If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten up your day or impress your guests, this Cherry Turnovers Recipe is an absolute winner. With flaky, buttery puff pastry enveloping sweet and tangy cherry filling, these turnovers capture the very essence of homemade comfort with just the right touch of elegance. The combination of brown sugar and almond extract gives the cherries an extra layer of flavor, while the glossy powdered sugar glaze ties everything together perfectly. Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, these turnovers are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, the ingredients in this Cherry Turnovers Recipe work together harmoniously to create the perfect balance of texture, sweetness, and flavor. Each component plays a key role—from the tart cherries and subtle almond notes to the buttery puff pastry and sweet glaze.
- 2 cups cherry pie filling: The juicy, flavorful heart of the turnovers that provides a vibrant pop of color and taste.
- ¼ cup light brown sugar: Adds a rich sweetness and a hint of molasses to deepen the cherry flavor.
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the cherry filling to prevent sogginess inside the pastry.
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract): Brings a fragrant, nutty aroma that enhances the cherries beautifully.
- 1 box puff pastry dough (2 pastry sheets), thawed: The flaky, buttery base that crisps up perfectly in the oven.
- 1 large egg: For brushing on the pastry to create a golden, glossy finish.
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar: Forms the base of the sweet glaze drizzled over the turnovers.
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency for a smooth drizzle.
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract): Added to the glaze for a complementary flavor note that rounds out the pastry experience.
How to Make Cherry Turnovers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your Cherry Turnovers bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix 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 dissolves smoothly. This mixture will thicken upon baking, ensuring every bite is bursting with luscious cherry flavor without any watery mess.
Step 3: Cut the Puff Pastry into Squares
Lightly flour your clean surface and gently roll out one puff pastry sheet. Cut it into six 4-inch squares. Repeat with the second sheet until you have a total of twelve squares. These will form the turnovers’ perfect golden shells.
Step 4: Add the Filling and Seal
Place about 2 tablespoons of the cherry filling in the center of each pastry square. Fold the pastry diagonally, forming a triangle over the filling. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges tightly to prevent any filling from escaping during baking—this step is essential for maintaining that neat turnover shape.
Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake
Beat the egg in a small bowl, then brush it lightly over the tops of your turnovers. This gives them a gorgeous golden color and shine as they bake. Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until puffed up, golden brown, and invitingly fragrant.
Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
Once the turnovers have cooled on the baking sheets, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over each pastry, allowing it to set for a touch of sweetness and that classic bakery finish.
How to Serve Cherry Turnovers Recipe
Garnishes
To really make these Cherry Turnovers pop, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh cherries placed nearby for a vibrant presentation. A sprig of fresh mint can add a pop of green and a fresh aroma that balances the sweet richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pairing your turnovers with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream transforms this treat into an indulgent dessert. For a breakfast or brunch setting, serve alongside a cup of rich coffee or a freshly brewed pot of tea for the perfect cozy combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Cherry Turnovers Recipe extra special by serving them in rustic baskets lined with colorful napkins or on elegant dessert stands for a charming afternoon tea vibe. Alternatively, layering turnovers with slices of soft brie cheese and a drizzle of honey turns them into an entertaining crowd-pleaser that’s both sweet and savory.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cherry Turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the pastry crisp while maintaining the delicious moistness of the cherry filling.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked, assembled turnovers on a parchment-lined baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, simply pop them straight into the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked crispiness, reheat leftover turnovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy and chewy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well, then mix with brown sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract to create a similar filling consistency.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
No problem! Vanilla extract is a great substitute and will bring a sweet, complementary flavor to your cherry filling and glaze.
How can I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Sealing the pastry edges firmly with a fork and ensuring you don’t overfill each turnover are key steps. Make sure the dough squares aren’t too thin either.
Can I make these turnovers vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based puff pastry and substitute the egg wash with a mixture of plant milk and maple syrup for a golden finish. Use a non-dairy milk for the glaze as well.
Is it okay to make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Of course! Adjust the milk quantity to reach your preferred drizzle consistency, whether you like a thick icing or a lighter glaze that barely coats the turnovers.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a warm, flaky cherry turnover fresh from the oven. This Cherry Turnovers Recipe combines ease, flavor, and that special homemade charm into every delicious bite. I encourage you to gather these simple ingredients and give it a whirl—you’ll soon see why they’re a beloved crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Print
Cherry Turnovers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cherry Turnovers are a delightful treat featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a sweet and tangy cherry filling, topped with a smooth almond-glazed drizzle. Perfect for dessert or a special breakfast, these turnovers deliver a golden, crisp exterior with a luscious cherry center in every bite.
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
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
- Mix Cherry Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry pie filling, brown sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract. Stir thoroughly until the cornstarch dissolves and the mixture is evenly blended. Set aside.
- Cut Puff Pastry Squares: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out one thawed puff pastry sheet. Cut into six 4×4 inch squares and place them evenly spaced on a prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the second sheet to total 12 squares across two sheets.
- Fill and Seal Turnovers: Spoon 2 tablespoons of the cherry filling onto the center of each pastry square. Fold the pastry diagonally to create a triangle, then seal edges firmly by pressing with a fork to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl. Lightly brush the tops of each turnover to achieve a glossy, golden-brown finish after baking.
- Bake Turnovers: Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven and allow the turnovers to cool on baking sheets.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract (or vanilla) until smooth and slightly runny.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over cooled turnovers. Let the glaze set before serving. Enjoy your delicious cherry turnovers fresh!
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is thoroughly thawed for easier handling and better puff during baking.
- Seal turnovers well to prevent cherry filling from leaking and making a mess in the oven.
- Adjust milk quantity in glaze to achieve desired consistency—thicker glaze will hold shape better, thinner glaze will drizzle more smoothly.
- Turnovers are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For a nut-free option, use vanilla extract instead of almond extract.
