Perfect Cherry Turnovers Recipe

Cherry turnovers are delightful pastries that combine the sweet, tart taste of cherries with flaky, buttery pastry. These treats are often made by folding a square of puff pastry over a dollop of cherry filling, which is typically a mix of fresh or canned cherries, sugar, and a thickening agent like cornstarch. The edges are then crimped to seal in the juicy filling, creating a triangle or half-moon shape.

Before baking, the top of each turnover is usually brushed with a beaten egg or milk to give the pastry a golden, glossy finish as it cooks. As they bake, the turnovers puff up into light, airy pockets. The cherry filling heats up, melding the flavors and sometimes bubbling slightly at the seams, hinting at the sweet-sour cherry burst inside.

Cherry turnovers can be enjoyed warm from the oven or at room temperature, making them a versatile choice for a breakfast treat, a sweet snack, or a dessert. They are particularly delightful when dusted with powdered sugar or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, adding a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp pastry.

Kitchen Tools Needed

Rolling Pin – To evenly roll out the puff pastry.
Pastry Brush – For applying egg wash or milk on the pastry.
Baking Sheet – To bake the turnovers in the oven.
Parchment Paper – To line the baking sheet, preventing sticking and ensuring easy cleanup.
Mixing Bowl – For preparing the cherry filling.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurately measuring ingredients.
Knife – To chop fresh cherries if using, or to cut the pastry.
Fork – To crimp and seal the edges of the turnovers.
Oven Mitts – For handling the hot baking sheet.

Ingredients for Cherry Turnovers

Puff Pastry: 1 sheet (thawed if frozen)
Cherries: 1 cup (pitted; can use fresh or canned cherries)
Sugar: 1/4 cup (adjust based on the sweetness of the cherries)
Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (to thicken the filling)
Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon (to enhance the cherry flavor)
Egg: 1 large (beaten, for egg wash)
Powdered Sugar (optional, for dusting on finished turnovers)
Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for added flavor in the filling)

How To Make Cherry Turnovers ?

Preparing the Filling

Begin by combining the pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and optional vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until the cherries are well-coated with the sugar and cornstarch. This mixture will help create a thick, luscious filling as it cooks, preventing it from running out of the pastry during baking.

Rolling Out the Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into a larger square of about 12 inches. This thinness ensures that the pastry will cook evenly and puff up nicely. Cut the pastry into four equal squares.

Assembling the Turnovers

Place a spoonful of the cherry filling on one half of each square, leaving a small border around the edges to seal the turnovers. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle. Use a fork to press and crimp the edges together, sealing the filling inside securely.

Preparing for Baking

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the turnovers to the baking sheet. Brush each turnover with the beaten egg. This will give the pastry a beautiful golden color and a glossy finish as it bakes.

Baking

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the turnovers are puffed and golden brown. It’s essential to monitor them as ovens can vary, and you want to ensure they don’t burn.

Serving

Once baked, remove the turnovers from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. If desired, dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet, professional touch. Serve warm for a delicious, comforting treat. Enjoy your homemade cherry turnovers with a cup of tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

What Can We Serve With Cherry Turnovers?

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, the creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream complements the tartness of the cherry filling beautifully.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy texture, enhancing each bite of the flaky turnover.
Custard: Serve your turnovers with a side of warm, vanilla-flavored custard for a rich and comforting dessert experience.
Fresh Berries: A mix of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a fresh, tart contrast to the sweet cherry turnovers.
Mint Leaves: For a touch of freshness and color, sprinkle some finely chopped mint leaves over the turnovers before serving.
Almond Slivers: Toasted almond slivers provide a crunchy texture that pairs well with the soft filling of the turnovers.
Coffee or Tea: A hot cup of coffee or tea makes a great accompaniment, balancing the sweetness of the turnovers with its robust flavor.
Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of chocolate sauce over the turnovers can transform them into a decadent dessert, ideal for chocolate lovers.
Caramel Sauce: For a twist on flavor, a light drizzle of caramel sauce adds a buttery sweetness that complements the cherries.
Powdered Sugar: Simply dusting powdered sugar over the turnovers adds a subtle sweetness and makes for an elegant presentation.

