Flaky Cherry Turnovers: Easy Homemade Recipe

Welcome to a delightful journey of creating your very own bakery-worthy treats at home with this scrumptious recipe for Homemade Cherry Turnovers. Picture this – golden, flaky pastries filled with sweet and tangy cherry pie filling, all topped off with a luscious glaze that cascades down their layers, making them look as enticing as they taste.

There’s a certain charm in baking these Homemade Cherry Turnovers; they are perfect for a leisurely weekend indulgence, a delightful addition to your brunch table, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy whenever the craving strikes. With just a few simple ingredients like puff pastry, cherry pie filling, and a few pantry staples, you can whip up these turnovers that look and taste like they came straight from a professional bakery.

The beauty of these turnovers lies in their simplicity – effortlessly impressive and irresistibly delicious. Whether you have unexpected guests dropping by or simply want to treat yourself to a special dessert, these Cherry Turnovers are sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the magic of homemade pastries that will surely become a favorite in your repertoire.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy dessert perfect for a cozy weekend treat or unexpected guests
• Versatile recipe allows for customization with different fruits and fillings
• Store-bought puff pastry saves time and effort, making this a simple homemade treat
• Egg wash creates a beautiful golden finish reminiscent of bakery turnovers

Why You’ll Love This Flaky Cherry Turnovers: Easy Homemade Recipe Recipe

• Easy and Quick: Perfect for a cozy weekend treat, brunch spread, or a last-minute dessert for unexpected guests.
• Impressive Yet Effortless: Looks bakery-worthy with minimal effort, making you feel like a pastry chef in your own kitchen.
• Nostalgic Flavor: The classic sweet-tart cherry filling brings back memories of homemade summer treats.
• Versatile: Can easily swap cherry filling for raspberry, blueberry, apple, or even homemade fruit fillings for a variety of flavors.
• Adaptable: Accommodates vegan options with vegan puff pastry and dairy-free milk wash.
• Great for Sharing: Serve with ice cream, whipped cream, coffee, or tea for a delightful family or brunch gathering.
• Cultural Influences: Draws inspiration from French pastry traditions, American hand pies, and British pastries, appealing to a wide range of tastes.
• Seasonal Variations: Easily adapt with peaches, plums, cranberries, or nuts for a seasonal twist.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping with the fork crimping step, making it a fun family baking activity.
• Freezer-Friendly: Prep ahead and freeze for quick, freshly baked turnovers anytime, making them a convenient option for busy days.

Ingredients for Flaky Cherry Turnovers: Easy Homemade Recipe

Dough

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed

Filling

• 1 cup cherry pie filling, fresh or canned

Egg Wash

• 1 tablespoon whole milk
• 1 large egg

Glaze

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 to 3 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Pro Tips for Flaky Cherry Turnovers: Easy Homemade Recipe

To achieve bakery-quality turnovers at home, ensure the edges are well-sealed by pressing firmly and crimping with a fork. This step prevents the filling from leaking out during baking. Additionally, avoid overfilling each pastry square to maintain the perfect pastry-to-filling ratio for a delicious bite every time.

Using store-bought frozen puff pastry is a convenient and reliable option for this recipe, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. Thaw the pastry according to package instructions for best results. The puff pastry will provide the flaky, buttery layers that make these cherry turnovers irresistible.

For a professional-looking finish, apply an egg wash before baking. This step not only gives the turnovers a golden sheen but also helps achieve that shiny, bakery-style appearance. The egg wash adds a beautiful touch to the turnovers, making them visually appealing and inviting. Remember to bake ahead and store at room temperature, reheating lightly and adding the glaze just before serving to enjoy them fresh and flavorful.

How to Make Flaky Cherry Turnovers: Easy Homemade Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and allow puff pastry to thaw if necessary.

Step 2: Roll Out Pastry

Roll out each thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to remove any creases.

Step 3: Cut into Squares

Divide each pastry sheet into 4 equal squares, resulting in 8 squares in total.

