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
Scale
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.
