Apple turnovers are a classic dessert that never goes out of style. But what if you could take this traditional treat to the next level with a salty-sweet twist? That’s where these miso-caramel apple turnovers come in.
The secret ingredient in these turnovers is white miso, a fermented soybean paste that adds a savory, umami flavor to the caramel sauce. The miso cuts through the sweetness of the caramel, creating a perfectly balanced bite. As the chopped apples simmer in the miso-spiked caramel sauce, they absorb all the delicious flavors, resulting in a rich and complex filling for the turnovers.
To ensure that the turnovers are flaky and tender, it’s important to keep the puff pastry dough chilled and precook the apples. Chilling the dough before baking allows the butter in the pastry to create steam pockets, which help the pastry rise and form those sought-after flaky layers. Precooking the apples not only tenderizes them but also removes excess moisture, preventing the turnovers from bursting open during baking.
When it comes to choosing apples for these turnovers, opt for crisp, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Braeburn, Envy, or Jonagold. If you prefer a more tart flavor, Granny Smith apples are a great choice. Avoid using softer apples like McIntosh, Golden Delicious, or Gala, as they tend to break down and become mushy when cooked.
To prevent the turnovers from bursting open during baking, brush the pastry edges with beaten egg and press them together firmly. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal them further. Avoid adding caramel sauce to the filling, as it can cause the turnovers to pop open. Freezing the turnovers before baking helps to keep the edges sealed and cutting slits in the tops allows steam to escape.
These miso-caramel apple turnovers are best served warm from the oven, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They are a deliciously unique twist on a classic dessert and are sure to become a fall favorite in your household.