Health Benefits

Rich in Antioxidants: Cherries are well-known for their high antioxidant content, particularly anthocyanins, which can help reduce inflammation and combat oxidative stress. These properties make cherry turnovers a delightful way to enjoy the health benefits of cherries in a delicious form.
Heart Health: The bioactive compounds found in cherries have been linked to improved heart health. These compounds can help to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, making cherry turnovers a heart-friendly indulgence when enjoyed in moderation.
Sleep Aid: Cherries are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep cycles. Consuming cherry turnovers could potentially help improve the quality of sleep, although they are best consumed well before bedtime due to their sugar content.
Fiber Boost: If the turnovers are made with a whole grain or high-fiber pastry, they can provide a good source of dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health and helps maintain bowel regularity.
Vitamin C: Cherries are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for the growth and repair of all body tissues, helps heal cuts and wounds, and keeps teeth and gums healthy. Enjoying a cherry turnover can contribute to your daily vitamin C intake.

Tips and Tricks

Chill the Pastry: Keep the puff pastry cold until you’re ready to use it. This helps maintain the layers of butter, which are crucial for achieving flaky, puffy turnovers.
Thicken the Filling: Ensure your cherry filling is thick enough before spooning it onto the pastry. A slurry of cornstarch and water can be added to the cherry mixture to help prevent it from becoming too runny and leaking during baking.
Seal Edges Properly: Use a fork to crimp the edges of your turnovers tightly. This prevents the filling from spilling out during the baking process and helps maintain the shape of the turnovers.
Egg Wash for Shine: Brush the turnovers with an egg wash (beaten egg with a bit of water or milk) before baking to achieve a golden, glossy finish.
Vent the Turnovers: Cut small slits on top of each turnover before baking. This allows steam to escape and prevents the turnovers from bursting at the seams.
Avoid Overfilling: While it’s tempting to load up on the delicious filling, too much can cause the turnovers to burst open during baking. A tablespoon or so of filling per turnover is usually sufficient.
Bake on High Heat: Bake the turnovers at a high temperature (around 375 degrees Fahrenheit) to ensure the pastry cooks quickly and becomes nicely puffed and golden.
Cool on a Wire Rack: After baking, transfer the turnovers to a wire rack to cool. This stops the bottoms from becoming soggy as they cool.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to your cherry filling for extra flavor, or mix cherries with other fruits like raspberries or blackberries for a varied taste.
Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality butter in the puff pastry and fresh or well-preserved cherries can significantly enhance the flavor of your turnovers.

Variations of Cherry Turnovers

Chocolate Cherry Turnovers: Add small chunks of dark chocolate to the cherry filling for a rich, decadent twist.
Almond Cherry Turnovers: Mix finely chopped almonds into the cherry mixture, or add a bit of almond extract to enhance the flavor.
Mixed Berry Turnovers: Combine cherries with other berries like blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries for a mixed berry filling.
Cheese Cherry Turnovers: Include a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone with the cherry filling for a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Spiced Cherry Turnovers: Spice up the cherry filling with cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for added warmth and complexity.
Savory Cherry Turnovers: Create a savory version by reducing the sugar and adding minced rosemary or thyme, pairing with soft goat cheese.

Substitutions for Cherry Turnovers

Puff Pastry Alternatives: If puff pastry is unavailable, use phyllo dough or homemade pastry dough as an alternative for wrapping the filling.
Cherry Substitutes: If cherries are not in season or available, substitute with other stone fruits like peaches, plums, or apricots.
Sugar Alternatives: Replace regular sugar with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar for a different kind of sweetness.
Egg Wash Substitute: If avoiding eggs, brush the turnovers with milk, cream, or a simple syrup to achieve a golden color when baked.
Cornstarch Alternative: Instead of cornstarch, use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a thickener for the filling.
Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free pastry and brush with plant-based milk or oils to cater to dairy-free dietary needs.

Making Ahead

Cherry turnovers can be prepared ahead of time, which is perfect for managing kitchen tasks efficiently, especially during busy periods. You can assemble the turnovers and keep them unbaked in the refrigerator overnight, covered tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can freeze them before baking by placing the assembled turnovers on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to airtight containers or freezer bags and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Storage

If you have leftover baked cherry turnovers, they can be stored to maintain their freshness. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature to prevent condensation inside the storage container, which could make the pastry soggy. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Reheating

To recapture the crispy texture of the pastry, reheat the turnovers rather than eating them cold. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Place the turnovers on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes or until they are warm throughout and the pastry has crisped back up. Avoid using a microwave for reheating, as it tends to make the pastry soft and chewy rather than flaky. If turnovers were frozen and already baked, they can be reheated directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the reheating time.

