If you have a soft spot for flaky pastries filled with luscious fruit, this Cherry Turnovers Recipe will quickly become your new favorite go-to treat. Each buttery puff pastry square envelopes a sweet and slightly tart cherry filling, perfectly balanced by a smooth almond-glazed drizzle. Whether you’re whipping these up for a casual brunch or a special occasion, these turnovers bring a beautiful mix of comforting textures and bright, vibrant flavors that are impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cherry Turnovers Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that perfect harmony of flakiness, sweetness, and fruit-forward goodness, making the final result both stunning and delicious.
- Cherry pie filling: The star of the show, providing juicy bursts of cherry flavor and natural sweetness.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses note and enhances the cherries’ depth of flavor.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling so it doesn’t run during baking, keeping your turnovers neat and tidy.
- Almond extract (or vanilla extract): Lifts the cherry filling with a delicate aroma and warms the fruitiness.
- Puff pastry dough (2 sheets, thawed): Creates that irresistibly flaky, golden crust.
- Large egg: For brushing on top, giving turnovers their beautiful golden shine as they bake.
- Powdered sugar: The base for the glaze that adds a sweet finishing touch.
- Milk: Used to smooth out the glaze to drizzly perfection.
How to Make Cherry Turnovers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Filling
First things first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and helps your turnovers bake evenly. In a large bowl, mix the cherry pie filling with brown sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract until smooth. The cornstarch is crucial here, making sure the cherry juices thicken nicely when baked so you get perfect pockets of gooey fruit every time.
Step 2: Cut and Fill the Puff Pastry
Unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out just a touch for ease of handling. Cut the pastry into six 4×4 inch squares—simple and uniform for even baking. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cherry mixture onto the center of each square, but don’t get too carried away or the filling might spill out when folded.
Step 3: Fold and Seal
Fold each square diagonally to create a triangle, carefully pressing around the edges to seal in that luscious filling. Using a fork to crimp the edges not only looks charming but ensures your filling stays bottled up during baking. This step is key in preventing leaks and giving your turnovers their classic look.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake
Beat the egg lightly, then brush it over the tops of your turnovers. This simple egg wash transforms these pastries into golden, irresistible beauties when baked. Place them in the oven for 20 to 22 minutes until puffed up and a gorgeous golden brown. Your kitchen will fill with the most inviting aroma as they bake!
Step 5: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
While the turnovers cool just enough to handle, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of almond or vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glossy glaze over each turnover for that sweet finishing touch that complements the tart cherry filling perfectly. Let the glaze set before serving, and you’re ready to indulge!
How to Serve Cherry Turnovers Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Cherry Turnovers Recipe even more. Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or add a few fresh cherries on the side for visual appeal and an extra pop of flavor. A few slivered almonds can also add a pleasing crunch and a subtle nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the almond extract in the glaze.
Side Dishes
These turnovers shine on their own but pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes them to the next level. For brunch, serve alongside a fresh green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the sweetness, or perhaps a cup of strong coffee or tea to round out the experience perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve these turnovers on a decorative platter lined with parchment paper or rustic wooden boards for a charming rustic vibe. For special occasions, arrange them in a circle and drizzle the glaze artistically across the top for a visually stunning centerpiece. You can even add edible flowers or a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, which can be rare because these are so irresistible, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps them maintain their crisp, flaky texture without becoming soggy or losing flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze these turnovers before baking! Arrange the uncooked, sealed turnovers on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re cooked through and perfectly golden.
Reheating
To bring back the fresh-baked goodness, reheat turnovers in a preheated 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes. This re-crisps the pastry while warming the cherry filling without drying it out, making them taste just as divine as when freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! If using fresh cherries, pit and chop them, then cook them down with sugar and a little lemon juice to mimic the pie filling consistency. You may need extra cornstarch to thicken the fresh fruit juices before filling the turnovers.
Is puff pastry the only dough that works for Cherry Turnovers Recipe?
Puff pastry is ideal for its flaky texture and buttery flavor, but you can also experiment with pie crust dough if you prefer a sturdier base. Just keep in mind that the texture will be less airy and crisp compared to puff pastry.
How can I make these turnovers vegan?
Use a vegan puff pastry and substitute the egg wash for a plant-based milk or maple syrup glaze. Make sure your cherry filling and extracts are free from animal-derived ingredients. The glaze can be made with powdered sugar and almond milk for a tasty vegan finish.
Why does my filling sometimes leak out during baking?
Leakage often happens when turnovers are overfilled or edges are not sealed tightly. Make sure to use the right amount of filling and firmly crimp the edges with a fork to create a tight seal.
Can I prepare these turnovers ahead of time for a party?
Yes, prepare and assemble the turnovers in advance, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. They can also be frozen assembled, as mentioned earlier, which makes party prep a breeze!
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Turnovers Recipe is a delightful way to impress family and friends or simply treat yourself to a little piece of pastry heaven. The combination of flaky dough, sweet-tart cherry filling, and a luscious glaze is just so comforting and joyful to eat. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making these turnovers again and again!
Print
Cherry Turnovers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 turnovers
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these flaky, golden cherry turnovers made with puff pastry and a sweet cherry filling. Perfectly baked until puffy and topped with a smooth almond glaze, these turnovers are an irresistible treat ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
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 for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Filling Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry pie filling, light brown sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract. Stir thoroughly until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the mixture is well blended. Set aside to allow flavors to meld and thicken slightly.
- Cut Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out one puff pastry sheet. Cut the sheet into six squares, about 4×4 inches each. Arrange the squares on one prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Repeat the process with the second pastry sheet on the other baking sheet.
- Fill and Seal Turnovers: Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the cherry filling in the center of each pastry square. Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle over the filling. Using a fork, crimp the edges firmly to seal the turnovers well, preventing any filling leakage during baking.
- Egg Wash and Bake: Beat the large egg in a small bowl. Lightly brush the tops of each turnover with the egg wash to promote a shiny, golden-brown finish. Bake the turnovers in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes until they are puffed up and beautifully golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheets.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (1 to 2 tablespoons to desired consistency), and almond extract (or vanilla extract) until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled turnovers. Allow the glaze to set before serving. Enjoy your delicious cherry turnovers fresh!
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling to avoid cracking.
- Seal the turnovers tightly to avoid filling leakage during baking.
- Adjust milk quantity in glaze to achieve desired thickness.
- Almond extract can be substituted with vanilla extract for a milder flavor.
- Serve turnovers warm or at room temperature for best taste.
