If you have a sweet tooth and love a classic flaky pastry filled with luscious fruit, this Cherry Turnovers Recipe is absolutely going to steal your heart. Imagine biting into a golden-brown, buttery puff pastry that bursts with a rich cherry filling enhanced by just the right hint of almond. These turnovers are incredibly easy to make but deliver show-stopping flavor and texture that feel both homemade and bakery-worthy. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, dessert, or an irresistible snack, this Cherry Turnovers Recipe is sure to become a favorite go-to in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in transforming simple components into cherry-filled delights. From the fruity sweetness to the flaky, buttery crust, every element is important for making the turnovers perfect.
- 2 cups cherry pie filling: Provides that luscious, sweet-tart fruit center that makes cherry turnovers so irresistible.
- ¼ cup light brown sugar: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the cherry filling.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the cherry filling, keeping it from leaking out during baking.
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract): Adds a fragrant, nutty note that complements the cherries beautifully.
- 1 box puff pastry dough (2 sheets, thawed): The secret to those flaky, golden turnovers that melt in your mouth.
- 1 large egg: Used for brushing on the pastry to achieve that shiny, golden-brown finish.
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar: The base for the sweet glaze that adds the finishing touch.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk: Helps make the glaze beautifully smooth and drizzle-ready.
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract): Flavor boost to the glaze, tying the whole dessert together.
How to Make Cherry Turnovers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper so your turnovers can bake evenly without sticking. Having everything prepped ahead of time makes the baking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Mix the Cherry Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cherry pie filling, light brown sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract. Stir until everything is perfectly mixed and the cornstarch dissolves completely. This mixture will become the luscious heart of your turnovers, thick enough to stay inside the pastry as it bakes.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, unroll one sheet of puff pastry and gently roll it out just a bit. Cut it into 6 squares, about 4 inches each. Place these squares with space between them on one of the baking sheets. Repeat with the second sheet to get a total of 12 squares ready for filling.
Step 4: Fill and Fold the Turnovers
Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the cherry filling in the center of each pastry square. Then fold each square diagonally to create a triangle and gently press the edges with a fork to seal completely. Sealing well is crucial to keep the filling trapped inside, making every bite juicy and mess-free.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it lightly over each turnover’s surface. This step gives your turnovers that irresistible golden shine once baked. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the pastries puff up and turn a gorgeous golden-brown color.
Step 6: Make the Glaze and Finish
While the turnovers cool on the baking sheets, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract (or vanilla) until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the warm turnovers and let it set before serving. This final touch adds a sweet, delicate finish that pulls the whole dessert together.
How to Serve Cherry Turnovers Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple but elegant presentation, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the glazed turnovers or top with a few fresh cherries. A small sprig of mint can add a pop of color and a refreshing hint to each plate.
Side Dishes
These turnovers pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the indulgence. If serving for breakfast, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk complements their sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Cherry Turnovers Recipe as part of a brunch spread with fresh berries and yogurt or sliced seasonal fruits. For a party, place mini turnovers on a tiered cake stand to create an eye-catching centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover turnovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep them covered well to maintain the pastry’s flakiness while ensuring the cherry filling stays deliciously luscious.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked turnovers by assembling and sealing them, then placing them on a parchment-lined tray in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for perfect results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the turnovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy and lose that glorious texture that makes this Cherry Turnovers Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh cherries, pit and chop them, then cook them down with sugar, cornstarch, and a splash of lemon juice until thickened. This homemade filling will be slightly more textured but just as delicious in your turnovers.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
Vanilla extract is a great substitute and provides a lovely warm flavor that complements the cherries just as well. You can swap them in equal amounts in both the filling and glaze for a slightly different but equally tasty twist.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?
Make sure to seal the pastry edges tightly with a fork, pressing firmly to close any gaps. Letting the cornstarch fully dissolve in the filling mixture helps thicken it, reducing leaks. Also, don’t overfill the turnovers to keep the filling contained.
Can I make these turnovers gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free puff pastry dough available in many grocery stores or specialty shops. Just check the packaging to ensure it behaves similarly to regular puff pastry for the best flaky texture.
How long can I keep these turnovers after adding the glaze?
Once glazed, it’s best to enjoy the turnovers within a day or two as the glaze can become sticky or start to soften the pastry over time. Storing them in a cool, dry place will help retain their delightful texture as long as possible.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Cherry Turnovers Recipe feels like giving you a warm invitation to bake a little happiness right in your own kitchen. These turnovers combine simplicity with that wonderful feeling of homemade goodness and truly impressive flavor. Once you try them, I bet you’ll find joy in making them again and again, whether for family breakfasts, festive gatherings, or a sweet anytime treat.
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
Delicious homemade cherry turnovers made with flaky puff pastry filled with a sweet cherry filling, baked to golden perfection and finished with a smooth almond glaze. Perfect for a delightful dessert or 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: Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. Set them aside for later use.
- Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry pie filling, light brown sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract. Stir thoroughly until the cornstarch is fully dissolved to create a smooth filling mixture. Set this aside.
- Cut Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured clean surface, roll out one sheet of puff pastry dough slightly. Cut the sheet into six squares, each approximately 4×4 inches. Place the squares on one prepared baking sheet with at least 2 inches of space between them. Repeat this process with the second pastry sheet on the second baking sheet.
- Fill and Fold: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of cherry filling onto the center of each pastry square. Fold each square diagonally over the filling to create a triangle. Use a fork to firmly crimp and seal the edges to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Egg Wash: Beat the large egg in a small bowl. Lightly brush the tops of the turnovers with the beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden appearance when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the turnovers are golden brown and puffed up. Remove from oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk, and almond extract (or vanilla extract) until smooth and well combined.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over each cooled turnover. Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious cherry turnovers!
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is properly thawed in the refrigerator before use to prevent tearing and ensure even puffing.
- Seal turnovers well with a fork to avoid cherry filling leakage during baking.
- Adjust the milk quantity in the glaze for desired thickness; less milk for thicker glaze.
- Almond extract can be substituted with vanilla extract if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat turnovers in the oven to maintain crispiness.
