We’re about to share the secret to creating bakery-quality cherry turnovers that’ll make your kitchen smell like heaven. These flaky pastries pack sweet-tart cherries into buttery puff pastry pockets that literally melt in your mouth. There’s something magical about biting into a warm turnover and discovering that perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy fruit filling.
Cherry turnovers have been delighting families for generations and it’s easy to see why. They’re incredibly versatile – perfect for breakfast with coffee, an afternoon snack, or even dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The best part? You don’t need professional baking skills to master these golden beauties.
We’ve perfected this recipe through countless kitchen tests to ensure you get consistently perfect results every time. With just a few simple ingredients and our foolproof technique, you’ll be creating turnovers that rival your favorite bakery’s offerings.
Ingredients
We’ve carefully selected each ingredient to create the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors wrapped in buttery pastry. Our recipe uses simple pantry staples that work together to deliver professional bakery results.
For the Filling
- 3 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
For the Pastry
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
- 1 large egg, beaten for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for sprinkling
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 to 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Equipment Needed
Before we jump into crafting these delicious cherry turnovers, let’s gather the essential tools that will make our baking process smooth and successful. We’ve streamlined this list to include only what you truly need for bakery-quality results.
Essential Baking Tools
We’ll start with a baking sheet to hold our turnovers during the baking process. Line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup after baking.
A rolling pin helps us achieve uniform thickness when working with the puff pastry sheets. For cutting our pastry into perfect squares, we recommend using either a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean, precise edges.
Sealing and Finishing Equipment
Our pastry brush serves double duty in this recipe. We use it to apply egg wash along the pastry edges for proper sealing and again on top for that beautiful golden brown finish. If you don’t have a pastry brush, a paper towel works as an effective alternative for egg wash application.
A small bowl is necessary for mixing the egg wash, while a fork becomes our tool for crimping and sealing the turnover edges securely.
Optional but Helpful Tools
| Tool | Purpose | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling rack | Even cooling after baking | Counter space |
| Mixing bowl | Preparing homemade glaze | Small bowl |
| Paring knife | Creating vents in pastry | Skip if using store-bought filling |
A cooling rack allows our finished turnovers to cool evenly, preventing soggy bottoms. We can also use a mixing bowl if we’re preparing homemade glaze, though this is optional since many bakers prefer the simple powdered sugar glaze.
The beauty of cherry turnovers lies in their simplicity. With minimal equipment and store-bought puff pastry and cherry filling, we can create impressive results without professional baking tools. Most home kitchens already contain everything needed for this recipe.
Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps to create perfect cherry turnovers with flaky pastry and delicious filling. We’ve broken down the process into manageable stages to ensure your success.
Prep the Cherry Filling
Start by preparing your cherry filling using either canned or fresh ingredients. For convenience we recommend using a 21oz can of cherry pie filling directly from the container.
If you prefer making homemade filling combine 16 ounces of fresh or frozen cherries with ⅓ cup granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 tablespoon water and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to the mixture. Mix all ingredients well until the cornstarch dissolves completely and the cherries are evenly coated. This homemade version provides better control over sweetness and texture.
Prepare the Pastry
Remove frozen puff pastry sheets from the freezer and thaw according to package instructions. This typically takes 30-40 minutes at room temperature.
Once thawed roll out each pastry sheet into a 12-inch by 12-inch square using your rolling pin. Work on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Cut each sheet into four equal squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. You should have 8 squares total for standard batch size.
Assemble the Turnovers
Place 1-2 tablespoons of cherry filling in the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill as this can cause the turnovers to burst during baking. Leave approximately ½ inch border around all edges.
Beat one egg white or prepare an egg wash by whisking together one egg with 1 tablespoon water. Brush the edges of each pastry square with the egg mixture using your pastry brush. Fold the pastry diagonally to create triangles enclosing the filling completely. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal and prevent filling from leaking out during baking.
Bake the Turnovers
Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the rack in the center. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Place sealed turnovers on the prepared baking sheet spacing them about 2 inches apart. Brush the tops with remaining egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Create small vents in each turnover using a paring knife to allow steam to escape.
Bake for 15-25 minutes until the pastry turns golden brown all over. The exact timing depends on your oven so check at 15 minutes and continue baking if needed.
Make the Glaze
Choose between two glaze consistencies based on your preference. For a thicker glaze combine 1½ cups powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl.
If you prefer thinner glaze mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract instead. Whisk the ingredients until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. Allow turnovers to cool for 10 minutes before drizzling or piping the glaze over the tops.
