If you are searching for a delightful, flaky, and irresistibly sweet treat, look no further than this Homemade Cherry Puff Turnovers Recipe. These warm, golden pastries packed with luscious cherry filling melt in your mouth and create a perfect balance between crisp, buttery layers and fruity sweetness. Whether you want a quick dessert to brighten up your afternoon or a charming pastry to impress guests, these turnovers are an absolute crowd-pleaser that will soon become your new favorite snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about this recipe is how it relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, ensuring the perfect texture, vibrant color, and rich flavor that make these turnovers so memorable.
- Puff pastry sheets (2 sheets, thawed but cold): The buttery, flaky layers that form the base of your turnovers and provide irresistible crispness.
- Cherry pie filling (1 ½ cups): Sweet, tangy cherries that create the luscious heart of these pastries.
- Egg (1): For the egg wash that lends a beautiful golden shine and helps seal the turnovers perfectly.
- Water (1 tablespoon): To mix with the egg for a smooth egg wash application.
- Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons): A final dusting that adds a sweet, elegant touch.
- Almond extract (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds delicate nutty undertones to enhance the cherry flavor.
How to Make Homemade Cherry Puff Turnovers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and lightly flour your working surface to make handling the puff pastry easier. Getting this setup ready ensures a smooth baking process and crisp pastries.
Step 2: Cut the Puff Pastry
Unfold the puff pastry sheets carefully. To make rolling and shaping easier, roll each sheet lightly to smooth out any folds or creases. Now, cut each sheet into 4 to 6 even squares. This size ensures nicely portioned turnovers, just right for a satisfying bite.
Step 3: Add the Cherry Filling
Spoon about 1 to 1½ tablespoons of cherry pie filling right into the center of each square. If you’re feeling adventurous or love a subtle nutty flavor, gently stir in ½ teaspoon of almond extract into the filling before spooning. This addition adds a layer of sophistication that really elevates the overall flavor.
Step 4: Fold and Seal the Turnovers
Fold each square diagonally to form a neat triangle, gently pressing the edges together. To ensure they stay sealed during baking, press the edges firmly with a fork. If the pastry becomes too soft or sticky while working, place the turnovers in the fridge for a few minutes to chill. This step helps maintain their flaky texture.
Step 5: Apply the Egg Wash
Next, mix one egg with a tablespoon of water to create a smooth egg wash. Brushing this over the tops of your turnovers not only seals them further but also gives them that gorgeous, golden-brown finish that’s impossible to resist.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfectly Golden
Arrange the turnovers on the parchment-lined baking sheet with a bit of space between each. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 18 to 22 minutes. Keep an eye out for that golden puffiness which signals they are perfectly baked and ready to come out.
Step 7: Final Touches and Serving
Once out of the oven, allow your turnovers to cool slightly so they set a little before handling. Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar, adding a lovely sweetness and visual appeal. Serve these warm or at room temperature to savor all their buttery, fruity goodness.
How to Serve Homemade Cherry Puff Turnovers Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the already delightful flavors, try sprinkling an extra pinch of powdered sugar right before serving or drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate for an indulgent flair. A few fresh cherries or a sprig of mint placed next to the plate can also add freshness and color to your presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these turnovers with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a scrumptious dessert experience. They also complement a cup of hot tea or coffee perfectly, creating a cozy snack time treat that feels both special and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider offering these turnovers on a tiered pastry stand alongside other bite-sized treats. Alternatively, serve them with small bowls of whipped cream, fruit preserves, or almond butter on the side so everyone can customize their indulgence. These creative touches turn a simple recipe into a memorable presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Homemade Cherry Puff Turnovers Recipe leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to enjoy them within a day. For best freshness beyond that, refrigeration is recommended, though the puff will be crispest when freshly made.
Freezing
These turnovers freeze beautifully. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When properly stored, they can keep well for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy them anytime a cherry craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring your turnovers back to life after storage or freezing, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This refreshes the pastry, restoring its flaky layers and warming the cherry filling without making it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh cherries, just cook them down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken before filling the turnovers. This way, you control the sweetness and texture for a more homemade feel.
Is almond extract necessary in the filling?
Almond extract is optional but highly recommended. It provides a lovely nutty aroma that complements the cherry flavor beautifully, but you can skip it if you prefer a purer cherry taste.
Can I make these turnovers vegan?
Yes! Substitute the puff pastry with a vegan version, use a plant-based milk for the egg wash or skip it, and ensure your cherry filling is dairy-free. They’ll still turn out just as delicious.
What if I don’t have puff pastry sheets?
Puff pastry offers an iconic flakiness, but you could experiment with pie dough or phyllo sheets. Just note the texture and baking times might vary.
How can I prevent the filling from leaking?
Make sure to seal the turnovers well by pressing the edges firmly with a fork and avoid overfilling. Chilling the turnovers before baking also helps keep the shape intact.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about a perfect Homemade Cherry Puff Turnovers Recipe that combines simplicity with elegance. This delightful treat, with its buttery crust and vibrant cherry filling, has a way of bringing smiles and comfort to any occasion. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—it just might become your new go-to dessert for any time you want to impress effortlessly and indulge wholeheartedly.
Print
Homemade Cherry Puff Turnovers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 turnovers
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these homemade cherry puff turnovers featuring flaky, golden puff pastry filled with sweet cherry pie filling. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion, offering a luscious fruit filling wrapped in buttery, crisp pastry and finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 package puff pastry sheets (2 sheets, thawed but cold)
Filling
- 1 ½ cups cherry pie filling
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Topping
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking while working with the puff pastry.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets and gently roll them to smooth out creases. Cut each sheet into 4 to 6 even squares, creating 8 to 12 squares total.
- Add Filling: Spoon 1 to 1½ tablespoons of cherry pie filling onto the center of each puff pastry square. If desired, stir in ½ teaspoon almond extract into the filling for added flavor.
- Form Turnovers: Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle. Seal the edges by pressing down firmly with a fork. If the pastry becomes too soft to handle, chill it briefly in the refrigerator.
- Apply Egg Wash: Place the prepared turnovers on the lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash, then brush it over each turnover to achieve a beautiful golden finish when baked.
- Bake: Bake the turnovers in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes until they are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the turnovers to cool slightly, then dust them with powdered sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry stays cold to maintain flakiness; chill if it becomes too soft while working.
- Use a fork to seal edges well to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- The almond extract is optional but adds a lovely complementary flavor to cherries.
- Turnovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Feel free to substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like apple or blueberry.
