How to Make Flaky and Delicious Sweet Potato Turnovers Recipe

Are you looking for the perfect pastry that combines the warmth of fall flavors with a crispy, flaky exterior? Look no further than this irresistible sweet potato turnovers recipe! These delightful hand pies feature a luscious sweet potato filling wrapped in golden, buttery pastry that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at homemade turnovers for the first time, this recipe delivers exceptional results with straightforward instructions.

Sweet potato pastries have been gaining popularity as more people discover how wonderfully the natural sweetness and creamy texture of sweet potatoes pairs with delicate, flaky dough. These homemade turnovers are not only delicious but also versatile enough to serve for breakfast, dessert, or as a special treat alongside your afternoon coffee. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering sweet potato turnovers recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Turnovers Recipe

There’s something truly magical about biting into a freshly baked turnover. When it comes to this sweet potato turnovers recipe, several elements combine to create a truly exceptional treat:

The Perfect Balance of Crispy, Flaky Pastry and Creamy Sweet Potato Filling

What makes these sweet potato turnovers truly special is the contrast between textures. The exterior provides that satisfying crunch when you bite in, giving way to a velvety, spiced sweet potato filling that melts in your mouth. This balance of textures is what elevates these pastries from good to unforgettable.

“The mark of a perfect turnover is when you hear that distinct crackle as you bite through the layers of pastry, followed by the rich, smooth filling inside. That’s what makes sweet potato turnovers so addictive!” – Professional Baker

A Versatile Treat: Great for Breakfast, Dessert, or Snacks

One of the best things about this sweet potato turnovers recipe is its versatility. These handheld treats are:

• Perfect for a quick breakfast on the go
• Delightful as an afternoon pick-me-up with tea
• Elegant enough to serve as dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Ideal for packing in lunchboxes or taking to potlucks

This adaptability makes the sweet potato pastry a must-have recipe in your collection.

Easy to Make with Store-Bought or Homemade Dough

Don’t be intimidated by homemade turnovers! This recipe works beautifully with store-bought puff pastry for those busy days, but I’ll also share how to make your own dough for those special occasions when you want to go the extra mile. Either way, you’ll achieve delicious results with this sweet potato turnovers recipe.

Ideal for Fall Baking and Holiday Gatherings

When autumn arrives and sweet potatoes are at their peak, there’s no better time to whip up these seasonal treats. The warm spices and comforting flavors make these homemade turnovers perfect for:

• Thanksgiving morning breakfast
• Christmas dessert tables
• Fall harvest celebrations
• Cozy weekend baking projects when the weather turns cool

Ingredients You’ll Need for Sweet Potato Turnovers

The beauty of this sweet potato turnovers recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delectable pastries:

For the Filling: Sweet Potatoes, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Vanilla Extract, Maple Syrup

The heart of any great sweet potato pastry is the filling. For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound)
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

The combination of these ingredients creates a rich, flavorful filling that highlights the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes while adding warm, aromatic spices that make these homemade turnovers truly special.

For the Dough: Puff Pastry (or Homemade Pastry), Butter, Flour

For the flaky exterior of your sweet potato turnovers:

Store-bought option:

• 2 sheets of frozen puff pastry, thawed (approximately 17.3 oz package)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting your work surface)

Homemade pastry option:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ⅓ cup ice water (approximately)

For Finishing Touches: Egg Wash, Sugar for Sprinkling

To achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and extra sweetness:

• 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons turbinado or regular granulated sugar for sprinkling

Optional Variations: Vegan Substitutions, Gluten-Free Alternatives

For vegan sweet potato turnovers:

• Plant-based butter
• Coconut milk or almond milk to replace egg wash
• Certified vegan puff pastry (many store-bought varieties are accidentally vegan)

For gluten-free sweet potato pastry:

• Gluten-free 1:1 baking flour
• Xanthan gum (if not included in your flour blend)
• Gluten-free puff pastry (available at specialty stores)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Flaky Sweet Potato Turnovers

