These Simple Cherry Turnovers are a delightful treat made with flaky puff pastry and sweet cherries. Topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, they’re perfect for any sweet tooth!
Making these is easy enough for any baker, even me! I like to serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream. It’s the cherry on top, really! 🍒😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the show, providing layers and a flaky texture. If you don’t have puff pastry, you might try making a shortcrust pastry or using phyllo dough. Just remember, phyllo will be less flaky and might require more butter to achieve a nice crisp.
Cherries: Fresh cherries are fantastic, but frozen ones work great too. If cherries aren’t in season, you can substitute with other fruits like blueberries or peaches. Just adjust the sugar depending on the fruit’s sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: For a lower sugar option, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia, remembering that it may alter the sweetness level slightly. Personally, I love using a little brown sugar for added depth if I want a richer flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A key flavor in the filling and glaze, pure vanilla extract is ideal. However, if you’re in a pinch, vanilla essence will work, though the flavor might not be as strong. You can even toss in some almond extract for a different twist!
How Do I Make Sure My Turnovers are Sealed Properly?
Sealing the turnovers well is crucial to prevent the filling from leaking out while baking. Here’s how to do it right:
- After placing the filling on the pastry square, fold it over carefully but firmly without squeezing out the filling.
- Use a fork to press down along the edges, creating a decorative seal. Be thorough to ensure no gaps.
- Cut a few small slits on top to allow steam to escape, which helps achieve that golden-brown puffiness!
Good sealing helps keep your fillings intact and ensures a beautiful presentation.
How to Make Simple Cherry Turnovers with Puff Pastry and Sweet Vanilla Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turnovers:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to bake, for a total of about 35-40 minutes. Easy and perfect for a quick treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Oven:
First, go ahead and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make sure your turnovers don’t stick.
2. Cook the Cherry Filling:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine your pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until it gets bubbly and the cherries start to soften. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool a bit.
3. Prepare the Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet. Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice it into 4 equal squares. These will be the pockets for your cherry filling!
4. Fill the Pastry Squares:
Now, take a generous spoonful of the cherry filling and place it in the center of each pastry square. Don’t be shy—got to get that delicious cherry goodness in there!
5. Make the Turnover Shape:
Fold each pastry square over to form a triangle. Press the edges together to seal them shut, you can use a fork to make it all nice and pretty. To help the steam escape during baking, cut a few slits in the top of each turnover.
6. Add the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the tops of the turnovers. This will give them a lovely golden color when they bake.
7. Bake the Turnovers:
Place your turnovers on the prepared baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them—they’ll smell amazing!
8. Prepare the Glaze:
While the turnovers are cooling, it’s time to make the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
9. Drizzle and Serve:
Once the turnovers have cooled a little, drizzle your sweet glaze over the top. Now, they’re ready to serve! Enjoy your delicious cherry turnovers!
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the filling. This will help maintain the right texture and prevent sogginess in your turnovers.
How to Store Leftover Turnovers?
Store any leftover cherry turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to regain the crispiness!
Can I Make the Turnover Filling in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the cherry filling up to a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to make the turnovers, let it come to room temperature before filling the puff pastry.
What Can I Substitute for the Egg Wash?
If you prefer to skip the egg wash, you can brush the pastries with milk or cream instead for a golden finish. For a vegan option, use a mixture of plant-based milk and a bit of maple syrup for a lovely sheen!
