Name: Cherry Puff Pastry Turnovers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-485926H12M8S
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped (or cherry pie filling); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought, thawed); 1 egg (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash); Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flaky and Buttery: The puff pastry provides a light, flaky, and buttery texture that perfectly complements the sweet cherry filling.
Quick and Easy: Using store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe incredibly easy and fast to prepare, with minimal effort required.
Sweet and Tangy: The cherry filling is sweet, tangy, and perfectly balanced, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
Versatile: You can substitute cherries with other fruits like blueberries, apples, or peaches for different variations of this delicious dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought, thawed)
1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped (or cherry pie filling)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped cherries (or cherry pie filling), sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cherries soften and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. If using fresh cherries, cook until the cherries release their juice and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Use a sharp knife to cut the pastry into 4 equal squares or rectangles, depending on the size you prefer for the turnovers.
Fill the Turnovers: Spoon a generous tablespoon of the cherry filling into the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling can leak out during baking.
Seal the Turnovers: Fold each pastry square in half diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges together firmly to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges for extra security. Alternatively, you can fold the edges in to create a rectangle if you prefer.
Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the tops of the turnovers to give them a golden, glossy finish when baked.
Bake: Place the turnovers on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp.
Cool and Serve: Let the turnovers cool for a few minutes. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Different Fruit Fillings: Swap the cherry filling for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or apples for a different flavor profile.
Add Almonds: Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the turnovers before baking for added crunch and flavor.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cherry filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
Cream Cheese Filling: For a richer filling, mix a little cream cheese with sugar and vanilla, then add the cherry filling on top before folding the pastry.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freezing: To freeze, place the baked turnovers in a freezer-safe container and store them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
Reheating: Reheat turnovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Yes, frozen puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it according to package instructions before using.

Can I use canned cherry pie filling?

Yes, canned cherry pie filling is a great option for convenience. Simply spoon it into the pastry squares and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Can I make these turnovers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the turnovers in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time if they are chilled.

Can I make these turnovers with a different type of dough?

Yes, you can use shortcrust pastry or phyllo dough if you prefer, but puff pastry will give you the flakiest, crispiest results.

How can I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Make sure the edges of the pastry are sealed well by pressing them firmly together and crimping with a fork. You can also refrigerate the filled turnovers for 10 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

Conclusion

Cherry Puff Pastry Turnovers are the perfect blend of flaky pastry and sweet, tangy fruit filling. These easy-to-make turnovers are sure to impress with their golden crust and rich cherry flavor, making them ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for dessert or as a sweet snack, these turnovers are a delightful treat that everyone will love!