Nutritional Facts per Serving (1 Turnover)

Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories
Total Fat: 15-18 grams
Saturated Fat: 8-10 grams
Trans Fat: 0 grams
Cholesterol: 20-30 milligrams
Sodium: 150-200 milligrams
Total Carbohydrates: 28-32 grams
Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
Sugars: 10-14 grams
Protein: 3-4 grams
Vitamins and Minerals:
Vitamin C: 2-4% of the Daily Value (DV), based on cherries providing some vitamin C.
Calcium: 1-2% DV
Iron: 5-10% DV, influenced by the type of pastry used.

Delicious Desserts Recipes You Will Definitely Love

Perfect Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe

The Best Bananas Foster Bread Pudding Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ’s

Cherry turnovers are delightful pastries that typically consist of a light, flaky puff pastry filled with a sweet and tart cherry mixture. The filling is often made from fresh or canned cherries, sugar, and a thickener like cornstarch, and the pastry is sometimes brushed with an egg wash to achieve a golden finish when baked.

Yes, cherry turnovers can be made using frozen cherries. They are a convenient alternative to fresh cherries, especially when the fruit is out of season. Ensure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid adding excess moisture to the filling.

To prevent cherry turnovers from becoming soggy, ensure the cherry filling is thick enough before filling the pastry. A good tip is to use a thickener like cornstarch. Also, baking them at a high temperature can help the pastry become crisp and golden, while preventing the moisture from the filling from soaking through.

There are many ways to vary the basic cherry turnover recipe. Some delicious variations include adding almond extract or chopped almonds for a nutty flavor, mixing cherries with other fruits like blueberries or apples, or incorporating spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth. For a decadent twist, adding chocolate chips or chunks can create a cherry-chocolate flavor combination that’s sure to please.

Cherry turnovers are excellent for freezing, either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked turnovers, place them on a baking sheet until solid and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be baked directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Baked turnovers can also be frozen and reheated in an oven to maintain their texture.

Cherry Turnovers

Recipe by JesseCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

280

kcal

Ingredients

Puff Pastry: 1 sheet (thawed if frozen)
Cherries: 1 cup (pitted; can use fresh or canned cherries)
Sugar: 1/4 cup (adjust based on the sweetness of the cherries)
Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (to thicken the filling)
Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon (to enhance the cherry flavor)
Egg: 1 large (beaten, for egg wash)
Powdered Sugar (optional, for dusting on finished turnovers)
Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for added flavor in the filling)

Directions

Begin by combining the pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and optional vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until the cherries are well-coated with the sugar and cornstarch. This mixture will help create a thick, luscious filling as it cooks, preventing it from running out of the pastry during baking.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into a larger square of about 12 inches. This thinness ensures that the pastry will cook evenly and puff up nicely. Cut the pastry into four equal squares.
Place a spoonful of the cherry filling on one half of each square, leaving a small border around the edges to seal the turnovers. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle. Use a fork to press and crimp the edges together, sealing the filling inside securely.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the turnovers to the baking sheet. Brush each turnover with the beaten egg. This will give the pastry a beautiful golden color and a glossy finish as it bakes.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the turnovers are puffed and golden brown. It’s essential to monitor them as ovens can vary, and you want to ensure they don’t burn.
Once baked, remove the turnovers from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. If desired, dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet, professional touch. Serve warm for a delicious, comforting treat. Enjoy your homemade cherry turnovers with a cup of tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Conclusion

Cherry turnovers offer a delightful blend of tart cherry filling encased in flaky, buttery pastry, serving as a versatile treat for various occasions. Whether enjoyed as a sweet breakfast option, a satisfying snack, or a decadent dessert, these turnovers are sure to impress. By making them at home, you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, experimenting with different fillings and spices.

The process of preparing and baking cherry turnovers can also be a fun, rewarding baking project, perfect for sharing with family and friends. With their appealing appearance and delicious taste, cherry turnovers remain a cherished pastry in many cultures, celebrated for their perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Perfect Cherry Turnovers Recipe

Kitchen Tools Needed

Ingredients for Cherry Turnovers