Simple Cherry Turnovers

There’s something undeniably comforting about warm, flaky pastries filled with sweet, fruit-filled goodness. Today, I’m bringing you a delightful treat that checks all the boxes for a perfect dessert or breakfast pastry – Simple Cherry Turnovers!

Made with just a handful of ingredients including a can of luscious cherry pie filling, buttery puff pastry, a hint of cinnamon, and a touch of sugar, these turnovers are a symphony of flavors and textures.

Picture this: a golden-brown, flaky puff pastry shell encasing a generous spoonful of spiced cherry filling, all topped off with a drizzle of heavenly powdered sugar glaze. The aroma of cinnamon as these turnovers bake in the oven is simply irresistible, and the taste? Well, let’s just say you’ll be coming back for seconds.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking for a quick yet impressive treat or someone new to the joys of homemade pastries, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s perfect for any occasion – from lazy weekend brunches to elegant dessert offerings.

So, preheat your oven, dust off that rolling pin, and get ready to create a batch of Cherry Turnovers that will have your kitchen smelling like a cozy bakery. Let’s dive into the recipe!

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Ingredients in this Simple Cherry Turnovers Recipe

Let’s take a peek into what makes these Cherry Turnovers so utterly irresistible.

First up, we have the trusty puff pastry, two sheets thawed to that perfect flaky goodness. This buttery pastry is the vessel that will carry our delectable cherry pie filling, straight from the can to your taste buds. Imagine plump, juicy cherries nestled in a sweet, thick sauce – that’s the heart of our turnovers right there.

Now, let’s sprinkle in a bit of magic with ground cinnamon and a touch of granulated sugar. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon to infuse our cherries with warmth and depth, and a tablespoon of sugar to enhance their natural sweetness.

Oh, and let’s not forget our egg, beaten to create a golden egg wash for that perfect, flaky finish.

And for the grand finale, our powdered sugar cherry glaze: a cup of sifted powdered sugar, mixed with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or water, a spoonful of leftover cherry pie filling, and a splash of vanilla extract. This glaze is what turns our turnovers from delightful to downright irresistible, drizzled over the top for that sweet finish.

With these simple ingredients in hand, we’re ready to transform our kitchen into a pastry paradise!

Substitute Ingredients for Cherry Turnovers

Don’t fret if you find yourself missing an ingredient or two for these Cherry Turnovers; there are several easy swaps to keep your baking adventure on track.

If puff pastry is elusive, you can opt for a pre-made pie crust rolled thin for a similar flaky effect.

In place of cherry pie filling, fresh or frozen cherries cooked down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch can create a homemade filling bursting with fruity goodness.

For those without ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can bring warmth to the cherry mixture.

Granulated sugar can be exchanged for brown sugar or even honey for a twist on sweetness.

And if an egg is not on hand for the wash, a brush of milk or cream or even melted butter will also provide that golden sheen.

Flexibility is the name of the game, so feel free to get creative with what’s in your pantry!

Directions for Cherry Turnovers with Powdered Sugar Cherry Glaze

Let’s dive into the delightful process of creating these heavenly Cherry Turnovers!

First, we’ll preheat our oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, setting the stage for our baking adventure.

Next, we’ll mix together our can of cherry pie filling with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and granulated sugar, giving it a gentle stir to ensure every cherry is coated in that warm, sweet goodness.

Now, onto our puff pastry! We’ll roll out the thawed sheets on a lightly floured surface, creating eight equal squares of flaky goodness.

Each square gets a generous spoonful of our spiced cherry filling, placed neatly on one half.

Folding the pastry over, brush a little egg wash (or melted butter!) around the edges. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal in that fruity goodness.

A quick brush of beaten egg over the tops and another sprinkle of cinnamon sugar promises a beautiful golden finish as they bake.

Bake turnovers in the oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they puff up and turn a perfect golden brown.

Making the Powdered Sugar Cherry Glaze

While our turnovers bake, it’s time to whisk together our powdered sugar cherry glaze.

A cup of powdered sugar, a few tablespoons of milk or water, a teaspoon of leftover cherry pie filling, and a dash of vanilla extract combine to create a luscious glaze that will crown our pastries.

Once the turnovers are done and cooled slightly, drizzle this sweet glaze over the top, creating a masterpiece of sweet, flaky, fruity delight.

Tips for Making Cherry Turnovers:

Thaw Puff Pastry Properly: If using frozen puff pastry, make sure to thaw it properly according to the package instructions. This usually involves placing it in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours before using.

Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can lead to uneven results.

Don’t Overfill

While it may be tempting to stuff the turnovers full of cherry filling, be careful not to overfill them. Too much filling can cause the turnovers to burst open during baking. A couple of spoonfuls in the center of each square should suffice, leaving a small border around the edges for sealing.

