Oozing with luscious cherry filling and wrapped in golden, flaky layers of puff pastry, this Cherry Turnovers Recipe is an absolute showstopper for any dessert lover. Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy afternoon snack or impressing guests at a gathering, these turnovers balance tart and sweet flavors with a delicate almond-scented glaze that makes every bite irresistible. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating that perfect harmony of flavors and textures in our Cherry Turnovers Recipe. Each item plays a vital role, from the smooth puff pastry that crisps up beautifully to the sweet and tangy cherry filling that bursts with fruitiness.
- 2 cups cherry pie filling: The star component that gives your turnovers their rich, mouthwatering cherry flavor.
- ¼ cup light brown sugar: Adds gentle caramel notes that deepen the sweetness of the cherries.
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling so it doesn’t leak during baking.
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract): A subtle aromatic twist that elevates the overall taste.
- 1 box puff pastry dough (2 pastry sheets), thawed: Creates those flaky, buttery pockets that make turnovers so divine.
- 1 large egg: Used for the egg wash to give the turnovers a gorgeous golden finish.
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar: The base for a smooth, sweet glaze.
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency to your preference.
How to Make Cherry Turnovers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your turnovers bake evenly and won’t stick, which means less mess and effortlessly beautiful pastries.
Step 2: Mix the Cherry Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry pie filling, light brown sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract. Stir everything together until fully blended with no lumps of cornstarch left. This mixture is what will give your turnovers that irresistibly rich and slightly thick cherry center.
Step 3: Cut and Prepare the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out one pastry sheet to smooth it out, then cut it into six equal 4×4-inch squares. Arrange these squares on one baking sheet with some space between. Repeat this process with the second pastry sheet on the other baking sheet. This uniform sizing helps your turnovers bake evenly and look picture-perfect.
Step 4: Fill and Fold the Turnovers
Place about two tablespoons of the cherry filling in the center of each puff pastry square. Then fold each square diagonally to form a triangle. Use the tines of a fork to carefully crimp and seal the edges—this is key to keeping that luscious filling inside during baking. Make sure the edges are sealed tightly to avoid any leaks.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
Beat your large egg in a small bowl and lightly brush the tops of each turnover. This egg wash will give your pastries a shiny, golden-brown finish that looks absolutely irresistible. Pop the trays into the oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until your turnovers puff up beautifully and turn a rich golden color.
Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
While the turnovers cool a bit, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract (or vanilla) in a small bowl to form a smooth glaze. Once the turnovers have cooled, generously drizzle this sweet glaze over them. The glaze adds a lovely sweetness and an elegant touch that makes these treats even more special.
How to Serve Cherry Turnovers Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh cherries on top of your glazed turnovers takes the presentation to the next level. You can even sprinkle some slivered almonds for a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the almond-scented glaze.
Side Dishes
Serve your turnovers alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement their warm, fruity goodness. A cup of strong coffee or a fragrant herbal tea makes a perfect companion beverage, rounding out the experience beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming brunch or dessert spread, place the turnovers on a tiered serving tray surrounded by fresh berries and mint leaves. You can also cut smaller versions to create bite-sized appetizers at your next gathering—these little pockets of joy are crowd-pleasers, no matter how you serve them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover turnovers stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to four. This helps maintain their flakiness without letting the filling dry out.
Freezing
If you’d like to enjoy these treats later, you can freeze the baked turnovers. Simply let them cool, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat for that fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
To bring your turnovers back to life, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that flaky, golden crust—it’s all about recapturing that perfect texture!
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can! Just thaw and cook your frozen cherries with some sugar and cornstarch to thicken before filling your turnovers. This way, you control the sweetness and texture perfectly.
What can I substitute for almond extract?
Vanilla extract is a great substitute that still adds wonderful aroma and depth without overpowering the cherry flavor. Either works beautifully in this recipe.
Is puff pastry difficult to work with?
Not at all. Just be sure to keep it cold before working with it to prevent stickiness, and use a lightly floured surface for easy handling. It’s forgiving and practically foolproof!
How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Sealing the edges carefully with a fork after folding the pastry triangle is key. You can also gently press the edges to ensure a tight seal and avoid overfilling each turnover.
Can I make these turnovers vegan?
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free puff pastry and replace the egg wash with a plant-based milk or maple syrup glaze. For the filling, just ensure your pie filling aligns with your dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about pulling warm, homemade cherry turnovers out of the oven—the flaky pastry, sweet-tart filling, and glossy glaze all coming together to create a little moment of bliss. This Cherry Turnovers Recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging on your own. I hope you’ll give it a try and make these charming treats a sweet part of your baking adventures.
Print
Cherry Turnovers Recipe
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 turnovers 1x
Description
Delightful homemade cherry turnovers featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a sweet cherry filling and topped with a smooth almond glaze. Perfect for a breakfast treat or dessert, these turnovers are golden-baked to perfection and drizzled with a sweet glaze for added indulgence.
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 Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup. Set aside.
- Make Cherry 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 and the mixture is well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare Puff Pastry Squares: On a lightly floured clean surface, roll out one puff pastry sheet slightly. Cut into six 4×4 inch squares. Place the squares on one prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Repeat with the second puff pastry sheet, placing squares on the second baking sheet.
- Fill and Seal Turnovers: Spoon 2 tablespoons of the cherry filling mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges firmly and crimp with a fork to seal completely, ensuring no filling leaks during baking.
- Egg Wash and Bake: Beat the egg in a small bowl. Lightly brush the tops of each turnover with the beaten egg to promote a golden-brown finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes until the pastries are puffed and golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheets.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, and almond or vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
- Glaze the Turnovers: Drizzle the prepared glaze over each cooled turnover. Let the glaze set before serving to allow it to harden slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the glaze has set, serve the cherry turnovers fresh and enjoy a flaky, sweet treat perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is thoroughly thawed before rolling to prevent cracking.
- Seal the edges tightly to avoid filling leakage during baking.
- Adjust milk quantity in glaze to achieve desired consistency, thinner for drizzle, thicker for frosting.
- Cherry pie filling can be substituted with other fruit fillings like blueberry or apple.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheat turnovers briefly in the oven to refresh flakiness before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
