Homemade Cherry Puff Turnovers

Save this recipe on:

Golden, flaky, and filled with sweet-tart cherry goodness—Homemade Cherry Puff Turnovers are a bakery-style treat that’s surprisingly easy to whip up at home. Each bite offers the perfect contrast between the crisp puff pastry and the luscious cherry filling, all topped with a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze. Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast idea, a show-stopping dessert, or a sweet snack with your afternoon coffee, these turnovers hit all the right notes.

They look impressive and taste even better, but don’t be fooled by their fancy appearance—this easy recipe doesn’t require special baking skills. You can use store-bought puff pastry to cut down on prep time, and the cherry filling comes together in minutes. These turnovers bring a warm, nostalgic feeling, reminiscent of pastries from your favorite café or a childhood bakery run.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cherry Puff Turnovers Recipe

• The flaky, buttery crust is a texture-lover’s dream.
• The cherry filling strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy.
• Store-bought puff pastry makes the process fast and beginner-friendly.
• Ideal for brunches, holidays, dessert tables, or a comforting weekend bake.
• Easily customizable—swap cherries for apples, berries, or your favorite fruit preserves.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Homemade Cherry Puff Turnovers, you’ll need the following essential tools:

• Baking Sheet: Crucial for even baking. Use a rimmed sheet lined with parchment to catch drips.
• Rolling Pin (optional): If your puff pastry needs slight flattening.
• Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: For clean, precise cuts of the pastry.
• Mixing Bowl & Spoon: To combine your cherry filling.
• Pastry Brush: To apply the egg wash for that golden finish.
• Fork: Used to seal the edges of each turnover and add decorative crimps.

Each tool plays a key role in achieving a clean, polished result. The baking sheet ensures a crisp bottom, the pastry brush helps with even browning, and the fork gives those signature sealed edges.

---

Preparation Tips

For the best results, keep your puff pastry cold until you’re ready to work with it—this ensures maximum flakiness. If it gets too soft, return it to the fridge for 10–15 minutes. Don’t overfill the turnovers to avoid leaking during baking. Crimp the edges firmly with a fork and make a small slit or two on top of each pastry to release steam. Let them cool slightly before glazing to prevent the icing from melting into the pastry. You can prepare the cherry filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge, making assembly even quicker.

---

Ingredients for This Homemade Cherry Puff Turnovers Recipe

• 1 package (2 sheets) of frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (or canned cherries in juice, drained)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional, enhances cherry flavor)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp water (to mix with the egg)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1–2 tbsp milk or cream (for glaze)
• Optional: Extra powdered sugar for dusting

---

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir frequently and cook for 5–7 minutes until the cherries break down and the mixture thickens into a glossy compote-like texture. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract (and almond extract if using). Let it cool completely before assembling.

---

Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. If needed, roll gently to smooth creases and achieve even thickness. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares (total of 8 turnovers). You can also cut into rectangles or triangles based on your desired shape.

---

Step 3: Assemble the Turnovers

Place about 1–2 tablespoons of the cooled cherry filling in the center of each square. Do not overfill. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle. Press the edges together, then seal by crimping with a fork. Transfer the turnovers to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

---

Step 4: Add Egg Wash and Ventilation

Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the tops of the turnovers with this egg wash to give them a beautiful golden finish. Use a sharp knife to cut a small slit or two on the top of each pastry to allow steam to escape while baking.

---

Step 5: Bake the Turnovers

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the turnovers for 18–22 minutes or until they are puffed and golden brown. The filling should be bubbling slightly through the slits. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

---

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

While the turnovers cool, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and drizzly. Once the turnovers are mostly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or piping bag. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch. Serve warm or at room temperature.

---

Notes

For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the cherry filling while it cooks. If you’re using canned cherries, ensure they are well-drained to avoid a soggy filling. You can prepare the cherry filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This is a great time-saving tip if you’re making a large batch or planning ahead for brunch or a party.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overfilling: Too much filling can cause leaks and make the turnovers difficult to seal.
• Skipping the Slits: Not adding vent slits may lead to steam buildup, causing the pastry to burst.
• Underbaking: Pulling them out too early can leave the centers doughy. Look for a deep golden color.
• Warm Dough: Puff pastry needs to be cold when it hits the oven to rise properly. If it gets too soft while assembling, refrigerate before baking.
• Thick Glaze: An overly thick glaze won’t drizzle well; add more milk for a thinner consistency.

---

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or standard oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes to re-crisp the pastry. Avoid microwaving as it softens the flaky texture. If you want to freeze unbaked turnovers, assemble them without egg wash, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Per 1 turnover (based on 8 turnovers per recipe):

• Calories: ~290 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Sugar: 16g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 180mg

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned cherry pie filling?

Yes, you can. Just reduce the amount to avoid overfilling, as pie filling is thicker and already sweetened.

Can I make these turnovers ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble them, store in the fridge for a few hours, then bake fresh when ready.

How do I prevent the turnovers from becoming soggy?

Make sure your filling is cooled and not too watery. Also, bake until fully golden and crisp.

What other fruit can I use instead of cherries?

Blueberries, apples, raspberries, or even peaches make great alternatives. Adjust sugar based on fruit sweetness.

Can I freeze baked turnovers?

Yes. Let them cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.

Do I have to use glaze on top?

No, it’s optional. The glaze adds sweetness and visual appeal, but the turnovers taste great even without it.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use a plant-based milk for the glaze and check that your puff pastry is dairy-free (many store brands are).

How do I know when the turnovers are done baking?

They should be puffed up with a rich golden color and the filling slightly bubbling through the vents.

---

Conclusion

Homemade Cherry Puff Turnovers bring bakery-quality flavor and texture into your own kitchen with minimal effort. They’re crisp on the outside, filled with bright cherry goodness, and finished with a delicate glaze that makes each bite feel special. Whether you serve them at brunch, gift them to a friend, or simply enjoy one with coffee, this recipe is a delicious way to elevate your baking game without a fuss. Customize with your favorite fruits and keep a box of puff pastry handy—this one’s a keeper.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: