There’s something magical about biting into a golden, flaky pastry that reveals warm, juicy peaches bursting with summer sweetness. Peach turnovers transform simple ingredients into an irresistible handheld dessert that’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or dessert.
We’ve perfected this classic recipe to deliver the ultimate balance of buttery, crisp pastry and tender, cinnamon-spiced peaches. These turnovers capture all the flavors of fresh peach pie in a convenient, portable package that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Whether you’re using peak-season peaches from the farmer’s market or quality frozen fruit, our foolproof method ensures bakery-worthy results every time. The best part? You can prepare these beauties ahead of time and pop them in the oven whenever that pastry craving strikes.
Ingredients
We’ve carefully selected premium ingredients that create the perfect balance of flaky pastry and luscious peach filling. Our ingredient list ensures bakery-quality results with simple pantry staples and fresh seasonal peaches.
For the Pastry Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
For the Peach Filling
- 4 large ripe peaches, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Egg Wash and Topping
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for sprinkling
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon for dusting
Equipment Needed
Creating perfect peach turnovers requires the right tools to ensure our pastry achieves that golden flaky texture we all crave. We recommend gathering these essential items before starting our baking process.
Oven serves as our primary cooking vessel and should be preheated to 350°F for optimal baking results. This temperature ensures our turnovers cook evenly while developing that beautiful golden crust.
Baking sheets form the foundation of our baking setup. We line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent our turnovers from sticking to the surface.
Pastry brush becomes indispensable for applying egg wash to pastry edges and tops. This tool helps us achieve that professional bakery appearance with a glossy finish.
Rolling pin allows us to roll out our puff pastry to the perfect thickness. We need this to create an 11-inch square that will yield four equal portions for our turnovers.
Pizza cutter or sharp knife makes precise cutting simple when dividing our pastry into squares. Clean cuts ensure our turnovers maintain their shape during baking.
Pastry wheel or ruler offers optional precision for those who prefer perfectly measured squares. These tools help us achieve consistent sizing across all our turnovers.
Egg wash consists of one egg whisked with water and serves dual purposes for sealing and brushing our turnovers. This mixture creates the signature golden appearance we expect from quality pastries.
Fork provides the ideal tool for crimping the edges of our turnovers. This step seals our filling inside while creating an attractive decorative border around each pastry.
Instructions
We’ll guide you through creating these golden, flaky peach turnovers step by step. Each stage builds upon the last to ensure perfect results every time.
Prep the Peach Filling
We start by combining our diced peaches with the essential flavor enhancers. Mix 2 cups of diced peaches with 2 teaspoons brown sugar and 4 teaspoons granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Add 2 teaspoons of instant tapioca or cornstarch to thicken the filling and prevent soggy pastry.
Sprinkle in a pinch each of cinnamon, cloves, and salt to enhance the natural peach flavors. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture if desired to brighten the taste and prevent browning. Stir everything together until the peaches are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture.
Prepare the Pastry Dough
We roll out each thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to create an 11-inch square. Use gentle, even strokes with your rolling pin to maintain the pastry’s delicate layers. Cut each sheet into four equal squares using a pizza cutter or sharp knife for clean edges.
Keep the pastry squares chilled while working to maintain their structure. Work with one square at a time and return unused portions to the refrigerator to prevent the butter from melting.
Assemble the Turnovers
We place approximately ⅛ of our prepared peach filling onto one half of each pastry square. Leave about a ½-inch border around the edges to ensure proper sealing. Fold the pastry diagonally over the filling to create a triangular shape.
Press the edges gently with your fingers first to remove any air bubbles. Crimp the sealed edges firmly with a fork to create decorative ridges and prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
Apply Egg Wash and Seal
We whisk one egg thoroughly to create a smooth egg wash that will give our turnovers a beautiful golden finish. Brush the egg wash along the edges of each pastry square before final sealing to help the pastry stick together.
Use a pastry brush to apply the remaining egg wash over the entire surface of each turnover. This step ensures even browning and creates that professional bakery appearance we’re after.
Bake the Peach Turnovers
We preheat our oven to 350°F while arranging the turnovers on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space them at least 2 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and even browning.
Place the baking sheet in the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes until the turnovers achieve a deep golden brown color and the pastry appears crisp and flaky. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety.
