If you’re craving a delightful treat that’s bursting with fruity goodness and wrapped in flaky, buttery pastry, then this Cherry Turnovers Recipe is exactly what you need. These turnovers are a perfect blend of sweet-tart cherry filling and golden puff pastry, finished with a luscious drizzle of glaze that adds just the right touch of indulgence. Whether for a special breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or an impressive dessert, these cherry turnovers will quickly become your new favorite go-to pastry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple and fresh ingredients makes this Cherry Turnovers Recipe a breeze to whip up. Each component plays a vital role, from creating that tender, flaky crust to the luscious cherry filling that gives these turnovers their iconic flavor and vibrant color.
- 2 cups cherry pie filling: The heart of the turnovers, bringing sweet and slightly tart flavor with lovely juicy texture.
- ¼ cup light brown sugar: Adds warmth and depth to sweeten the cherry filling naturally.
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the filling to prevent any messy leaks during baking.
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract): Enhances the filling with a fragrant, nutty aroma or classic vanilla warmth.
- 1 box puff pastry dough (2 pastry sheets, thawed): The flaky, buttery wrapper that creates the perfect light and crisp crust.
- 1 large egg: Used as an egg wash to achieve those beautiful golden brown turnovers.
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar: The base for a sweet, smooth glaze to finish the turnovers perfectly.
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency for easy drizzling.
How to Make Cherry Turnovers Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Cherry Filling
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for a non-stick, easy cleanup. Then, combine your cherry pie filling, brown sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract in a large bowl. Stir the mixture until smooth and well blended, ensuring the cornstarch is fully dissolved; this step guarantees a thick, luscious cherry center without any runny mess.
Step 2: Cut and Fill the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your surface and roll out one puff pastry sheet just a bit to smooth it out. Cut this sheet into six 4×4-inch squares and spread them evenly on your lined baking sheet, leaving at least 2 inches of space between each square. Repeat with the second pastry sheet. This careful spacing helps the turnovers bake evenly and puff nicely.
Step 3: Fill and Seal the Turnovers
Place 2 tablespoons of the cherry filling right in the center of each puff pastry square. Fold each square diagonally to form a neat triangle, then use a fork to crimp the edges tightly. This sealing is super important to keep the cherry goodness inside while baking, preventing any filling leakage that can cause a sticky oven.
Step 4: Apply Egg Wash and Bake
Beat the egg in a small bowl, then gently brush it over the tops of each turnover. This will reward you with a glorious golden color and that irresistible shine once baked. Pop your trays into the oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, until the turnovers are puffed and perfectly golden-brown. Let them cool a bit on the pans before moving on.
Step 5: Make and Drizzle the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond or vanilla extract until smooth with no lumps. The glaze should be creamy but thin enough to drizzle. Carefully spoon or drizzle this over the cooled turnovers, allowing it to set slightly before serving. This glaze brings a sweet finish that pairs beautifully with the tart cherry filling.
How to Serve Cherry Turnovers Recipe
Garnishes
Simple finishing touches can elevate your cherry turnovers even more. Consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds for a bit of crunch and nutty richness. A few fresh cherries on the side also add a lovely pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
These turnovers shine on their own but pair spectacularly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for dessert. For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside a cup of strong coffee or your favorite herbal tea to complement their fruity sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange cherry turnovers on a tiered serving tray to create a charming display. You can also serve them warm with a small pot of extra cherry sauce or glaze for dipping. Another fun idea is to top each turnover with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an extra indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cherry turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep them away from moisture so the pastry stays crisp and flaky rather than soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked turnovers by assembling them and placing them on a baking sheet, then freezing until firm. Transfer the frozen turnovers to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring your cherry turnovers back to life, warm them in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. This method crisps up the puff pastry beautifully while gently heating the fruit filling to a delightful state. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh cherries, pit and chop about 2 cups of them, then cook gently with sugar and cornstarch to create a thickened filling before assembling the turnovers.
What can I substitute for puff pastry?
If puff pastry is unavailable, a good-quality pie crust or crescent roll dough can be used, though the texture and flakiness will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is almond extract necessary?
While it adds a lovely aroma and depth, you can easily swap almond extract for vanilla extract if that’s what you have on hand. Both enhance the filling’s flavor beautifully.
How do I prevent the turnovers from leaking?
Make sure to seal the edges well by pressing firmly with a fork and do not overfill the pastry squares. The addition of cornstarch to the filling also helps keep things thick and contained.
Can I make these turnovers vegan?
For a vegan version, look for dairy-free puff pastry and substitute the egg wash with a splash of almond milk or a mixture of maple syrup and water for gloss.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Turnovers Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward steps can come together to create something truly special and utterly delicious. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these cherry turnovers are sure to impress and bring smiles all around. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cherry Turnovers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 turnovers
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightful Cherry Turnovers made with flaky puff pastry filled with a sweet cherry filling, baked to golden perfection and topped with a smooth almond glaze. Perfect as a dessert or a sweet snack that combines tender fruit and buttery pastry in every bite.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cherry pie filling
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract)
Pastry
- 1 box puff pastry dough (2 pastry sheets), thawed in the refrigerator
- 1 large egg
Glaze
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Mix Cherry Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry pie filling, light brown sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract. Stir until everything is well mixed and the cornstarch is fully dissolved, ensuring the filling thickens properly during baking. Set aside.
- Prepare Puff Pastry Squares: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out one sheet of thawed puff pastry. Cut it into six 4×4 inch squares. Place these squares evenly spaced on one of the prepared baking sheets. Repeat this process with the second pastry sheet on the other baking sheet.
- Fill and Fold the Pastry: Spoon 2 tablespoons of the cherry filling onto the center of each pastry square. Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle, carefully sealing the edges using the tines of a fork to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl and lightly brush the tops of each turnover. This helps create a golden, glossy finish once baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the turnovers for 20 to 22 minutes or until they are golden-brown and puffy. Remove from oven and allow them to cool on the sheets.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract (or vanilla extract) until smooth and well combined.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the turnovers have cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over each one. Allow the glaze to set before serving. Enjoy your freshly baked cherry turnovers!
Notes
- Make sure to seal the pastry edges tightly to prevent the cherry filling from leaking out during baking.
- For an extra glossy finish, you can apply a second egg wash after placing the filling before folding.
- If puff pastry dough is frozen, ensure it is fully thawed in the refrigerator before rolling to prevent tearing.
- You can swap almond extract for vanilla extract according to your flavor preference.
- Cherry pie filling can be substituted with other fruit fillings, adjusting sugar to taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