Creating perfect homemade turnovers isn’t difficult when you follow these detailed steps. Let’s break down the process for making these delicious sweet potato pastries:

Step 1: Roast and Mash the Sweet Potatoes for a Smooth, Flavorful Filling

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and dry your sweet potatoes, then pierce them several times with a fork.
3. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
4. Roast for 45-60 minutes until completely tender when pierced with a knife.
5. Allow the sweet potatoes to cool until you can handle them comfortably.
6. Peel the skin off the sweet potatoes and place the flesh in a medium bowl.
7. Mash the sweet potatoes thoroughly with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
8. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and salt.
9. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the filling is smooth.
10. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
11. Allow the filling to cool completely before assembling your turnovers.

Pro tip: Roasting rather than boiling the sweet potatoes concentrates their flavor and reduces moisture, resulting in a richer filling for your sweet potato turnovers recipe.

Step 2: Roll Out and Cut the Pastry Dough into Even Squares or Circles

If using store-bought puff pastry:

1. Thaw the puff pastry according to package directions (usually about 40 minutes at room temperature).
2. Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin.
3. Gently unfold one sheet of puff pastry and roll it out to about ⅛-inch thickness.
4. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 4-inch squares or use a round cutter for circular turnovers.
5. Repeat with the second sheet of pastry.
6. Keep the cut pieces covered with a clean kitchen towel while you work to prevent them from drying out.

If making homemade pastry dough:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the cold cubed butter and work it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible.
3. Gradually add the ice water, stirring with a fork until the dough begins to come together. You may not need all the water.
4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it just enough to form a cohesive dough (don’t overwork it).
5. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. When ready, roll out each disk on a floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness.
7. Cut into 4-inch squares or circles.

Step 3: Fill, Fold, and Seal the Turnovers Using a Fork for Perfect Edges

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Place about 1-1½ tablespoons of the sweet potato filling in the center of each pastry square or circle.
3. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the turnovers to leak during baking.
4. For square pastry: fold one corner over to the opposite corner to form a triangle. For round pastry: fold in half to create a half-moon shape.
5. Use your fingers to gently press the edges together.
6. With the tines of a fork, press all around the edges to seal the turnovers completely and create that classic crimped edge.
7. Transfer the sealed sweet potato turnovers to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Apply Egg Wash, Sprinkle Sugar, and Bake to Golden Perfection

1. In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash.
2. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the top of each turnover with the egg wash.
3. Sprinkle each turnover with a pinch of turbinado or granulated sugar.
4. Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut a small vent in the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape during baking.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the turnovers are puffed and golden brown.
6. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking for even browning.
7. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
8. Transfer to a wire rack to cool further.

Your homemade turnovers can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. The sweet potato pastry will be at its flakiest best the day it’s made, but these treats store well too!

Tips for Achieving the Best Texture and Flavor

Creating the perfect sweet potato turnovers requires attention to detail. Here are some expert tips to ensure your homemade turnovers turn out absolutely delicious every time:

How to Keep Your Pastry Light and Flaky

• Keep everything cold: The secret to flaky pastry is cold ingredients. If at any point your dough becomes too warm or soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before continuing.
• Don’t overwork the dough: Whether using homemade or store-bought pastry, handle it gently to avoid developing too much gluten, which can make your turnovers tough.
• Create layers: For extra-flaky homemade dough, try folding the rolled-out dough like a letter, then rolling it out again. Repeat this process 2-3 times to create more layers.
• Proper sealing: Ensure your turnovers are well-sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out, but don’t press so hard that you compress the layers of dough at the edges.

