If you’ve ever wanted to impress friends or just treat yourself to something that tastes like a bakery delight but is surprisingly easy to make at home, then this Homemade Cherry Puff Turnovers Recipe is exactly what you need. These flaky, buttery pastries filled with juicy cherry pie filling bring a perfect balance of tart and sweet, wrapped in golden puff pastry that melts in your mouth. Each bite offers a wonderful contrast in textures and flavors that’s irresistible and comforting, making it a perfect little indulgence for breakfast, dessert, or anytime snack cravings hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the magic of this Homemade Cherry Puff Turnovers Recipe comes together because of a handful of simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a starring role: from the buttery puff pastry creating layers of flaky goodness, to the rich cherry filling providing that vibrant burst of fruity flavor.
- Puff pastry sheets (2 sheets, thawed but cold): The foundation of these turnovers, offering that irresistible flaky and airy texture.
- Cherry pie filling (1 ½ cups): Sweet and tart cherries packed with flavor, giving the turnovers their signature taste.
- Egg (1): Used for the egg wash, it adds beautiful golden color and a slight shine when baked.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Mixed with the egg to create the perfect consistency for brushing on pastry edges and tops.
- Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons): A finishing touch to dust over the turnovers, adding sweetness and a pretty presentation.
- Almond extract (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle, nutty depth to the cherry filling that elevates the flavor profile.
How to Make Homemade Cherry Puff Turnovers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is key to getting that puff pastry beautifully golden and crispy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and lightly flour your work surface — this step prevents the pastry dough from sticking as you roll and cut it.
Step 2: Roll and Cut Puff Pastry
Unfold your puff pastry sheets carefully—they might have crease lines from packaging. Roll them gently just enough to smooth out these creases, which ensures even puffing during baking. Then, cut each sheet into 4 to 6 even squares, setting the size of your turnovers. Consistency in size helps them bake evenly and look picture-perfect.
Step 3: Fill with Cherry Pie Filling
Spoon about 1 to 1½ tablespoons of cherry pie filling into the center of each square. If you love that extra layer of flavor, stir in a bit of almond extract to the filling before spooning it—this optional step gives the turnovers a gentle, aromatic brightness that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
Step 4: Fold and Seal the Turnovers
Fold each square diagonally over the filling to make a neat triangle. To ensure your juicy cherry filling stays inside while baking, use the tines of a fork to press and seal down the edges securely. If at any point the pastry softens too much and becomes tricky to handle, pop the turnovers in the fridge to chill—they’ll be easier to work with once firm.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash
Mix the egg with water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the tops of each turnover. This step is essential for that golden, shiny crust that makes these pastries look as amazing as they taste.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your prepared turnovers on the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Keep a close eye for when they are puffed up and glistening golden—the smell alone will have you counting down the minutes!
Step 7: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once baked, let the turnovers cool slightly on a wire rack. When they are warm but not hot, dust them with powdered sugar. This sweet dusting finishes the look with a snowy touch and a lovely sweet contrast to the tangy cherries inside.
How to Serve Homemade Cherry Puff Turnovers Recipe
Garnishes
While powdered sugar is a classic garnish, you can also drizzle a light vanilla glaze or sprinkle some toasted sliced almonds for extra texture and flavor. A fresh mint leaf on top adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness that pairs beautifully with the fruitiness.
Side Dishes
Serve these turnovers alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or pair them with a dollop of whipped cream to balance the tartness of the cherry filling. For a breakfast twist, a cup of strong coffee or a mellow latte creates a perfect flavor harmony.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging turnovers on a tiered platter for a brunch gathering or slicing them into smaller bite-sized pieces for a charming party appetizer. You could also serve them in a rustic basket lined with a cheerful napkin to highlight their homemade appeal and warmth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store leftover Homemade Cherry Puff Turnovers Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the pastry crisp with just enough softness inside to remain enjoyable.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the turnovers before baking by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freezing until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for a fresh-from-the-oven experience any time you crave them.
Reheating
To reheat, warm turnovers in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes. This method revives the flaky layers perfectly without sogginess. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry chewy and less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well, then sweeten and thicken with a pinch of sugar and cornstarch to mimic the consistency of pie filling before using.
Is almond extract necessary in this recipe?
Almond extract is optional but highly recommended for adding a lovely, subtle nuttiness that enhances the cherry flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can simply leave it out.
Can I make these turnovers vegan?
You can substitute the puff pastry with a vegan version and replace the egg wash with plant-based milk or a mixture of maple syrup and water. The filling is naturally vegan, so it’s easy to adapt.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Be sure not to overfill the turnovers to prevent juices from leaking out. Also, chilling the turnovers before baking helps maintain crispiness, and baking at a high temperature ensures a flaky crust.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This Homemade Cherry Puff Turnovers Recipe scales up perfectly. Just make sure you have enough baking sheets and keep the turnovers spaced well to bake evenly.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make this Homemade Cherry Puff Turnovers Recipe, I’m reminded how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something magical and comforting. These turnovers are a delightful treat that’s deliciously flaky, fruity, and fun to share. Whether it’s a cozy weekend morning or a casual get-together, I truly hope you try making these and enjoy every flaky bite as much as I do!
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Cherry Puff Turnovers are flaky, golden pastries filled with sweet cherry pie filling and a hint of almond extract. Perfect for a delightful dessert or a sweet snack, they are easy to prepare using store-bought puff pastry and bake quickly to a crisp, buttery finish. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, they offer a classic and irresistible treat that’s great for any occasion.
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 and Garnish
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Lightly flour a clean surface for rolling out the pastry.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold the cold puff pastry sheets carefully and roll them slightly to smooth out any creases. Cut each sheet into 4 to 6 even squares, ensuring they are roughly uniform for even baking.
- Add Filling: Spoon 1 to 1½ tablespoons of cherry pie filling onto the center of each puff pastry square. If desired, mix in ½ teaspoon of almond extract with the filling for added flavor.
- Fold and Seal: Fold each square diagonally to create a triangle shape. Press the edges together firmly and seal them by pressing with a fork around the edges. If the pastry softens too much, chill it briefly to make handling easier.
- Apply Egg Wash: Place the turnovers on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, beat the egg with water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture evenly over the surface of each turnover to encourage browning and a glossy finish.
- Bake: Bake the turnovers in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they are puffed, golden brown, and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the turnovers from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is kept cold for easier handling and better puffing.
- Feel free to add almond extract directly into the cherry filling for a subtle nutty note.
- If turnovers become too soft during folding, refrigerate them for 10-15 minutes before baking.
- Cherry pie filling can be substituted with other fruit fillings such as apple or blueberry.
- These turnovers are best consumed within the same day for maximum freshness but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
