Low Carb Apple Turnover

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This low carb apple turnover has all the delicious taste of a traditional apple pastry without the hidden sugar. It’s one of my favorite keto apple desserts.

Low Carb Apple Turnover

But apples are not keto! You are correct. Apple pie filling is typically very high in sugar so it’s not easy to enjoy on the ketogenic diet.

Thankfully, these gluten free pastries are made with zucchini rather than apples to keep the sugar content low.

If you have been missing your favorite apple recipes now that you’re making keto recipes, I hope you try this. It’s perfect for the holiday season and absolutely delicious.

For the total carbs in this keto apple pie, scroll down to the recipe card. There are 4 net carbs per serving.

How to use zucchini instead of apple pie filling

The key to using zucchini instead of apples is to 1) grate the zucchini, so it resembles finely chopped apples and 2) cook the zucchini before adding it to the pastry dough. This helps to remove some of the moisture from the zucchini, so the turnover isn’t soggy.

I promise it does taste like apple filling. If you are craving apple pie on a low carb diet, try this hand pie instead.

Is a sugar free low carb apple pie possible?

Yes, it is. You will need to use zucchini for the apples. Then, find a sugar free sweetener like swerve rather than regular sugar.

if you don’t have zucchini, some people have used chayote squash instead of granny smith apples.

I really love the flavor of these guilt free hand pies. If you want grain free recipes for the holidays, this keto apple pie pastry is one of my most popular recipes.

Tips for baking with almond flour

Almond flour is a common flour used in gluten-free and keto baking. It can be tricky to work with, so here are a few tips:

– Use blanched almond flour for the best results. This type of flour has had the skins removed, resulting in a finer texture.

– If your dough is too sticky, add more almond flour until it’s easier to work with.

– If your dough is too dry, add a little water or milk.

With these tips in mind, you should be able to make a delicious keto apple turnover with ease! I love the flavor!

It’s not your typical flaky pie crust but a tasty alternative.

Can I use coconut flour

This recipe was tested with almond flour, so I cannot guarantee results if you use another type. But you can learn more about baking with coconut flour here.

Can I use regular pie crust?

Traditional pie crust is not low carb or gluten free. You can use a premade gluten free pie crust from the store but it probably will not be keto or low carb.

How can I make low carb pie crust recipe?

To keep pie crust low carb, look for one that uses almond flour. This flour is acceptable on keto and low carb diets.

Kitchen equipment needed

You only need a few simple ingredients to make keto apple pie turnovers.

• Rolling pin
• Small bowl
• Skillet
• Parchment paper
• Microwave
• Baking sheet
• Food processor (optional)

Low carb apple hand pies ingredients

For the hand pies filling:

Using a food processor is easier but it is not necessary.

3 Tbsp. Butter

1 Large zucchini peeled and diced (or shredded into slices in a food processor)

1 tsp. Apple pie spice

3 Tbsp. Swerve brown sugar replacement

For the keto apple pie crust:

Make sure you use full-fat cream cheese in the apple pie pastry dough to keep this keto.

1 c. Almond flour

1 ½ C. Mozzarella cheese shredded

2 oz. Cream cheese

¼ tsp. Cinnamon

Pinch of nutmeg

3 Tbsp. Swerve confectioners sugar substitute

One egg

¼ tsp. Xanthan gum

1 tsp. Baking powder

2 Tbsp. Butter melted

What does Xanthan gum do?

Xanthan gum is a plant-based thickening agent. It helps to bind ingredients together and gives the dough a bread-like texture.

It’s an important ingredient in the pie crust recipe. You cannot leave it out.

How to make keto apple pie turnovers

You won’t believe how easy these low sugar hand pies are to make. And, the flavor is delicious! Once you taste them, you won’t believe this recipe has no apples.

1. Place the cream cheese and mozzarella cheese into a small bowl that is microwave safe. Heat the cheeses for 30 second intervals until completely melted and combined. 
2. Add the cheese mixture to a mixing bowl, with all of the remaining dough ingredients except for the melted butter. Knead until all of the ingredients are combined. 
3. Place dough in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes. 
4. Preheat the oven to 350F.
5. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat on the stove. 
6. Stir in the zucchini, apple pie spice, and brown sugar Swerve. Stir to combine, and saute until the zucchini is a crisp-tender. Let cool. 
7. Roll the chilled dough ball out between two pieces of greased parchment paper until it is about ¼ of an inch thick. 
8. Slice the dough into 12 evenly sized rectangles, you may have to do this in two batches, rolling the excess back out the second time. 
9. Place some of the filling into the center of six of the rectangles of dough. 
10. Add another rectangle of plain dough over each filled rectangle, and pinch the edges closed. Fold the edges of each rectangle up slightly. 
11. Place the filled pastries on a parchment lined baking sheet. 
12. Bake the hand pies in the oven for 15 minutes. 
13. Remove from the oven and let cool before serving. 

How to serve keto apple pastries

I enjoy these hand pies as is, but you can try adding one of these to your hand pie for something different.

• Sugar free caramel sauce
• Whipped cream (no added sugar)
• Brush with an egg wash before baking
• A dash of cinnamon

How to store the apple hand pie pastries

You can store these apple hand pies in an airtight container. I do not recommend freezing as the pastry may become soggy when reheated. 

There are only 4 net carbs so feel free to eat more than one!

More delicious recipes

Here are a few of my favorite foods. Make sure you follow me on social media for all my latest recipes.

• Almond flour strawberry shortcake
• Almond flour chocolate chip cake
• Keto roti
• Pumpkin almond flour muffins

Yield: 6

Low Carb Apple Turnover

Print

This low carb apple turnover has all the delicious taste of a traditional apple pastry without the hidden sugar. It’s one of my favorite keto apple desserts.

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 3 Tbsp. Butter
• 1 Large zucchini peeled and diced
• 1 tsp. Apple pie spice
• 3 Tbsp. Swerve brown sugar replacement

For the dough:

• 1 c. Almond flour
• 1 ½ C. Mozzarella cheese shredded
• 2 oz. Cream cheese
• ¼ tsp. Cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 3 Tbsp. Swerve confectioners sugar substitute
• 1 Large egg
• ¼ tsp. Xanthan gum
• 1 tsp. Baking powder
• 2 Tbsp. Butter melted

Instructions

1. Place the cream cheese and mozzarella cheese into a bowl that is microwave safe. Heat the cheeses for 30 second intervals until completely melted and combined. 
2. Add the cheese mixture to a mixing bowl, with all of the remaining dough ingredients except for the melted butter. Knead until all of the ingredients are combined. 
3. Chill the dough for 30 minutes. 
4. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat on the stove. 
5. Stir in the zucchini, apple pie spice and brown sugar Swerve. Stir to combine, and saute until the zucchini is a crisp tender. Let cool. 
6. Preheat the oven to 350F.
7. Roll the chilled dough out between two pieces of parchment paper until it is about ¼ of an inch thick. 
8. Slice the dough into 12 evenly sized rectangles, you may have to do this in two batches, rolling the excess back out the second time around. 
9. Place some of the filling into the center of six of the rectangles of dough. 
10. Add another rectangle of plain dough over each filled rectangle, and pinch the edges closed. Fold the edges of each rectangle up slightly. 
11. Place the filled pastries on a parchment lined baking sheet. 
12. Bake for 15 minutes. 
13. Remove and let cool before serving. 

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 369Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 88mgSodium: 379mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 3gSugar: 12gProtein: 13g