Directions for Serving
We recommend serving peach turnovers while they remain warm from the oven to fully appreciate their flaky pastry and aromatic peach filling. Allow the turnovers to cool for 5-10 minutes after baking to prevent the hot filling from burning your mouth while still maintaining that perfect temperature contrast.
Classic Serving Method: Place each turnover on individual dessert plates and add a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream alongside. The cool cream creates a delightful temperature contrast against the warm pastry while complementing the sweet peach flavors.
Ice Cream Pairing: Serve turnovers with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert experience. The creamy vanilla enhances the cinnamon spiced peaches without overwhelming their natural sweetness.
Breakfast Presentation: Transform these turnovers into a special breakfast treat by serving them warm with a light dusting of powdered sugar. We suggest pairing them with fresh coffee or tea for a cafe style morning experience.
Mixed Berry Enhancement: Add fresh raspberries or blueberries around the plate to introduce additional fruit flavors that complement the peaches. This presentation works particularly well for dinner parties or special occasions.
Glaze Application: Drizzle our optional sweet glaze made from confectioners’ sugar and milk over the warm turnovers just before serving. Apply the glaze while the pastry remains warm so it adheres properly and creates an attractive finish.
Portion Guidelines: We recommend serving one large turnover per person for dessert or two smaller ones for breakfast. Store any leftover turnovers covered at room temperature and reheat briefly in a 300°F oven to restore their crispness before serving.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Planning ahead transforms peach turnover preparation into a stress-free baking experience. We recommend several methods to prepare these delicious pastries in advance while maintaining their quality and fresh taste.
Freezing Unbaked Turnovers
The most effective make-ahead strategy involves freezing assembled turnovers before baking. Assemble your turnovers completely but skip the egg wash application at this stage. Place the unbaked pastries on a baking sheet and freeze them until they become solid.
Transfer the frozen turnovers to freezer-safe bags or airtight containers for long-term storage. These prepared turnovers maintain their quality for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, remove them directly from the freezer without thawing first.
| Storage Method | Duration | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer (unbaked) | 2-3 months | No egg wash before freezing |
| Refrigerator (unbaked) | 24 hours | Cover completely |
| Refrigerator (baked) | 4-5 days | Store in airtight container |
Baking frozen turnovers requires only a few additional minutes compared to fresh ones. Apply the egg wash just before placing them in the preheated oven for that golden finish we all love.
Short-Term Refrigeration
Refrigeration works perfectly for overnight preparation. Assemble your turnovers completely and cover them thoroughly before refrigerating for up to 24 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld together while keeping the pastry fresh and ready to bake.
Covered turnovers in the refrigerator maintain their shape and prevent the pastry from drying out. Remove them about 10 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then apply your egg wash and bake as directed.
Post-Baking Storage
Baked peach turnovers store beautifully in the refrigerator for 4-5 days when properly contained. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from absorbing other flavors.
Reheating options include both microwave and oven methods. The oven method at 300°F for 5-8 minutes restores the crispy exterior, while the microwave offers quick warming for immediate enjoyment.
Storage Tips
Proper storage ensures our peach turnovers maintain their flaky texture and delicious flavor for days after baking. We have several effective methods to keep these treats fresh and ready to enjoy.
Refrigerator Storage
Our baked peach turnovers stay fresh in the refrigerator for 4-5 days when stored properly. We recommend placing them in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and maintain their texture. This storage method works perfectly when we want to make a larger batch and enjoy them throughout the week.
Room Temperature Storage
For shorter storage periods, we can keep our turnovers at room temperature for up to 3 days. We wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to preserve freshness. This method works best when we plan to consume the turnovers quickly after baking.
Freezing Options
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Unbaked turnovers | 2-3 months | Flash freeze on baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bag |
| Baked turnovers | 2 months | Cool completely before freezing, add glaze before serving |
We can freeze our turnovers both before and after baking for extended storage. For unbaked turnovers, we assemble them completely and place them on a baking sheet to flash freeze before transferring to freezer bags. When ready to bake, we add a few extra minutes to the original baking time.
Baked turnovers freeze beautifully once cooled completely. We avoid adding glaze before freezing and instead apply it just before serving for the best appearance and taste.
Reheating Methods
The oven provides the best reheating results for maintaining our turnovers’ crispy exterior. We preheat the oven to 350°F and warm the turnovers for about 10 minutes until heated through. This method preserves the flaky pastry texture we worked so hard to achieve.
