Sugar-Free Apple Turnovers – Flaky, Fruity, and Low-Sugar Friendly

I used to think apple turnovers were a total no-go on a low-carb plan—between the sugar-packed filling and the pastry dough, they were blood sugar bombs disguised as breakfast. But this version? It’s fruit-forward, sugar-free, and made with flaky phyllo that won’t blow your daily count—especially if you portion smart.

Each turnover clocks in at about 216 calories and ~18g net carbs, which makes it more of a flex meal or keto-adjacent treat. It’s a great recipe for holidays or when you’re cooking for mixed eaters.

💡 Why This One Works (Low-Sugar Edition)

• Phyllo dough = less carb-heavy than puff pastry – Thin sheets brushed with oil instead of buttered layers.
• Real apples, sweetened smart – Monk fruit or erythritol keeps the flavor clean without adding sugar.
• No mushy middle – Cooking the apples first gives you a thick, pie-like texture that doesn’t leak or soak the dough.
• Crispy layers – Brushed avocado oil helps the phyllo stay flaky and golden without frying.

🧾 Smart Swaps and Why They Matter

Turnover Dough

• ½ roll phyllo dough (Athens brand) – Roughly 10 sheets, makes 12 small turnovers.
• ½ cup avocado oil – Brushed between layers for crispness.

🔁 Lower carb option: Use keto-friendly “fathead” dough or low-carb tortillas, but note you’ll lose that signature crunch.

Fruit Filling

• 4 cups chopped apples – I use Granny Smith or Pink Lady for tartness.
• 3–6 tbsp monk fruit sweetener – Adjust to taste. Start low, apples are naturally sweet.
• 1 tbsp avocado oil – Helps caramelize.
• ¾ tsp cinnamon

Icing (Optional)

• 1 cup powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk of choice (almond or coconut works)

⚠️ What Went Sideways (And How I Fixed It)

What Went Wrong	Why It Happens	Fix It
Dough cracked or tore	Too cold	Let phyllo thaw overnight in fridge, then sit 2 hrs at room temp
Filling leaked	Overfilled or wet apples	Cook down apples fully and keep to 2–3 tbsp per turnover
Burned bottoms	Oven too hot or thin baking tray	Peek at 8 minutes, flip if needed, and use parchment

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make It

1. Cook the apples: In a saucepan, simmer chopped apples with sweetener, oil, and cinnamon for 6 minutes. Let cool slightly.
2. Prep phyllo dough: Thaw overnight in fridge, then 2 hours at room temp. Don’t skip this or it’ll crack.
3. Brush and layer: Place one sheet on work surface, brush with avocado oil, top with another. Cut into 4 long strips.
4. Add filling: Place 2–3 tbsp of apple mixture at the end of each strip. Fold into triangles, like a flag.
5. Bake: Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 8 minutes. Check underside. If browning too fast, flip and bake another 5–7 minutes.
6. Cool & finish: Let cool before icing. Drizzle with optional icing or dust with sugar-free powdered sweetener.

🧠 Tricks That Made It Work Better

• I pre-chop and freeze apples in 1-cup bags for quick prep. Just thaw before cooking.
• Use a pastry brush, not a spoon for oil—it gives an even layer and helps crisp.
• You can make these mini-sized for 2-bite portions—great for parties or kid-friendly snacks.

🧊 Storage + Tracking Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3 days. Reheat in toaster oven to re-crisp.
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked triangles with parchment between layers. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 15–18 minutes.
• Macros: Moderate-carb. Best for “low sugar” plans or carb-conscious eaters.

❓ What I Googled Before Making This

Q: Is phyllo dough keto?
A: Nope. It’s low-fat and lower in carbs than puff pastry, but still flour-based. One sheet = ~5–6g net carbs.

Q: Can I use zucchini or chayote instead of apples?
A: Yes! Dice and cook with extra cinnamon and lemon juice. Very convincing and drops net carbs significantly.

Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
A: Yes—use almond milk in icing and skip the butter. Avocado oil does the job for crisping.

🧮 Full Nutrition Facts (Per Turnover – 1 of 12)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	216 kcal
Total Fat	13 g
Saturated Fat	1.5 g
Sodium	95 mg
Potassium	120 mg
Total Carbohydrates	23 g
– Dietary Fiber**	5 g
– Net Carbs	18 g
Sugar	~5 g (natural from apples)
Protein	2 g

Check out More Recipes:

• Sugar-Free Apple Fritters – Low-Carb, Crispy, and Cinnamon-Sweet
• Sugar-Free Apple sauce – Clean, Simple, and Surprisingly Versatile
• Sugar-Free Apple Muffins – Low-Carb, Cinnamon-Kissed, and Snackable