Flaky, buttery Cherry Turnovers bursting with sweet-tart filling—ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a festive brunch that delights with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick And Easy – Uses store-bought puff pastry for minimal effort and maximum reward.
Elegant But Approachable – Beautiful presentation without complicated steps.

Sweet-Tart Balance – Fresh cherries with a hint of lemon and vanilla offer a vibrant filling.
Perfectly Portioned – Individual servings make these great for entertaining or sharing.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be assembled in advance and baked when needed.

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)

For the glaze (optional):
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 teaspoons milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla over medium heat.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and release their juices.
In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Stir this slurry into the cherry mixture. Cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 4 equal squares.
Spoon a small amount of cherry filling into the center of each square.
Fold each square into a triangle and press edges with a fork to seal.

Transfer turnovers to the baking sheet. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Allow to cool slightly. Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over the turnovers just before serving.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 4 cherry turnovers
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: Approximately 265 kcal per turnover

Variations

Use Other Fruits – Substitute cherries with blueberries, apples, or peaches for seasonal twists.
Add Almond Extract – A small splash adds a nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with cherries.

Chocolate Drizzle – Skip the glaze and drizzle with melted dark or white chocolate.
Make Mini Turnovers – Cut puff pastry into smaller squares for bite-sized treats.
Top With Sliced Almonds – Sprinkle over the glaze for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

In the oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes to refresh the crispiness.

In the microwave: Heat for 15–20 seconds for a softer texture.
Avoid glazing until just before serving if storing in advance.

FAQs

Can I Use Canned Cherry Pie Filling Instead?

Yes, though the homemade filling offers a fresher, less sweet flavor.

Can I Make These Turnovers Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate unbaked turnovers for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.

Can I Freeze Cherry Turnovers?

Yes. Freeze unbaked turnovers on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What If I Don’t Have Puff Pastry?

Pie crust dough works in a pinch, but won’t be as flaky and light.

Can I Use Sour Cherries?

Yes, just increase the sugar slightly to balance the tartness.

How Do I Keep The Filling From Leaking Out?

Don’t overfill the turnovers and make sure the edges are well sealed with a fork.

Can I Make Them Without The Glaze?

Yes, they’re delicious on their own or with just a sprinkle of coarse sugar.

Are They Best Served Warm Or Cold?

They’re lovely either way, but slightly warm enhances the flavor and texture.

Can I Add Spices To The Filling?

Yes, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and depth.

What Can I Serve With Cherry Turnovers?

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes them even more indulgent.

Conclusion

Cherry Turnovers are the kind of dessert that feels special but comes together with surprising ease. With their flaky pastry, vibrant cherry filling, and optional sweet glaze, they’re a perfect treat for any occasion — from casual coffee breaks to celebratory brunches. Keep a sheet of puff pastry in your freezer and you’ll always be just minutes away from something delicious.

Try More Sweet Bakes & Morning Treats

If you loved these flaky Cherry Turnovers, be sure to explore other sweet ideas like the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for a fruity dessert with minimal effort, or the golden Pancake Donuts Recipe for a fun breakfast twist. Craving cheesecake? You’ll adore the Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies and Irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts. And don’t forget to whip up a batch of Raspberry Brownies for your next indulgent chocolate fix.

Cherry Turnovers

Author: Chef Clara

Print Recipe

Description

Flaky, golden pastry pockets filled with a sweet-tart cherry filling, these cherry turnovers are the perfect handheld dessert — simple to make, yet irresistibly elegant for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
1–2 teaspoons milk (for glaze)

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla over medium heat.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cherries soften and release juices.
Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir into cherry mixture. Cook another 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and cool.

Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 4 equal squares.
Place a spoonful of cherry filling in the center of each square.
Fold each square into a triangle and seal edges by pressing with a fork.

Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Let cool slightly. Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over turnovers before serving.

Notes

Ensure the cherry filling is cooled before assembling to prevent soggy pastry.
You can use canned cherry pie filling in place of homemade for convenience.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.