Toaster ovens and air fryers also work effectively for quick reheating with similar results. We avoid using the microwave as it makes the pastry soggy and compromises the texture that makes these turnovers so appealing.
Variations and Substitutions
We love how adaptable peach turnovers can be to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Our recipe serves as a flexible foundation that welcomes creative modifications and practical substitutions.
Fruit Variations
We can easily transform our peach turnovers by swapping the fruit filling entirely. Fresh strawberries work beautifully in spring while apples create a perfect fall dessert. Mixed berry combinations using blueberries and raspberries alongside peaches add bursts of different flavors and colors. We recommend maintaining the same ratio of fruit to sugar and cornstarch regardless of which fruits we choose.
Pastry Options
Our recipe works with multiple pastry types beyond traditional puff pastry. We can use refrigerated crescent roll dough for a lighter texture or homemade pastry dough for a more rustic feel. Store-bought pie crust offers another excellent alternative that rolls out easily and bakes to golden perfection.
Sweetener Substitutions
We can adjust sweetness levels by using different sugar combinations. White granulated sugar provides clean sweetness while brown sugar adds molasses depth. A mixture of both sugars creates the most complex flavor profile. We maintain the same total sugar amount but adjust the ratio based on our preferred taste.
Thickening Alternatives
Cornstarch serves as our primary thickener but we can substitute instant tapioca for a slightly different texture. Both options prevent the fruit juices from making our pastry soggy. We use the same measurement regardless of which thickener we select.
Spice Enhancements
Our basic cinnamon spice blend can be enhanced with additional warming spices. Ground cloves add depth while nutmeg provides subtle complexity. We recommend starting with small amounts since these spices can quickly overpower the delicate peach flavor.
Glaze Options
We can finish our turnovers with various glazes for added sweetness and visual appeal. A simple powdered sugar glaze made with melted butter and milk creates a bakery-style finish. Alternatively we can dust with powdered sugar or brush with honey for different flavor profiles.
Conclusion
These homemade peach turnovers prove that bakery-quality treats are absolutely achievable in your own kitchen. With their flaky golden pastry and perfectly spiced peach filling they’re versatile enough for breakfast dessert or any time you’re craving something special.
We love how adaptable this recipe is – whether you’re working with fresh summer peaches or convenient frozen ones the results are consistently delicious. The make-ahead options mean you can always have a batch ready when unexpected guests arrive or when you need a quick sweet treat.
The best part? Once you master this basic technique you can experiment with countless fruit combinations and flavor variations. These turnovers freeze beautifully and reheat perfectly so you’ll always have a homemade pastry option at your fingertips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I bake peach turnovers at?
Bake peach turnovers at 350°F (175°C) until they are deep golden brown and crisp. This temperature ensures the pastry cooks evenly while allowing the peach filling to heat through properly. The baking time typically ranges from 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your turnovers.
Can I use frozen peaches for peach turnovers?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches for turnovers. Thaw the frozen peaches completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing with sugar, spices, and cornstarch. This prevents the filling from becoming too watery and ensures your turnovers maintain their crispy texture.
How long do baked peach turnovers last?
Baked peach turnovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days in an airtight container or at room temperature for up to 3 days when wrapped individually. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months after cooling completely.
Can I make peach turnovers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare peach turnovers in advance. Freeze unbaked turnovers for up to 2-3 months, or refrigerate them overnight before baking. This make-ahead approach allows the flavors to meld while keeping the pastry fresh and ready for convenient baking.
What’s the best way to reheat peach turnovers?
Reheat peach turnovers in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer at 350°F for 5-8 minutes to maintain their crispy exterior. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the pastry soggy and compromise the delightful flaky texture.
What ingredients do I need for the peach filling?
For the peach filling, you’ll need fresh or frozen peaches (diced), granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch for thickening, ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and fresh lemon juice. These ingredients create the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Can I substitute other fruits for peaches?
Absolutely! You can substitute peaches with strawberries, apples, berries, or other seasonal fruits. Adjust the sugar and spices accordingly based on the fruit’s natural sweetness. The cooking method remains the same for most fruit variations.
How do I prevent the turnover filling from leaking?
To prevent leaking, don’t overfill the turnovers and ensure you seal the edges properly by crimping with a fork. Leave about a 1/2-inch border around the filling, and make sure the pastry edges are clean and dry before sealing.