Seal Well

When folding the pastry over the filling, press the edges firmly with a fork to seal. This not only ensures the turnovers stay closed but also creates a decorative edge.

Ventilation

Before baking, make small slits or poke a few holes in the top of each turnover with a fork or knife. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents the turnovers from becoming too soggy.

Egg Wash for Shine

Don’t skip the egg wash! Brushing the tops of the turnovers with beaten egg before baking creates a beautiful golden color and adds a nice shine to the pastry.

Chill Before Baking

If time allows, pop the assembled turnovers into the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking. Chilled pastry tends to puff up more evenly in the oven.

Monitor Baking Time

Keep an eye on the turnovers as they bake. Oven temperatures can vary, so the baking time may need slight adjustments. They should be golden brown and puffed up when done.

Cool Before Glazing

Allow the turnovers to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before drizzling with the powdered sugar glaze. This helps the glaze set slightly and prevents it from melting completely into the warm turnovers.

Customize

Feel free to get creative with the filling! If cherries aren’t your favorite, try using other fruit pie fillings like apple, blueberry, or peach. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dash of almond extract for extra flavor.

With these tips in mind, your Cherry Turnovers are sure to come out of the oven looking and tasting absolutely delicious.

Enjoy the process and the delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen!

What Pairs Well with Cherry Turnovers?

Take these simple cherry turnovers to the next level with one or more of these delicious pairings!

Vanilla Ice Cream:

A classic pairing! Serve warm cherry turnovers with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of warm and cold, sweet and creamy.

Whipped Cream:

If ice cream isn’t your preference, a dollop of freshly whipped cream is a wonderful choice. Light and airy, it adds a nice touch of richness to each bite.

Fresh Berries:

Create a beautiful fruit medley by serving cherry turnovers with a side of fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries. The combination of flavors is refreshing and bright.

Custard or Crème Anglaise:

For a more elegant option, consider serving the turnovers with a drizzle of custard or crème anglaise. The creamy, vanilla-infused sauce complements the cherries beautifully.

Coffee or Tea:

Cherry turnovers make a lovely treat alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a hot cup of tea. The warm, comforting beverage pairs wonderfully with the flaky pastry and sweet filling.

Hot Chocolate:

Indulge in a cozy pairing by serving cherry turnovers with rich, creamy hot chocolate. It’s a comforting combination that’s perfect for a chilly day.

Almond Flavors:

Almond pairs exceptionally well with cherries. Consider sprinkling some sliced almonds on top of the turnovers before baking, or serve with a small glass of amaretto liqueur for an adult twist.

Lemon Zest:

A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest over the turnovers before serving can add a bright, citrusy contrast to the sweet cherry filling.

Cinnamon Sugar:

If you have some extra cinnamon sugar left over from the recipe, you can sprinkle it over the warm turnovers just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Fruit Compote:

Another fruity option is to serve the turnovers with a side of fruit compote, such as a mixed berry compote or a simple cherry compote.

These pairings are not only delicious but also allow you to customize the experience to your preferences. Whether you’re looking for something classic, refreshing, or a bit more indulgent, there’s a perfect match for your cherry turnovers!

Got Leftover Cherry Turnovers?

Storing leftover cherry turnovers properly will help maintain their freshness and texture. Here’s how to do it.

If you plan to consume the turnovers within 1-2 days, you can store them at room temperature. Follow these steps.

Cool Completely: Allow the turnovers to cool completely on a wire rack after baking.

Transfer to an Airtight Container: Once cooled, place the turnovers in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.

Store: Keep the container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Eat Within 1-2 Days: Consume the turnovers within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture.

Refrigeration

If you want to extend the shelf life of the turnovers beyond 2 days, refrigeration is the best option. Here’s what to do:

Cool Completely: Let the turnovers cool completely on a wire rack.

Transfer to a Container: Place the turnovers in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.

Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator.

Enjoy Within 3-4 Days: Cherry turnovers stored in the refrigerator should be consumed within 3-4 days.

Freezing (For Longer Storage)

If you have a large batch or want to save some for later, you can freeze the cherry turnovers. Here’s the freezing process:

Cool Completely: Allow the turnovers to cool completely on a wire rack.

Flash Freeze: Place the cooled turnovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the turnovers are firm.

Transfer to Freezer Bags: Once the turnovers are firm, transfer them to airtight freezer bags or containers. Make sure to label the bags with the date.

Freeze: Store the turnovers in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheat: When ready to enjoy, you can reheat the frozen turnovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

Reheating

Whether you’re reheating room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen turnovers, the oven is your best bet for restoring their crispy, flaky texture. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the turnovers on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

By following these storage methods, you can enjoy your cherry turnovers at their best, whether freshly baked, stored for a few days, or frozen for later indulgence.

If you liked this easy recipe, check out some of my other dessert recipes!