Description
Flaky, golden brown puff pastry filled with sweet and tangy cherry pie filling, topped with a simple vanilla glaze. These homemade cherry turnovers are a delightful treat that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (14.1 oz) puff pastry sheets (2 sheets), thawed
- 1 cup cherry pie filling (fresh or canned)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. If the sheets are very cold, let them sit for a few minutes to become more pliable.
Step 3: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each puff pastry sheet into 4 equal squares. You should have a total of 8 squares.
Step 4: Place 1-2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling in the center of each square. Avoid overfilling, as this can cause the turnovers to leak during baking.
Step 5: Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle. Gently press the edges together to seal. For a decorative touch and to further ensure the filling stays inside, use a fork to crimp the edges of each turnover.
Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of milk to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each turnover with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a glossy finish.
Step 7: Arrange the turnovers on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the turnovers are puffed up, golden brown, and the filling is bubbly.
Step 9: While the turnovers are baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be smooth and pourable but not too thin.
Step 10: Remove the baked turnovers from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 11: Once the turnovers have cooled slightly, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top of each one. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cherry turnovers are incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. They require minimal ingredients and come together quickly. The combination of the flaky puff pastry and the sweet-tart cherry filling is irresistible. Plus, they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Dust with extra powdered sugar for a more elegant presentation.
Tips:
- Make sure the puff pastry is cold but pliable. This will make it easier to work with and ensure a flaky final product.
- Don’t overfill the turnovers. Too much filling will cause them to leak and become soggy.
- If you don’t have cherry pie filling, you can use other fruit fillings such as apple, blueberry, or raspberry.
- For a richer flavor, add a pinch of almond extract to the glaze.
- Store leftover turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
15-20 minutes
Total Time:
35-40 minutes
Nutrition Information:
(per turnover, approximate)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
Homemade Cherry Turnovers offer a delightful combination of flaky pastry and sweet cherry filling. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers impressive results. Perfect for any occasion, these turnovers are sure to become a family favorite.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use frozen cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
A: Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Thaw them completely and mix them with a little sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice to create a homemade cherry filling. Make sure the filling isn’t too watery.
Q2: How do I prevent the turnovers from sticking to the baking sheet?
A: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper is the best way to prevent sticking. You can also lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray, but parchment paper is more effective.
Q3: Can I make these turnovers ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the turnovers ahead of time up to the point of baking. Assemble them, brush with egg wash, and then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake them just before serving.
Q4: What if I don’t have vanilla extract for the glaze?
A: If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can substitute it with almond extract or lemon extract. Alternatively, you can leave it out altogether. The glaze will still be delicious.
Q5: Can I freeze these turnovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked turnovers. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them completely before serving, and reheat them in a low oven if desired.