Directions for Serving
Our cherry turnovers offer incredible versatility when it comes to serving temperature and presentation. We recommend serving these flaky pastries either warm or at room temperature to showcase their optimal texture and flavor balance. The warmth enhances the buttery pastry layers while allowing the sweet cherry filling to release its aromatic qualities.
Temperature Options
Warm Service: Fresh from the oven turnovers provide the ultimate comfort food experience. We suggest allowing them to cool for 5-10 minutes after baking to prevent burns while maintaining their warmth.
Room Temperature: These pastries maintain their appeal when cooled completely. The flavors meld beautifully as they reach room temperature, creating a balanced taste profile.
Cold Service: For an unexpected twist, we enjoy serving cherry turnovers chilled as a refreshing late-night treat or summer dessert. The cold temperature provides a delightful contrast to the traditional warm pastry experience.
Presentation Enhancement
Glazing Technique: We drizzle our prepared glaze over completely cooled turnovers for an elegant finish. This sweet coating adds visual appeal and creates a smooth, creamy element that complements the flaky pastry texture.
Fresh Fruit Garnish: Garnishing with fresh cherries or seasonal berries elevates the visual presentation while adding natural freshness to each serving.
Perfect Pairings
Beverage Combinations: We pair our cherry turnovers with hot coffee, black tea, or cold milk for a complete dessert experience. The beverage choice enhances the pastry’s rich flavors.
Indulgent Additions: Serving with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream transforms these turnovers into an impressive dessert. The cool, creamy accompaniment creates a delightful temperature and texture contrast against the warm, flaky pastry.
Storage Instructions
We recommend several storage methods to keep your cherry turnovers fresh and delicious after baking. The storage duration varies based on your chosen method and exact storage conditions.
Room Temperature Storage
Store your freshly baked cherry turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness. We find this method works best for three to four days when properly sealed. The container prevents moisture loss and maintains the pastry’s texture during short-term storage.
Refrigerated Storage
Place your cherry turnovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for extended freshness. We recommend consuming refrigerated turnovers within five to seven days depending on your exact ingredients and preparation method. This storage method works particularly well when you want to maintain the filling’s integrity for longer periods.
Freezing Unbaked Turnovers
Assemble your turnovers completely and cut a small slit in the top of each pastry before freezing. We advise against brushing with egg wash at this stage. Place the prepared turnovers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen turnovers to a zip-top freezer bag for storage up to one month.
Freezing Baked Turnovers
Store your completely cooled baked turnovers in an airtight container before placing them in the freezer. We recommend this method for storage up to one month. Allow frozen baked turnovers to thaw for 20 minutes before reheating for best results.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat your frozen turnovers directly from the freezer or after a brief thaw period. We suggest placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and baking at 350°F to 375°F for 5 to 10 minutes until warmed through. This method restores the pastry’s crispness while heating the filling evenly.
| Storage Method | Duration | Container Type | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 3-4 days | Airtight container | Room temperature |
| Refrigeration | 5-7 days | Airtight container | Refrigerated |
| Freezing (unbaked) | 1 month | Zip-top freezer bag | 0°F or below |
| Freezing (baked) | 1 month | Airtight container | 0°F or below |
Make-Ahead Tips
Preparing components ahead of time transforms cherry turnover baking from a lengthy process into a manageable task that fits any schedule. We’ve discovered that strategic preparation allows home bakers to enjoy fresh turnovers without the stress of last-minute assembly.
Cherry Filling Preparation
The cherry filling benefits from advance preparation and can be made one to two days before assembling the turnovers. Store the cooled filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain optimal freshness. This approach allows flavors to meld beautifully while providing flexibility in your baking timeline. We recommend bringing the chilled filling to room temperature before assembly to prevent the puff pastry from becoming too cold during handling.
Turnover Assembly and Freezing
Assembled turnovers freeze exceptionally well and provide the ultimate convenience for unexpected guests or busy mornings. Place the completed turnovers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them completely before transferring to freezer bags or airtight containers. This method prevents the turnovers from sticking together and maintains their shape during storage. Properly frozen turnovers maintain quality for up to one month when stored correctly.
Baking from Frozen
Frozen turnovers require no thawing and can go directly from freezer to oven for optimal results. Extend the standard baking time by 5 to 8 minutes when baking from frozen state. We suggest covering the turnovers with foil during the first half of baking to prevent excessive browning while ensuring the filling heats through completely. Remove the foil during the final 10 minutes to achieve the desired golden color and crispy texture.
