Cherry Turnovers

Cherry Turnovers with puff pastry are flaky, golden delicious pastries filled with a burst of cherry pie filling. Recipe makes 4 puff pastry turnovers that can be baked in the oven or in the air fryer.

About two weeks ago, I picked tart cherries from a local farm. Last year the freeze destroyed their crop but this year? No freeze means cherries for DAYS.

In fact the trees were so plentiful, I accidentally picked 7 pounds instead of my usual 5 pounds. Whoops.

Originally I was going to make my mini cherry pies, but then a massive heat wave hit. No way am I turning on my oven while it’s over 90 degrees outside.

I mean, there’s always sour cherry jam, but I wanted to make something for dessert first.

Then I noticed a box of puff pastry in my freezer. I got it! I can make Cherry Turnovers with puff pastry!

And instead of my oven, I’ll make air fryer turnovers.

Don’t worry! I provide instructions for both baking and air frying them. You can decide which method is best considering the weather outside.

Much like my blueberry turnovers, apple turnovers, and peach turnovers, they’re flaky, golden brown pastries filled with homemade cherry pie filling.

Instead of using small pie crust for the dough, I used puff pastry. That way you have crunchy, flaky layers in every bite.

Plus all you have to do is unfold already-made dough and let it thaw slightly before using.

Then you drizzle a vanilla glaze over top for just the right amount of sweetness before diving in.

Ingredients for Cherry Turnovers

To make your cherry turnover recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Puff pastry: You can find puff pastry in the freezer section near frozen pie crust (not to be confused with phyllo dough). Or try your hand at making homemade puff pastry from Baking A Moment.
• Cherry pie filling: I always opt for homemade cherry pie filling, but you can also use canned.
• Egg: Brushing your turnovers with an egg wash helps make them golden brown and ensures the cinnamon sugar sticks to the outside. Since you’ll likely have egg leftover, I like to use the remaining for dredging buffalo chicken tacos.
• Cinnamon sugar: Cherry pie always taste better with cinnamon and sugar.
• Vanilla glaze: A touch of sweetness you don’t want to skip!

Can you substitute other fruit for the cherry?

Yes, you can use other fruit for the filling, such as apple pie filling, blueberry pie filling, or peach pie filling.

I even use Nutella and bananas. Spread about 2 tablespoons Nutella in the center, top with a few slices of bananas, and enjoy!

How To Make Cherry Turnovers

Making puff pastry cherry turnovers is easy!

1. Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a 10×10 square then cut into 4 equal squares.
2. Brush the edge of one square with egg wash then add 2 tablespoons pie filling to the middle.
3. Take one corner and fold it diagonally, forming a triangle. Press the edges together to seal then place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining squares.
4. Cut 3 slits into each turnover to allow steam to escape.
5. Brush with the beaten egg for an egg wash then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
6. Bake at 400F for 18-20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown or air fry at 400F for 10 minutes, flip, then another 5 minutes.

Due to the nature of puff pastry, homemade cherry turnovers with puff pastry are best eaten the same day. However, you can store extras in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Although delicious on their own, you can also serve puff pastry turnovers with vanilla bean ice cream or homemade whipped cream.

How To Make Glaze For Turnovers

Once your puff pastry cherry turnovers are completely cool, it’s time to make your turnover glaze.

It’s very similar to making my Bundt cake glaze but without the butter:

1. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. If it’s too thick, add a touch more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more sugar.
2. Drizzle over your turnovers then let harden before serving.

How To Freeze Puff Pastry Turnovers

Not going to eat all of your cherry turnovers at once? Great news – you can freeze them!
There are three ways you can freeze turnovers:

1. Assemble your turnovers but before brushing with an egg wash.
2. After fully baking but before adding the glaze.
3. After glazing the turnovers (although the glaze may become a bit sticky after thawing from the excess moisture).

Whichever one you choose, the method is the same. Place your puff pastry turnovers on a tray or plate in a single layer.

Freeze for about 1 hour or until firm. This ensures they won’t stick to each other.

Transfer to a freezer-safe plastic bag then freeze for up to 2 months.

When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight.

More Cherry Recipes

Since you’ll like have cherries leftover, here are more cherry pie filling desserts:

• Cherry Cobbler Bars
• Cherry Pie Ice Cream
• Cherry Crumble Pie