If you have a sweet tooth and love flaky, fruit-filled pastries, this Cherry Turnovers Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. Imagine buttery, golden puff pastry pockets bursting with luscious cherry filling, topped with a delicate, glossy glaze that perfectly balances sweetness. These turnovers are not just delicious but also deceptively simple to make, combining everyday ingredients into a show-stopping dessert or snack that feels like a special occasion every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to crafting perfect cherry turnovers, and luckily, this recipe calls for simple staples that together create a symphony of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role: from the flaky puff pastry providing that irresistible crunch to the rich cherry filling that adds vibrant color and sweetness.
- Cherry pie filling: The star of the show, giving turnover centers their juicy, tart sweetness.
- Light brown sugar: Adds depth and a subtle caramel note to complement the cherries.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling ensuring it stays perfectly inside the pastry without leaking out.
- Almond extract (or vanilla extract): A little dash goes a long way to enhance the fruity flavor with a lovely aroma.
- Puff pastry dough (2 sheets): Provides that flaky, buttery texture that makes turnovers irresistible.
- Large egg: Brushed on top for a beautiful golden finish that will make your turnovers look bakery-quality.
- Powdered sugar: Used for the glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness and shine.
- Milk: Thins the powdered sugar glaze to a perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make Cherry Turnovers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Start by setting your oven to 375°F to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature. Meanwhile, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This prep helps your turnovers bake evenly and come out golden every time.
Step 2: Mix Cherry Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cherry pie filling, light brown sugar, cornstarch, and a splash of almond extract. Stir everything until the cornstarch dissolves completely. This mixture thickens while baking, locking in all the juicy fruit goodness inside each turnover.
Step 3: Cut and Prepare Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out one sheet of puff pastry to smooth it out before cutting. Divide it into six 4-inch squares—repeat this with the second sheet. Properly spacing your pastry squares on the baking sheets guarantees even baking and easier handling when filling the turnovers.
Step 4: Fill and Fold the Turnovers
Place approximately 2 tablespoons of cherry filling in the center of each pastry square. Fold the pastry diagonally over the filling to form triangles. Use a fork to press and crimp the edges securely, making sure no filling escapes during baking. Sealing well is crucial for those beautiful, tidy turnovers.
Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake
Beat your egg in a small bowl, then lightly brush the tops of each turnover to give them that irresistible shiny gold finish. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until the turnovers puff up and turn a beautifully golden brown shade, filling your kitchen with an amazing aroma.
Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Glaze
While your turnovers cool on the baking sheet, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond (or vanilla) extract in a small bowl. Drizzle this glaze generously over each golden pastry once they’ve cooled just enough for the glaze to set perfectly without melting away.
How to Serve Cherry Turnovers Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh cherries on top can elevate the presentation and add a fresh hint of flavor. Toasted almonds or a light sprinkle of cinnamon can provide extra aroma and texture for a personalized touch.
Side Dishes
Cherry turnovers pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you want to turn this into a decadent dessert. For a brunch spread, serve alongside freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte to complement the pastries’ sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these turnovers on a rustic wooden board with a small bowl of whipped cream or cherry sauce for dipping. You can also stack them in a beautiful pile on a dessert stand for a party or special gathering that will have guests eagerly reaching for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cherry turnovers taste best fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat to preserve their flaky texture and delicious filling.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats longer, freeze the unbaked turnovers after sealing them, placing them on a tray until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for freshly baked delight any time you crave.
Reheating
Warm your cherry turnovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes to revive that flakiness and melting cherry filling. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be cooked down with sugar and cornstarch to create a homemade filling. Just make sure to simmer until the mixture thickens before filling your turnovers.
Is almond extract necessary in the recipe?
While almond extract adds a lovely nutty depth that pairs well with cherries, vanilla extract is a great alternative if almond isn’t your favorite or if you have allergies.
Can I make these turnovers vegan?
Yes! Use dairy-free puff pastry and substitute the egg wash with a mixture of almond milk and maple syrup for that golden shine, and ensure your glaze is made with plant-based milk.
What if my pastry isn’t puffing up during baking?
Make sure your puff pastry is properly chilled before baking, and don’t overfill the turnovers. Also, brushing with egg wash helps the layers separate and puff nicely.
How long can I keep glazed cherry turnovers?
Glazed turnovers are best enjoyed the same day, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The glaze may lose some of its shine over time but will still taste delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Turnovers Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for any home baker to master yet impressive enough to serve at any gathering. I can’t wait for you to experience that perfect combination of buttery pastry and sweet, tangy cherries wrapped in a delicate glaze—it’s a recipe that will always bring a little joy to the table. Give it a try and watch everyone’s faces light up with every bite!
Print
Cherry Turnovers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these flaky and buttery Cherry Turnovers filled with a sweet and tangy cherry pie filling, topped with a smooth almond glaze. Perfect as a breakfast treat, dessert, or snack, these turnovers combine the convenience of store-bought puff pastry with a homemade fruit filling and glaze for a quick yet impressive pastry.
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 (for egg wash)
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 Pans: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Make the Cherry Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry pie filling, light brown sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract. Stir thoroughly until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Set this aside to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare Puff Pastry Squares: On a lightly floured clean surface, gently roll out one sheet of thawed puff pastry. Cut the sheet into six equal squares, about 4×4 inches each. Arrange these squares on one of the prepared baking sheets with at least 2 inches between each. Repeat the same with the second sheet of puff pastry, placing the squares on the second baking sheet.
- Fill and Seal Turnovers: Spoon 2 tablespoons of the cherry filling into the center of each pastry square. Fold each square diagonally over the filling to form a triangle. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the large egg. Lightly brush the tops of the turnovers with the egg wash to achieve a gorgeous golden and glossy finish after baking.
- Bake the Turnovers: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes until the turnovers are puffed up and golden brown. Remove carefully from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets to set.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the turnovers cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract (or vanilla extract) in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Glaze the Turnovers and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled turnovers. Let the glaze set before serving. Enjoy these delicious, flaky cherry turnovers warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is thoroughly thawed before rolling and cutting for best texture.
- Seal the edges tightly with a fork to avoid filling leaks during baking.
- You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract if preferred.
- For a dairy-free glaze, substitute milk with almond or oat milk.
- Leftover turnovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for 4 days.
