry
- 9 oz finely chopped apples
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare rough pastry as instructed. Wrap dough and place in the freezer while preparing the filling.
- Chop apples and toss in sugar, cinnamon, and arrowroot powder.
- Cook over medium heat in a pan with the butter until soft.
- Roll out rough pastry until very thin and slice into squares.
- Spread the apple filling in the center and then fold each corner into the center to create a diamond.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare icing by adding milk and powdered sugar until a thick paste forms. Drizzle over the top of the semi-cooled apple turnovers.
- Serve warm and enjoy the irresistible combination of tangy sourdough, sweet apples, and fragrant cinnamon.