If you have a soft spot for flaky, buttery pastries filled with sweet and tangy fruit, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Cherry Turnovers with Almond Glaze Recipe. Picture golden puff pastry envelopes bursting with luscious cherry filling that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of almond, all topped with a smooth, delicate almond glaze that adds a lovely touch of sweetness. These turnovers are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a showstopper at any gathering, easy to make but impressive enough to make you feel like a pro baker. Whether it’s a cozy weekend brunch or a festive dessert, these cherry turnovers deliver comfort and elegance in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that make every bite unforgettable. From the flaky puff pastry providing a light, crispy shell to the rich cherry filling bursting with juicy sweetness, every element is essential.
- Cherry pie filling: The star of the show, packed with sweet and tart cherries that create a juicy, flavorful center.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a warm sweetness and depth to the cherry filling, enhancing its natural flavors.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickener to keep the cherry filling perfectly set and prevents it from becoming too runny.
- Almond extract: A small but mighty ingredient that infuses the filling and glaze with a subtle, nutty aroma and flavor.
- Puff pastry dough: The base of the turnovers, offering flaky, crispy layers that are simply irresistible.
- Large egg: Used as an egg wash to create a golden, glossy finish on the turnovers for a beautiful presentation.
- Powdered sugar: The primary ingredient for the almond glaze, adding sweetness and a final decorative touch.
- Milk: Helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency, making it smooth enough to drizzle.
How to Make Cherry Turnovers with Almond Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your turnovers bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze. Having everything ready at this stage sets you up for smooth sailing as you assemble your pastries.
Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cherry pie filling, light brown sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract. Stir gently until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined. This step is key to ensuring your cherry filling thickens just right when baked, preventing any unwanted leaks and keeping each turnover perfectly gooey inside.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry Squares
Working with one thawed puff pastry sheet at a time, lightly roll it out on a floured surface to smooth it just a bit. Cut each sheet into six 4×4-inch squares and arrange them on your baking sheets with enough space between. This even spacing helps your turnovers puff up nicely in the oven without sticking together.
Step 4: Fill and Seal the Turnovers
Drop 2 tablespoons of the cherry filling onto the center of each pastry square. Fold the pastry diagonally over the filling to form a triangle, then use a fork to press and crimp the edges tightly. The tight seal is essential for keeping all that luscious cherry goodness inside while baking, so take your time here.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Bake
Beat the egg in a small bowl and lightly brush it over the tops of each turnover. This will give your pastries that gorgeous golden-brown color we all love. Bake for about 20 to 22 minutes until they are beautifully puffed and golden. When done, let them cool a bit on the baking sheets to set up perfectly.
Step 6: Whip Up the Almond Glaze
While the turnovers cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until the glaze is smooth and drizzle-worthy. The almond glaze is what rounds out these turnovers with a delicate sweetness, complementing the cherry filling while making each pastry look utterly irresistible.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the almond glaze generously over each turnover. Once the glaze sets, your Cherry Turnovers with Almond Glaze Recipe are ready to be enjoyed—warm, flaky, sweet, and nutty, a true delight in every bite!
How to Serve Cherry Turnovers with Almond Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and flavor, garnish your turnovers with a sprinkle of finely sliced almonds or a dusting of powdered sugar. These little touches add a lovely crunch and visual appeal, making these sweet treats even more tempting to dive into from the moment they hit the table.
Side Dishes
Serve your cherry turnovers alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to create a comforting dessert experience. For brunch, pair with a cup of rich coffee or a glass of sparkling wine to elevate the indulgence further.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by serving these turnovers on a wooden cutting board with fresh cherries scattered around, or arrange them on pretty dessert plates drizzled with extra almond glaze. You can also place a mint sprig on the side for a fresh aroma that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and nutty flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cherry turnovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them at their best, avoid stacking them while still warm to prevent sogginess. This way, they remain crisp and delicious for whenever you want a quick, sweet treat.
Freezing
These turnovers freeze exceptionally well! Place cooled turnovers in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When you want a taste of that cherry almond magic, just thaw and reheat for fresh-out-of-the-oven enjoyment.
Reheating
To bring your frozen or stored turnovers back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This method restores their flaky texture and reactivates the glaze’s wonderful aroma. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy and dull the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Just make sure to pit and chop the cherries, then cook them down with a bit of sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract to create a thickened filling similar to what canned pie filling offers. This will keep your turnovers from becoming too juicy and soggy.
What if I don’t have almond extract? Can I substitute it?
If almond extract isn’t on hand, vanilla extract is a great substitute. It provides a different but equally lovely flavor that pairs wonderfully with cherries and keeps the glaze and filling aromatic and sweet.
Is puff pastry difficult to work with for beginners?
Not at all! Puff pastry is surprisingly forgiving and incredibly easy when you follow simple steps like keeping it cold, not overworking the dough, and sealing the edges well. This Cherry Turnovers with Almond Glaze Recipe is perfect for anyone wanting to try their hand at pastry baking with minimal fuss.
Can I make these turnovers vegan?
Yes, you can! Use a vegan puff pastry and substitute the egg wash with a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk (brushed on for color). For the glaze, swap out milk for a non-dairy alternative to keep your turnovers just as delicious and allergy-friendly.
How long can I leave the turnovers at room temperature before serving?
These turnovers are best enjoyed within a few hours after glazing, especially if left at room temperature. If they sit out longer, the pastry can lose some of its crispness. Storing them in an airtight container helps maintain freshness if you need to wait to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Turnovers with Almond Glaze Recipe is truly a treasure for anyone who loves the wonderful combo of flaky pastry and sweet fruit filling finished with a luscious glaze. It’s straightforward to make, utterly delicious, and perfect for many occasions. Take a little time to bake these beauties, and you’ll be rewarded with smiles and satisfied taste buds—trust me, once you try them, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Cherry Turnovers with Almond Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cherry Turnovers are flaky, golden pastries filled with a sweet and tangy cherry filling, topped with a smooth almond glaze. Perfect for a delightful breakfast treat or a sweet snack, these turnovers combine the warmth of baked puff pastry with a luscious cherry center and a glossy sweet finish.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cherry pie filling
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract)
Pastry
- 1 box puff pastry dough (2 pastry sheets), thawed in the refrigerator
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
Glaze
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Set these aside for later use.
- Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry pie filling with brown sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract. Stir thoroughly until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is uniform. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of thawed puff pastry slightly. Cut it into six 4×4 inch squares and place these on one of the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Repeat this process with the second puff pastry sheet on the other baking sheet.
- Fill Pastry: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the cherry filling mixture onto the center of each pastry square. Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle and press the edges together with a fork to crimp and seal them well, ensuring no filling leaks during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the large egg in a small bowl. Lightly brush the tops of each turnover with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden-brown finish once baked.
- Bake: Bake the turnovers in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until they are golden-brown and puffy. Once done, carefully remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets.
- Prepare Glaze: While the turnovers cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract (or vanilla extract) in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Glaze the Turnovers: Drizzle the prepared glaze evenly over each cooled turnover. Allow the glaze to set before serving for a perfect finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is properly thawed to avoid cracking or breaking while handling.
- Seal the edges firmly with a fork to prevent the cherry filling from leaking during baking.
- The glaze can be adjusted with milk quantity to reach your preferred consistency — thicker for drizzle, thinner for a light coat.
- For a nut-free version, use vanilla extract instead of almond extract.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat turnovers in a toaster oven or regular oven to retain the crispiness before serving again.