The Secret to a Smooth and Creamy Filling

• Properly cooked sweet potatoes: Make sure your sweet potatoes are completely tender before mashing to avoid any fibrous bits in your filling.
• Room temperature additions: When mixing ingredients into your sweet potato mash, make sure they’re at room temperature to help them incorporate smoothly.
• Consistency matters: The ideal filling for sweet potato turnovers should be thick enough to hold its shape. If your filling seems too wet, you can cook it briefly in a saucepan over medium heat to reduce excess moisture.
• Flavor development: For even more depth of flavor, try letting your prepared filling rest in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the spices to meld beautifully with the sweet potato base.

Baking vs. Frying: Which Method Gives the Best Results?

While this sweet potato turnovers recipe focuses on baking, it’s worth discussing both methods:

Method	Pros	Cons	Best For
Baking	Lower in fat, easier cleanup, more consistent results, less active cooking time	Takes longer than frying	Everyday treats, healthier option, beginners
Frying	Extra crispy exterior, quick cooking time	Requires more oil, more active attention, can be messy	Special occasions, when you want extra-crispy results

For most home cooks, baking sweet potato turnovers delivers excellent results with less hassle. The pastry still gets beautifully crisp and golden, and you’ll avoid the mess and extra fat that comes with frying.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers for Maximum Freshness

Sweet potato pastries can be stored and enjoyed later. Here’s how to maintain their delicious texture:

• Room temperature: Store completely cooled turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: These homemade turnovers freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled turnovers on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: For the best texture, reheat refrigerated or frozen turnovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the pastry soggy.

Serving Ideas and Variations for Sweet Potato Turnovers

One of the joys of mastering this sweet potato turnovers recipe is discovering all the different ways to enjoy and adapt these versatile pastries:

Classic Pairing with Coffee, Tea, or Warm Cider

Sweet potato turnovers make a perfect companion to your favorite hot beverages:

• Serve with a frothy cappuccino for an indulgent breakfast
• Pair with Earl Grey or chai tea for an afternoon treat
• Offer alongside mulled apple cider at fall gatherings
• For special occasions, try serving warm turnovers with a small glass of bourbon or spiced rum for adults

Turning Them into Savory Turnovers with Cheese or Herbs

The sweet potato base can easily pivot to savory territory with a few adjustments:

• Omit the sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla
• Add 1/2 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese to the filling
• Mix in 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or chopped rosemary
• Include a pinch of cayenne or black pepper for a gentle heat
• Try adding caramelized onions for depth of flavor

These savory sweet potato pastries make an elegant appetizer or light lunch when paired with a simple green salad.

Drizzle with Icing or Maple Glaze for Extra Sweetness

For those with a sweet tooth, take these homemade turnovers to the next level:

Simple Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whisk together and drizzle over cooled turnovers

Maple Cinnamon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1-2 teaspoons milk
• Combine until smooth and drizzle over turnovers while still slightly warm

How to Make Mini Turnovers or Hand Pies for Bite-Sized Treats

Smaller versions of these sweet potato turnovers are perfect for parties or when you want portion control:

1. Cut your pastry into 2-inch squares or use a 2.5-inch round cutter
2. Use just 1 teaspoon of filling per turnover
3. Follow the same sealing and baking instructions, but reduce the baking time to 15-18 minutes
4. Watch them carefully as smaller pastries brown more quickly

Mini sweet potato pastries make delightful additions to dessert tables or holiday cookie exchanges. Package them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a homemade gift that’s sure to impress!

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The humble sweet potato transforms into something truly special in this sweet potato turnovers recipe. With their flaky exteriors and creamy, spiced filling, these homemade turnovers are sure to become a beloved recipe in your collection. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy family breakfast, a holiday gathering, or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings, these versatile pastries deliver exceptional flavor in every bite.

Remember that practice makes perfect when working with pastry, so don’t be discouraged if your first batch isn’t picture-perfect. The beauty of homemade treats is in their rustic charm, and I promise the flavor will be incredible regardless of how they look. Happy baking, and enjoy your delicious sweet potato turnovers!

Have you tried this sweet potato turnovers recipe? Share your results and variations in the comments below!