Glaze Timing Considerations
Prepare the glaze fresh rather than storing it in advance for the best consistency and appearance. The glaze takes only minutes to whisk together and should be applied to completely cooled turnovers for optimal adhesion. Planning the glaze preparation after the turnovers have cooled ensures the perfect finishing touch without compromising the pastry texture.
Variations and Substitutions
We love how adaptable cherry turnovers can be to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Our recipe serves as a foundation that welcomes creative modifications while maintaining the delicious results you expect.
Filling Variations
Beyond the classic cherry filling we’ve perfected, we encourage experimenting with other fruit options. Apple pie filling creates a comforting autumn twist, while peach filling brings summer sunshine to your kitchen. Blueberry filling offers a burst of antioxidants and vibrant color that looks stunning against the golden pastry.
For an indulgent upgrade, we recommend adding a dollop of softened cream cheese on top of your cherry filling before sealing the turnovers. This addition creates a rich, tangy contrast that balances the sweet fruit beautifully. Nutella transforms our turnovers into decadent chocolate pastries that satisfy any sweet tooth.
Pastry Substitutions
While we prefer puff pastry for its signature flaky layers, crescent roll dough provides an excellent alternative with a different texture profile. The crescent dough creates a slightly denser result that some prefer for its heartier bite. We find this substitution particularly helpful when puff pastry isn’t readily available.
Glaze Alternatives
Our basic vanilla glaze complements the cherry filling perfectly, but we enjoy experimenting with flavor variations. Adding almond extract instead of vanilla creates a sophisticated flavor that pairs exceptionally well with cherry. For a citrus twist, we substitute lemon juice for some of the milk in our glaze recipe.
| Glaze Variation | Flavor Profile | Best Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Vanilla | Classic, sweet | All fruit fillings |
| Almond | Nutty, sophisticated | Cherry, peach |
| Lemon | Bright, citrusy | Apple, blueberry |
Baking Adjustments
When using different fillings or pastry types, we adjust our baking approach accordingly. Crescent roll turnovers typically require 15-18 minutes at 375°F compared to our standard 20-25 minutes for puff pastry. Wetter fruit fillings may need an extra minute of cornstarch or a slightly longer baking time to prevent soggy bottoms.
We recommend testing one turnover first when trying new combinations to ensure optimal results before committing to a full batch. This approach saves ingredients and guarantees success with your creative variations.
Conclusion
We’ve walked you through every step needed to create bakery-quality cherry turnovers in your own kitchen. These versatile pastries prove that homemade doesn’t have to be complicated when you have the right recipe and techniques.
Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch or looking for a special dessert we’re confident these turnovers will become a favorite in your baking repertoire. The combination of flaky pastry and sweet cherry filling creates an irresistible treat that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start baking. With our tested recipe and helpful tips you’re well-equipped to create delicious cherry turnovers that rival any bakery’s offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do I need to make cherry turnovers?
For the filling, you’ll need fresh or frozen cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. For the pastry, use thawed frozen puff pastry, egg wash ingredients (egg and water), and coarse sugar for sprinkling. Optional glaze requires powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Can I use different fruits instead of cherries?
Yes! You can substitute cherries with apples, peaches, blueberries, or other fruits. You can even try indulgent fillings like cream cheese or Nutella. When using different fillings, test one turnover first to adjust baking time and ensure optimal results before making a full batch.
How long do cherry turnovers stay fresh?
Store baked turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for 5-7 days. Both unbaked and baked turnovers can be frozen for up to one month. Reheat frozen turnovers at 350°F to 375°F for 5-10 minutes to restore crispness.
What equipment do I need to make cherry turnovers?
Essential tools include a baking sheet with parchment paper, rolling pin, sharp knife or pizza cutter, pastry brush, and small bowl for egg wash. Optional items include a cooling rack, mixing bowl for glaze, and paring knife for vents. Most home kitchens already have these basic tools.
Can I make cherry turnovers ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the cherry filling 1-2 days in advance and refrigerate. Assembled turnovers can be frozen and baked directly from frozen with slight time adjustments. However, prepare the glaze fresh for best results and apply it only after the turnovers have completely cooled.
What’s the best way to serve cherry turnovers?
Cherry turnovers are versatile and can be served warm for comfort, at room temperature for balanced flavor, or chilled for a refreshing twist. Enhance presentation with glaze drizzles and fresh fruit garnishes. Pair with hot coffee, cold milk, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream.
Can I substitute puff pastry with something else?
Yes, crescent roll dough works as an alternative to puff pastry, though the texture will be slightly different. When using alternative pastries, you may need to adjust baking time and temperature. Always test one turnover first to determine the best baking conditions for your substitution.
