Picture this: golden, flaky pastry bursting with a creamy, spiced sweet potato filling and finished with a luscious maple glaze. These old-fashioned sweet potato turnovers from scratch aren’t just a dessert—they’re a warm hug in food form. Whether you’re making them for a Thanksgiving feast, a cozy weekend brunch, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, they’re sure to become a family favorite.

This recipe celebrates the best of traditional Southern baking with a few fun twists. The rich filling features roasted sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The dough? Buttery, tender, and perfect for sealing in all that goodness. And let’s not forget the maple glaze—its sweet, caramel-like notes add the perfect finishing touch.

Ready to make magic happen in your kitchen? Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the details.

Ingredients of Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Turnovers from Scratch

Making traditional sweet potato turnovers from scratch requires a few pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ cup ice water

Tip: Keep the butter as cold as possible to ensure a flaky texture in your pastry!

For the Sweet Potato Filling:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 cups mashed)
• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Want to experiment? Add a handful of chopped pecans or raisins to the filling for extra texture.

For the Maple Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream

These ingredients work together to ensure your old-fashioned sweet potato turnovers from scratch turn out flavorful and perfectly spiced every time.

Step-by-Step Instructions for old-fashioned sweet potato turnovers from scratch

Making old-fashioned sweet potato turnovers from scratch is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to create a truly memorable dessert.

1. Preparing the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
• Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Slowly drizzle in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Stop as soon as the dough comes together in a shaggy ball.
• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). This step is crucial for ensuring that your homemade sweet potato turnovers bake up perfectly.

2. Making the Sweet Potato Filling

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and roast them for 40–50 minutes, or until tender. Alternatively, you can boil peeled and chopped sweet potatoes until soft.
• Once cool enough to handle, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
• Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and vanilla extract. Taste and adjust spices or sweetness to your liking.

3. Assembling the Turnovers

• Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Cut it into 5-inch squares (or use a circular cutter for a more traditional look).
• Place a spoonful of sweet potato filling in the center of each square. Fold the dough diagonally to form a triangle, then press the edges with a fork to seal.
• Arrange the turnovers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill them in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking.

4. Baking the Turnovers

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the turnovers with an egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 tablespoon of water) for a golden, glossy finish.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the turnovers are golden brown and the edges are crisp. Let them cool slightly before glazing.

5. Adding the Maple Glaze

• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. If the glaze feels too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time.
• Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled turnovers, letting it drip down the sides for an irresistible finish.

Expert Tips for Success

• Keep It Cold: Cold butter and ice water are the secrets to flaky pastry. If the dough starts to feel warm while rolling, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes.
• Don’t Overfill: Use about 1–1.5 tablespoons of filling per turnover to avoid leaks during baking.
• For the Perfect Glaze: Sift the powdered sugar before mixing to avoid lumps.

Inspirations from Southern and Global Flavors

This recipe takes its roots in Southern-style comfort food but also nods to global influences. The addition of cardamom hints at Indian dessert traditions, while the maple glaze gives it a distinctly North American twist. For more on regional flavors, check out our Southern-style comfort food recipes.

Serving Suggestions

These sweet potato turnovers shine at any time of day:

• Serve warm with a cup of spiced chai or black coffee for breakfast.
• Pair them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Add them to a holiday brunch spread alongside savory quiches and fresh fruit.

Storing and Freezing Sweet Potato Turnovers

• Storage: Keep baked turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap unbaked turnovers individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

Variations and Customizations

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Savory-Sweet Combos: Add crumbled goat cheese or feta to the filling for a tangy contrast.

Unique Twists on Traditional Turnovers

If you’re feeling adventurous, try these creative variations:

• Sweet and Savory Fusion:
  Add cooked, crumbled bacon or a hint of goat cheese to the sweet potato filling for a balance of sweet and savory flavors. This combination works beautifully for brunch or as an appetizer.
• Nutty Crunch:
  Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture and nutty richness. If you love pralines, this will be your new favorite addition.
• Spiced Kick:
  For a slightly spicier version, include a pinch of cayenne pepper or black pepper in the filling. It creates a contrast that pairs well with the sweetness of the potatoes and glaze.
• Vegan-Friendly Option:
  Substitute vegan butter for the dough and use plant-based milk in the glaze. The filling is already vegan, so this modification keeps the turnovers just as delicious without any dairy or eggs.

Perfecting the Pastry

Flaky pastry is the hallmark of a great turnover. Here are some insider tips:

1. Chill Everything:
   Not just the butter—keep the flour, bowl, and even the rolling pin cool. This prevents the butter from melting too quickly, which is key for creating those flaky layers.
2. Don’t Overwork the Dough:
   Handle the dough gently and mix only until it comes together. Over-kneading can result in tough, dense pastry.
3. Brush with Precision:
   For a glossy, golden finish, use an egg wash (a beaten egg with a splash of milk or water). Be careful not to let it drip down the sides, as this can seal the edges and prevent the dough from puffing up.

Seasonal and Cultural Inspirations

Sweet potato turnovers are inherently versatile, and their roots span many cultures. Here are a few ways to adapt them for different occasions:

• Thanksgiving Classic:
  Serve them as part of your Thanksgiving spread. They’re a delightful alternative to pumpkin pie and pair well with traditional holiday sides like cranberry sauce.
• Southern Comfort:
  Incorporate molasses or cane syrup into the filling for a more traditional Southern flavor. Pair with Southern-style comfort food recipes to complete the meal.
• Festive Indian Twist:
  Use ghee in the dough and add fennel seeds or a pinch of ground cloves to the filling for a flavor profile reminiscent of Indian desserts.

Storing and Reheating for Maximum Enjoyment

Refrigeration Tips:

• If you plan to eat the turnovers within a day or two, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Instructions:

• To freeze unbaked turnovers, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven—no thawing required! Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating:

• Reheat baked turnovers in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This keeps the pastry crisp and warms the filling without making it soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I make these turnovers gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure all other ingredients, such as the powdered sugar and spices, are certified gluten-free.

2. What’s the best way to roast sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Roast sweet potatoes whole, with the skin on, at 400°F for 45–60 minutes. The skin helps retain moisture, making the flesh sweeter and creamier.

3. How can I make the filling smoother?
For an ultra-creamy filling, puree the roasted sweet potatoes in a food processor before mixing them with the spices and sugar.

4. What can I do with leftover sweet potato filling?
Leftover filling can be used to make sweet potato pancakes, added to oatmeal for a cozy breakfast, or spread on toast with a drizzle of honey.

5. Are there other glazes I can try?
Absolutely! A brown sugar glaze, cream cheese frosting, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar works beautifully.

Related Recipes to Explore

If you’re inspired by these turnovers, you might also enjoy:

• Easy pie crust recipes to perfect your baking for tips on working with pastry dough.
• Creative ways to use sweet potatoes in recipes for more ideas to make the most of this versatile vegetable.

Conclusion

Creating old-fashioned sweet potato turnovers from scratch is a joyful experience that combines tradition, flavor, and the satisfaction of homemade baking. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or treating yourself, these turnovers are bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

So, grab your rolling pin, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your home with the warm, inviting aroma of these delicious turnovers. Your friends and family will thank you, and you might just discover your new favorite recipe.