These easy apple turnovers with cinnamon are absolutely delicious. They're really quick to make and suitable for vegetarians and vegans. They're also refined sugar free making them a great choice for kids.
Even my fruit-avoiding eldest child adored these apple and cinnamon turnovers.
And there's nothing I like more than seeing him enjoy fruit or veg - without any added sugar.
My favourite time of day to bake these apple pastries is mid-afternoon. The smell of freshly baked apple turnovers when we return from the school pick up is heavenly.
And the kids feel like they're getting a real treat.
Sweetening food naturally
It's worth pointing out that fruit does, of course, contain sugar.
As do many products which are described as "refined sugar free" such as maple syrup.
However, these products are much less processed. And in the case of fruit in particular they're natural.
And I feel like this is a better choice for my children. I've noticed that mood swings and bad behaviour are less likely after food that's been sweetened naturally.
When compared to, say, a bag of Haribo on an empty stomach. If you know, you know!
Natural sugars
There are lots of different ways to sweeten food naturally. Here are some of my favourites:
- coconut sugar
- maple syrup
- honey (not suitable for vegans or for babies under one year old)
- agave syrup
- fruit eg apple purée, mashed banana
- dates
Read more about natural sugars.
Ingredients
For full recipe, ingredients and quantities go to the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
To make these apple turnovers you will need:
- 4 large apples
I prefer to use eating apples to make my apple turnovers as they're sweeter than cooking apples. - 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Agave syrup can also be used - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
You can add up to a whole teaspoon if you love the taste of cinnamon but a milder taste works better for my children - 375 g ready rolled puff pastry
Check ingredients if vegan. While most ready made puff pastry is free from animal products some is made from butter. - 2 tablespoons oat milk or other vegan milk alternative
Traditionally pastries would be glazed with a beaten egg. For a vegan-friendly alternative use some plant-based milk.
More apple recipes for kids
- Healthy apple cinnamon cookies
- Apple and fig energy balls
- Apple and mincemeat puff pastry swirls
- Apple and carrot hot cross buns
- Naturally sweetened apple flapjacks
- Vegan tarte tatin
Or if you fancy trying something different how about this quince compote recipe? It's on my seasonal vegan food blog Cook Veggielicious. I hope you find something you love!
Pin easy apple and cinnamon turnovers for later
How to make easy apple turnovers
Full recipe is in the recipe card below.
Use ready-rolled puff pastry to make this recipe as easy as possible.
All you need to do is:
- cook the apples
- unroll and cut the pastry
- fill your turnovers with the apple mixture
- seal them together
- glaze with some plant-based milk
- bake them in the oven
If you have made this recipe I would love it if you’d leave a comment and rating below. Thank you!
Please do not reproduce this recipe without permission.
Easy apple turnovers with cinnamon
Ingredients
- 4 large apples peeled, cored and chopped
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 375 g ready rolled puff pastry
- 2 tablespoons oat milk for glaze (or other vegan milk alternative)
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 180°C(fan)/200°C/gas mark 6. Cover a baking sheet with non-stick baking paper.
For the apples
- Put the prepared apples, a tablespoon of maple syrup and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon into a saucepan.
- Stir well and gently heat through over a low-medium heat until the apples are starting to soften. Add a spoonful of water if the mixture starts to stick.
- Once cooked you can use the mixture as it is, or mash it together (I did the latter). Allow to cool (this is important or it'll melt your pastry)
For the turnovers
- Unroll your puff pastry. Cut into four or eight smaller rectangles, depending on whether you would like to make large or small turnovers.
- Put a few spoonfuls of apple mixture into the centre of each rectangle, being careful not to overfill. Press the edges together with your finger tips, or use a fork to make a pattern.
- Prick a few holes in each pastry with a fork and use a pastry brush to lightly brush each turnover with plant-based milk.
- Place on the baking tray and bake for around 15 minutes (small turnovers) or 25 minutes (larger turnovers) in the centre of the oven or until golden brown.
Notes
- Nutritional information is approximate and is intended as a guide only.
- The nutritional information refers to the small pastries - assuming you have made 8.
- Be sure to leave enough time for your apples to cool before proceeding with the recipe.
Nutrition
HAVE YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE?
If you loved this recipe why not let me know by leaving a rating and comment below? Alternatively you can let me know on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Subscribe to get recipes and news straight to your inbox. Read more about Sneaky Veg
Mrs H
I am definitely going to make these. Little Miss H and I love apple and cinnamon. And anything without refined sugar is a bonus. Hugs Mrs H xxxx
Mandy Mazliah
They were so tasty! I will have to make them again soon myself. They're really easy x
Julie's Family Kitchen
Oh yum! These look really delicious. I have a Bramley apple in the fridge, that needs using so I'm going to try your recipe this weekend. I think the kids will love it.
Sneaky Veg
Hope they enjoy them!