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If you’re craving a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors, look no further than this Cherry Turnovers with Sweet-Tart Filling Recipe. These flaky, golden pastries are bursting with vibrant cherries enveloped in a luscious filling that dances on your taste buds. Effortless to prepare yet incredibly satisfying, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a charming dessert or a fancy snack that feels straight from a bakery, but made right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this Cherry Turnovers with Sweet-Tart Filling Recipe. Each component is simple but plays an essential role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance that makes these turnovers irresistible.
- Puff pastry sheet, thawed: Provides the buttery, flaky structure that folds beautifully around the filling.
- Fresh cherries, pitted and halved (1 ½ cups): The star ingredient, offering bright, juicy sweetness paired with a natural tartness.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Enhances the cherries’ sweetness without overwhelming their vibrant flavor.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the filling so it holds together and doesn’t leak during baking.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness and balances the natural sweetness with a fresh zing.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Introduces a warm, comforting aroma that complements the cherry filling perfectly.
- Egg (for egg wash): Ensures the pastry bakes to a gorgeous golden color and an irresistible shine.
- Optional coarse sugar: Sprinkled on top for an extra crunch and sparkle that enhances presentation.
- Optional icing drizzle: Adds a sweet finishing touch for those who love a little extra indulgence.
How to Make Cherry Turnovers with Sweet-Tart Filling Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures you have the perfect hot environment needed for the puff pastry to rise gorgeously and bake to a perfect golden crisp. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your turnovers don’t stick and clean-up is a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, mix your pitted, halved cherries with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. As you gently cook the mixture for 5 to 6 minutes, watch it transform into a thick, glossy filling that smells heavenly and tastes even better. Once thickened, set it aside to cool slightly—this step prevents the pastry from becoming soggy when you fill it.
Step 3: Prepare the Pastry
Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a clean surface just enough to smooth out folds, then cut it into four equal squares. This is where your turnovers take shape, so be precise to ensure even baking and beautiful presentation.
Step 4: Fill and Fold
Carefully spoon a generous dollop of the warm cherry filling right into the center of each pastry square. Fold each square diagonally to make a neat triangle, then press the edges firmly with a fork to seal in all that delicious filling. This sealing step is crucial to keep every bite packed with that sweet-tart goodness.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the tops of each turnover with a beaten egg to achieve that irresistible shiny, golden crust. If you want to add a bit of sparkle and texture, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top before sliding them into the oven. Let them bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until puffed up and perfectly browned.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
After baking, allow your turnovers to cool slightly on a wire rack so the filling sets just enough but remains wonderfully soft inside. For an extra special touch, drizzle with a simple icing glaze if you like an extra hint of sweetness. Then, dig in and enjoy this delightful homemade treat!
How to Serve Cherry Turnovers with Sweet-Tart Filling Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a delicate drizzle of vanilla icing adds just the right finishing touch to your turnovers, enhancing both the look and the sweetness. Fresh mint leaves can also add a pop of color and a hint of refreshing aroma that pairs beautifully with cherries.
Side Dishes
These turnovers are a treat all on their own, but if you’re looking to round out a brunch or dessert spread, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A cup of rich coffee or tea balances the sweet-tart filling wonderfully for a cozy, complete experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful and serve your turnovers on a rustic wooden board with fresh cherries scattered around for a charming, inviting look. Or pop them into individual dessert plates with a few edible flowers for a stunning party presentation that’ll wow your guests and make everyone feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the pastry tender yet crisp, and the filling fresh and flavorful for whenever your sweet cravings strike again.
Freezing
To enjoy these turnovers later, freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They keep well for up to one month. When it’s time to indulge, simply bake them from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time, and you’ll have a fresh-tasting delight ready in no time.
Reheating
Reheat turnovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will revive the flaky crust beautifully, while warming the sweet-tart filling without drying it out. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work just fine for this Cherry Turnovers with Sweet-Tart Filling Recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking so your filling doesn’t become too watery.
Is it possible to make mini turnovers?
Yes, cutting the puff pastry into smaller squares will give you bite-sized turnovers perfect for parties or snacks. Just watch the baking time closely as smaller turnovers cook faster.
Can I substitute the cornstarch with another thickener?
You can use tapioca starch or arrowroot powder as alternatives to cornstarch. They provide a similar thickening effect, ensuring your cherry filling remains juicy yet stable.
How do I prevent the filling from spilling out?
Make sure to seal the edges of the pastry squares very well by pressing with a fork and avoid overfilling. Also, chilling the filled turnovers briefly before baking can help them hold their shape better.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in berries or chopped apples with the cherries to create your own twist while keeping the sweet-tart balance that makes this Cherry Turnovers with Sweet-Tart Filling Recipe so irresistible.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about making Cherry Turnovers with Sweet-Tart Filling Recipe at home. These flaky, fruit-filled pastries are as lovely to look at as they are to eat, and they’re fantastic for sharing (or not!). I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch how quickly these turnovers become a beloved staple in your kitchen and your heart.
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Cherry Turnovers with Sweet-Tart Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 turnovers
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Cherry Turnovers with a sweet-tart filling, made from fresh cherries cooked down into a luscious compote and encased in flaky puff pastry. Perfect as a dessert or a special breakfast treat, these turnovers offer the perfect balance of juicy fruit and buttery pastry with an optional sprinkle of coarse sugar or icing drizzle for added sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cherry Filling
- 1 ½ cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Egg Wash and Topping
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling or icing drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Make the Cherry Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the pitted and halved cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly to thicken further.
- Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into 4 equal square pieces, ensuring even sizing for uniform baking.
- Fill and Fold: Spoon a generous amount of the cherry filling into the center of each pastry square. Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal the turnovers, preventing the filling from leaking during baking.
- Egg Wash and Bake: Beat the egg and brush it over the top of each turnover. This gives the pastry a beautiful golden-brown finish. Optionally sprinkle coarse sugar over the tops for extra crunch and sweetness. Bake the turnovers on the prepared baking sheet for 18 to 22 minutes or until they are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the turnovers to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving, which helps the filling set. For an added touch, drizzle with icing if desired to enhance sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is thoroughly thawed before rolling to avoid cracking or tearing.
- Pitting and halving fresh cherries ahead of time speeds up the filling process.
- The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on the tartness of your cherries.
- Use a fork or a pastry crimper to seal the edges well and prevent filling leakage.
- For a dairy-free version, use egg replacer for the wash, though the golden color may be less vibrant.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat before serving for best texture.
