Homemade Cherry Turnovers

Homemade Cherry Turnovers

Introduction

Homemade cherry turnovers are delightful pastries that bring the sweet and tart flavor of cherries wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust. They are perfect for dessert or a tasty snack and can be made with fresh or frozen cherries. The beauty of making these turnovers at home is that you can control the ingredients and adjust the sweetness to your liking. They are not only delicious but also fun to make, making them a great project for both novice and seasoned bakers.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make homemade cherry turnovers. First and foremost, they taste great! The combination of the buttery crust and the sweet, juicy filling is simply irresistible. Making turnovers at home allows you to experiment with flavors, sweetness, and even the type of pastry you use. Additionally, homemade treats are often healthier than store-bought alternatives, as you can avoid preservatives and artificial ingredients. Plus, the satisfaction of creating something tasty from scratch is hard to beat!

How to Make Homemade Cherry Turnovers

Making cherry turnovers is a straightforward process that anyone can follow. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can have warm, fresh pastries ready to enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is vital for ensuring your turnovers bake evenly and get that lovely golden brown color.
2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt together. Cut in the chilled, diced butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This process coats the flour with butter, which is what makes the pastry flaky. Stir in enough ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture comes together to form a dough.
3. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough is formed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares, ideally about 4 inches on each side.
4. Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat while stirring gently. You want to cook this mixture until it thickens and bubbles, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This process helps to release the juices from the cherries and creates a delicious filling.
5. Assemble the Turnovers: Take one of the dough squares and spoon a generous amount of the cherry filling onto one half. Be careful not to overfill, or it will ooze out when baking. Fold the other half of the square over the filling to create a triangle. Use the fork to press down on the edges to seal them well. This helps to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
6. Add Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the turnovers with the beaten egg. This step gives them a beautiful golden color when baked and adds a nice sheen.
7. Bake: Place the sealed turnovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the turnovers cool slightly on a wire rack. If you like, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Enjoy them warm!

How to Serve Homemade Cherry Turnovers

Homemade cherry turnovers can be served in many delightful ways. They are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven. You could serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a special treat. Drizzling with chocolate sauce is also an option for those who want to add a touch of indulgence. For a brunch gathering, serving them with coffee or tea can create a lovely experience.

How to Store Homemade Cherry Turnovers

If you have leftovers, you can store homemade cherry turnovers to enjoy later. Allow the turnovers to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

Tips to Make Homemade Cherry Turnovers

• Keep Ingredients Cold: To achieve the flakiest pastry, make sure your butter is very cold when you start. You can even chill your flour beforehand if you like.
• Don’t Overstuff: It can be tempting to add more filling, but overstuffing can lead to spills during baking. A heaping tablespoon is usually sufficient per turnover.
• Experiment with Other Fruits: If cherries aren’t in season, feel free to try other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or apples. Just adjust the sugar according to the fruit’s sweetness.
• Add Spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor. Experiment with a little zest from lemon or orange for an added citrus kick.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper will make clean-up easier and prevent the turnovers from sticking.

Variation

While cherry is a classic filling for turnovers, feel free to explore different fruit options. You can create peach turnovers by replacing cherries with fresh, diced peaches. For a bit of a twist, consider mixing berries; for instance, a combination of raspberries and blueberries will give you a vibrant and flavorful filling. Adding nuts, like chopped almonds or walnuts, can also enhance the texture and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly fine! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess liquid in your filling.

2. How can I make the pastry healthier?

You can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Additionally, you can replace butter with a lighter option like coconut oil or use a butter alternative.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.

4. What can I do if the dough is too sticky?

If your dough becomes too sticky while working with it, sprinkle a little more flour on your surface and rolling pin. You can also chill the dough for a short time to make it easier to handle.

5. What if I don’t have cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute, although it may not thicken the filling quite as well. Use about double the amount of flour compared to cornstarch.

By following these simple steps and keeping a few handy tips in mind, you will soon master the art of making delicious homemade cherry turnovers. Enjoy the process and the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen. Happy baking!

Homemade Cherry Turnovers

Print Recipe

Delightful pastries filled with sweet and tart cherries wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust, perfect for dessert or a snack.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix the flour and salt together in a large bowl.
3. Cut in the chilled, diced butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in enough ice water until the mixture comes together to form a dough.
5. Roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness on a floured surface.
6. Cut the dough into squares, about 4 inches on each side.
7. Combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla in a saucepan. Cook until thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
8. Spoon a generous amount of filling onto one half of each dough square.
9. Fold the other half over and press the edges to seal.
10. Brush the tops with the beaten egg.
11. Bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
12. Cool slightly on a wire rack and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Best enjoyed warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 turnover
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: cherry turnovers, pastry, dessert, homemade dessert, baking