Step 4: Add Cherry Filling

Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling into the center of each square, leaving the edges empty to avoid spills.

Step 5: Fold and Seal

Fold each pastry square diagonally into a triangle shape, then seal and crimp the edges using a fork.

Step 6: Apply Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 beaten egg and 1 tablespoon of milk. Brush the egg wash over the tops of the turnovers.

Step 7: Bake

Place turnovers on baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

Step 8: Prepare Glaze

As turnovers bake, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk in a bowl until smooth, adjusting milk as needed for desired consistency.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Allow turnovers to cool for 10 minutes post-baking. Drizzle glaze over each turnover and serve warm.

Storage Tips

Once your homemade cherry turnovers have cooled completely, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their texture and flavor. For short-term storage, place the turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crisp and fresh for up to a day. If you prefer a warm, just-baked crunch, you can reheat them in the oven for about five minutes before serving.

For longer storage, freeze the cherry turnovers in a single layer on a tray until they are firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can bake the turnovers straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. After baking, you can add the glaze for a fresh-from-the-oven touch. This method allows you to have delicious cherry turnovers on hand whenever you crave a sweet treat.

Remember to customize your turnovers by trying different fillings like raspberry, blueberry, or apple pie filling. You can also experiment with homemade fillings using fresh or frozen fruits. Whether you’re serving these treats at brunch, as a dessert, or for a special occasion, storing them properly will help preserve their quality and ensure you can enjoy them whenever you like.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have cherry pie filling, you can easily swap it out for other fruit fillings like raspberry, blueberry, or apple pie filling. You can also make your own filling by cooking fresh or frozen cherries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice until thickened. This allows for a versatile twist on the turnovers every time.

For a vegan option, you can use vegan puff pastry and non-dairy milk for the wash to adapt the recipe. These substitutions make it easy to accommodate different dietary preferences without compromising on the flavor and texture of the cherry turnovers.

Serving Suggestions

These homemade cherry turnovers are a delightful treat that can be elevated by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a touch of indulgence. For a cozy weekend brunch spread, present them alongside a pot of hot coffee or tea, allowing guests to savor the flaky layers bursting with sweet cherry filling. To make these turnovers even more special, consider adding slivered almonds before baking for a nutty crunch that complements the fruity flavors beautifully.

For a fun twist, try creating mini versions of these turnovers using smaller squares of puff pastry, making them perfect for brunch buffets or afternoon tea parties. The versatility of this recipe allows you to experiment with different fillings such as raspberry, blueberry, or apple pie filling to cater to varying preferences and occasions. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated for a just-baked crunch, these bakery-worthy treats are sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more “bakery pillows.”

FAQs for Flaky Cherry Turnovers: Easy Homemade Recipe

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries to make a homemade filling by cooking them with sugar and lemon juice until thickened.

How can I ensure the turnovers are properly sealed?

Make sure to seal the edges well by pressing firmly and crimping with a fork to avoid any filling leaking out during baking.

Can I make these turnovers ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the turnovers ahead of time and store them at room temperature. Reheat lightly in the oven and add the glaze just before serving for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Why is egg wash important in this recipe?

Egg wash gives the turnovers a golden sheen and helps achieve that shiny, bakery-style finish on the pastries, making them look more appetizing.

Conclusion

Homemade Cherry Turnovers are a delightful treat that brings the warmth of a bakery straight to your kitchen. The golden, flaky layers filled with sweet cherry goodness and topped with a luscious glaze are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a cozy weekend indulgence, these turnovers are a true crowd-pleaser that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your turnovers – try different fillings like raspberry, blueberry, or apple to switch things up. The versatility of this recipe allows you to tailor it to your preferences and experiment with new flavors. Homemade Cherry Turnovers are a classic pastry that never goes out of style, perfect for any time of the year. So roll up your sleeves, whip up a batch, and savor the joy of baking these delicious treats in your own kitchen.