If you have a sweet tooth and a love for fruit-filled pastries, this Cherry Turnovers Recipe will become your new go-to dessert or snack. These turnovers offer the perfect balance between flaky, buttery puff pastry and the luscious, vibrant cherry filling inside. The touch of almond extract elevates the flavor, making each bite a delightful dance of tart cherries and sweet glaze. Whether for a festive brunch or a cozy afternoon treat, these cherry turnovers are simply irresistible and surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cherry Turnovers Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from giving the filling its rich cherry flavor and perfect thickness to creating that golden, flaky crust that melts in your mouth.
- 2 cups cherry pie filling: The star of the show, providing juicy, sweet, and slightly tart cherries in a rich syrup.
- ¼ cup light brown sugar: Adds warmth and depth of sweetness while complementing the cherries perfectly.
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the cherry filling so it doesn’t get soggy inside the pastry.
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract): Adds a lovely aroma and enhances the cherry flavor beautifully.
- 1 box puff pastry dough (2 sheets), thawed: Provides that flaky, buttery, and golden crust everyone loves.
- 1 large egg: Used to brush on top of the turnovers for a shiny, golden finish.
- 1¼ cups powdered sugar: For the sweet glaze that adds a final touch of indulgence.
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons milk: Combines with powdered sugar to create a smooth glaze.
- ¼ teaspoon almond or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the glaze with a subtle nutty or vanilla note.
How to Make Cherry Turnovers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mixing Bowl
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F and lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, mix together the cherry pie filling, brown sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract until smooth and the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This ensures your filling stays thick and delicious inside the pastry.
Step 2: Roll Out and Cut the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out one puff pastry sheet just slightly to help with cutting. Cut the dough into six equal squares, about 4-by-4 inches. Place these squares neatly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 2 inches between each one. Repeat the same process with the second sheet of pastry—this is how you get 12 turnovers total from the recipe.
Step 3: Fill and Seal the Turnovers
Place 2 tablespoons of the cherry filling mixture right in the center of each pastry square. Then fold each square diagonally to create a triangle, enclosing the cherry goodness inside. Use a fork to crimp and firmly seal the edges, which is an important step to prevent any syrupy filling from leaking while baking.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake
Beat the egg lightly in a small bowl, then brush it evenly over the top of each turnover. This step gives the pastries that perfect golden, glossy sheen. Bake your turnovers for about 20 to 22 minutes, or until each is puffed up and beautifully golden-brown. Allow them to cool right on the baking sheets for a few minutes before glazing.
Step 5: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond (or vanilla) extract until the mixture is smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze generously over each turnover while they are still slightly warm. As the glaze sets, it adds a delightful sweetness and an elegant finishing touch that makes these cherry turnovers irresistible.
How to Serve Cherry Turnovers Recipe
Garnishes
To really impress your guests, sprinkle a few finely chopped toasted almonds or a light dusting of powdered sugar around the turnovers. Fresh mint leaves also add a pop of color and a refreshing scent that pairs wonderfully with the warm cherry flavors.
Side Dishes
Cherry turnovers are fantastic on their own, but you can serve them alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea also complements their sweet and flaky profile perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these cherry turnovers into bite-sized finger foods by cutting the puff pastry into smaller squares before filling. Or plate them on a pretty dessert stand layered with fresh cherries and sprigs of herbs for a rustic-chic brunch centerpiece. Even a drizzle of dark chocolate over the glaze adds a sophisticated twist that your friends will rave about!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from the Cherry Turnovers Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the pastry flaky while maintaining the freshness of the filling.
Freezing
You can freeze baked turnovers by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to one month and thaw at room temperature before serving for a quick and tasty treat anytime.
Reheating
To bring your turnovers back to their flaky glory, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes rather than using a microwave, which can make the pastry soggy. This way, you revive that crisp texture and warm fruit filling perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! If using fresh cherries, be sure to pit them and cook them down with sugar and a thickener like cornstarch until they resemble pie filling consistency. This gives you a fresh, homemade flavor but requires a bit more prep time.
What can I substitute for puff pastry dough?
While puff pastry gives the best flaky texture, you can use a pie crust or crescent roll dough in a pinch. Each will produce a slightly different texture but will still taste delicious with the cherry filling.
Is almond extract necessary in the filling and glaze?
Almond extract is optional but highly recommended for its complementary flavor to cherries. If you’re not a fan, vanilla extract is an excellent and common substitute that won’t overpower the cherry taste.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?
Make sure to seal the edges thoroughly using a fork to crimp the dough. Avoid overfilling the turnovers and press the edges firmly to keep everything inside while baking.
Can I make this Cherry Turnovers Recipe vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan puff pastry dough, replace the egg wash with a plant-based milk or maple syrup glaze, and ensure your cherry filling doesn’t contain gelatin. The glaze can be made with powdered sugar and almond or vanilla extract mixed with any plant milk.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about homemade cherry turnovers—from the first bite of flaky golden crust to the burst of sweet and tangy cherry filling inside. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Cherry Turnovers Recipe and experience firsthand how simple ingredients and a little love can create such a memorable treat. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon indulgence, these turnovers are bound to bring smiles around your table.
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
These delicious Cherry Turnovers feature flaky puff pastry filled with a sweet and tangy cherry filling, baked to golden perfection and topped with a smooth almond glaze. Perfect as a delightful dessert or a special treat for any occasion.
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 (190°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry pie filling, light brown sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract. Stir well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare Pastry Squares: On a lightly floured surface, slightly roll out one sheet of thawed puff pastry dough. Cut the dough into six 4×4 inch squares. Place the squares evenly spaced on one prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process with the second sheet of puff pastry dough and place the squares on the second baking sheet.
- Fill and Seal Turnovers: Place about 2 tablespoons of the cherry filling in the center of each pastry square. Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle and use a fork to crimp and firmly seal the edges, ensuring no filling can leak out during baking.
- Egg Wash: Beat the large egg in a small bowl and lightly brush the tops of each turnover to promote a beautiful golden-brown finish when baked.
- Bake Turnovers: Bake the turnovers in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes or until they are puffed and golden brown. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the turnovers to cool slightly on the sheets.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (start with 1 tablespoon), and almond extract or vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Adjust milk quantity to reach desired consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over each cooled turnover. Allow the glaze to set briefly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cherry Turnovers warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure the pastry edges are well sealed to prevent cherry filling from leaking out during baking.
- If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, to thin it out.
- For best results, thaw puff pastry completely in the refrigerator overnight before use.
- Use parchment paper on baking sheets for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Turnovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days but are best served fresh.
