Chef Mitchell preparing Delicious Cherry Turnovers
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the art of making cherry turnovers during a summer in France, where I learned to use local ingredients to create delightful desserts. Over the years, I perfected my technique and have shared this recipe with many friends and family. Every time I make these turnovers, I am reminded of those beautiful summer days filled with laughter and good food. They have become a staple in my dessert repertoire."

With over a decade of experience in French cuisine, I've dedicated my career to mastering the art of pastry making. My passion for desserts shines through in every recipe I create. I strive to combine traditional techniques with modern flavors to create unforgettable dishes.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Delicious Cherry Turnovers served on a plate

Why This Delicious Cherry Turnovers Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because of its simplicity and the use of fresh, quality ingredients. The combination of flaky puff pastry and tart cherries creates a perfect balance of flavors. The turnovers are easy to prepare, making them ideal for both novice and experienced bakers. Plus, they look stunning on any dessert table.

The technique of folding and sealing the pastry ensures that each turnover is filled to perfection. The egg wash creates a beautiful golden color, while the powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance. Baking at the right temperature ensures that the pastry is flaky and delicious.

💡 Professional Tip

For best results, make sure your puff pastry is cold when working with it. This helps achieve a flaky texture. Also, be generous with the filling, but avoid overfilling to prevent leaks during baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the turnovers ahead of time. Assemble them and place them on a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking from cold, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

If fresh cherries are not available, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using. Alternatively, you could use other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile.

The turnovers are done when they are golden brown and puffed up. You can also check the bottom of the pastry; it should be crispy. A light tapping on the top should sound hollow, indicating that the pastry is cooked through.

Absolutely! Unbaked turnovers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Assemble them, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

These turnovers pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They can also be served with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for added indulgence.

Baked turnovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be reheated in the oven to restore some crispness.

Yes, you can make the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the turnovers just before baking for the best results.

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the turnovers on a baking sheet and warm them for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your turnovers turn out too dry, it may be due to overbaking or using too much cornstarch.

Solution: To avoid dryness, keep an eye on them while baking and ensure to measure the cornstarch accurately. A good rule of thumb is to use just enough to thicken the filling without drying it out.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the turnovers are not crispy, they may not have been baked long enough or the oven temperature was too low.

Solution: Make sure to preheat your oven properly and bake until golden brown. Using a higher temperature can help achieve a crispier texture.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked turnovers can become too hard or dark on the outside.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, check your turnovers a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Adjust your baking time according to your oven's performance.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the centers of your turnovers are undercooked, it may indicate that they were baked for too short a time or at a temperature that is too low.

Recovery: To recover, return the turnovers to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking for doneness frequently.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior can happen if the oven temperature is too high or if the turnovers are placed too close to the heating element.

Prevention: Ensure that your oven temperature is correct and place the baking sheet in the middle of the oven to prevent burning.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the turnovers are too sweet, you can balance the flavor with a hint of lemon juice or by serving with a tart sauce.

Too Salty: If too salty, try serving with a sweet dip to offset the saltiness.

Bland: For bland turnovers, enhance the flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling.

Fresh ingredients for Delicious Cherry Turnovers

Essential Ingredients for Delicious Cherry Turnovers

The key ingredients for these turnovers include fresh cherries, which provide natural sweetness and tartness. High-quality puff pastry is essential for achieving that flaky texture. Using fresh fruits ensures the best flavor and texture, making the turnovers irresistible.

When selecting cherries, look for firm and vibrant ones. The pastry should be kept cold until ready to use to maintain its flakiness during baking. Quality ingredients can significantly impact the overall taste and experience of the dish.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Fresh Cherries: Choose ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor. If using frozen cherries, ensure they are thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
  • Puff Pastry: Keep your puff pastry cold until you are ready to work with it. This helps create those flaky layers. If it becomes too warm, let it chill in the refrigerator before proceeding.
  • Powdered Sugar: Dusting with powdered sugar not only adds sweetness but also makes the turnovers look appealing. Sift it lightly for an even and delicate finish.
Cooking process for Delicious Cherry Turnovers

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process begins with preparing the cherry filling, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Rolling out the puff pastry is crucial to create the perfect base for filling. Each step is designed to ensure that the turnovers come out flaky, golden, and delicious.

Achieving perfect results relies on following the baking times and temperatures closely. Allowing the turnovers to cool slightly before serving enhances the flavors and texture, making for an enjoyable dessert experience.

Key Technique for Perfect Delicious Cherry Turnovers

The key to perfect turnovers lies in the method of sealing the pastry. Ensuring a tight seal prevents the filling from leaking during baking, which can make the turnover soggy. Using a fork to crimp the edges not only secures the filling but also adds a decorative touch.

Delicious Cherry Turnovers

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy cream
    For drizzling
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
    For dusting

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups fresh cherries
    Pitted and halved
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    For the filling
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    For thickening
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    To enhance flavor
  • 1 package (14 oz) puff pastry sheets
    Thawed
  • 1 egg
    Beaten for egg wash
  • 1 tablespoon milk
    For mixing with egg wash

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cherry Filling

    In a bowl, mix the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

  2. Roll Out Puff Pastry

    On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into squares, about 4x4 inches.

  3. Fill Pastry Squares

    Place a generous tablespoon of the cherry filling in the center of each pastry square.

  4. Fold and Seal

    Fold the pastry over to form a triangle. Press the edges to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges.

  5. Prepare for Baking

    Brush the tops of the turnovers with the beaten egg and milk mixture for a golden finish.

  6. Bake

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the turnovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

  7. Cool

    Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

  8. Serve

    Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store leftover turnovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze unbaked turnovers and bake them fresh when needed.

Serving Suggestions

These turnovers can be served warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own, or you can enhance them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Recipe Variations

You can experiment with different fillings, such as apple, peach, or mixed berry. For a unique twist, try adding almond extract or spices like cinnamon to the cherry filling.