Super Simple Cherry Turnovers
When it comes to creating impressive desserts with minimal effort, few things rival the versatility and convenience of store-bought puff pastry. A product after my own heart, it makes it look like you worked all afternoon picking buckets of cherries when really you just ran to the grocery store in your pajamas. Imagine flaky layers of puff pastry enveloping sweet-tart cherries, all without the fuss of preparing filling from scratch.
This is the kind of recipe that feels impressive enough for brunch guests, but easy enough for a weekday treat. Whether you need a quick dessert, an easy breakfast pastry, or a fun way to use cherry pie filling, these homemade cherry turnovers deliver every time.
If you’d rather make the filling from scratch, use our Cherry Pie Filling recipe with fresh or frozen cherries for an extra special version.
Why You’ll Love These Cherry Turnovers
These easy cherry turnovers are popular for good reason:
- Ready with just a few simple ingredients
- Uses convenient frozen puff pastry
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or snacks
- Flaky, buttery texture with sweet cherry filling
- Great for holidays, potlucks, summer cherry season, and just feeling like you’ve got it all together
If you’re planning a cherry-themed brunch table, or just really craving cherry, pair these turnovers with our Cherry Coffee Cake for another easy fruit-filled favorite.
Ingredients for Cherry Turnovers
- 1 package (about 1 pound) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed according to package directions
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling, if you’re feeling ambitious, try our super simple cherry pie filling recipe using fresh cherries. But if not, canned pie filling tastes good too!
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Optional powdered sugar glaze for topping
How to Make Cherry Turnovers
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, unfold one thawed puff pastry sheet.
Cut into 4 equal squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
3. Add the Filling
Spoon about 1 tablespoon cherry pie filling onto one half of each square, leaving a small border around the edges.
Do not overfill, or the filling may leak while baking.
4. Fold and Seal
Fold pastry over filling to create a triangle.
Press edges firmly with a fork to seal. Repeat with remaining pastry and filling.
5. Add Egg Wash
Transfer turnovers to prepared baking sheet.
Brush tops with beaten egg for a shiny golden finish.
Use a knife to cut a few small slits on top of each turnover so steam can escape.
6. Bake
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Cool on a wire rack for several minutes before serving.
7. Finish and Serve
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze before serving.
Tips for the Best Cherry Turnovers
Keep Puff Pastry Cold
Cold pastry creates the flakiest layers. If it becomes soft, chill it for a few minutes before baking.
Don’t Overfill
Too much filling can leak out and burn on the pan.
Use Parchment Paper
This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Serve Warm
These turnovers are especially delicious served warm with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- Hot coffee
- A homemade iced latte topped with our Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam
Easy Variations
Homemade Cherry Turnovers
Use your Cherry Pie Filling recipe instead of canned filling.
Cream Cheese Cherry Turnovers
Add 1 teaspoon sweetened cream cheese (Philadelphia brown sugar cinnamon cream cheese is amazing in these!) before adding cherries.
Mini Cherry Turnovers
Cut pastry into smaller squares for bite-sized pastries.
Mixed Berry Turnovers
Try blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry filling. If you love blueberry desserts, our Blueberry Lemon Dump Cake is another easy crowd-pleaser worth trying.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cherry turnovers ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble them, refrigerate, and bake fresh when ready.
Can I freeze cherry turnovers?
Yes. Freeze unbaked turnovers on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Can I use fresh cherries?
Absolutely. Homemade filling made with fresh cherries works beautifully here. Your Cherry Pie Filling recipe is perfect for this.
Why did my turnovers leak?
Usually from overfilling or not sealing edges tightly enough.
A Sweet Little Shortcut Worth Making
With the convenience of canned cherry pie filling and store-bought puff pastry, you’ve effortlessly created delicious cherry turnovers that are perfect for any occasion. They LOOK like you worked hard when really the hardest part of this recipe is remembering where your grocery store stocks the puff pastry sheets. Whether enjoyed as a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert, these turnovers capture the essence of cherries in a flaky, golden package. Embrace the simplicity and enjoy the homemade taste with every bite, proving that delightful pastries don’t have to be complicated to be absolutely scrumptious. And hey, feel free to tell everyone it’s homemade because technically they are right??
Super Simple Cherry Turnovers
Ingredients
- 1 pkg store bought puff pastry sheets
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 egg
- powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Unfold one sheet of thawed pastry. Cut into four equal squares.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling onto one half of each square.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to create a triangle shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
- Transfer turnovers to baking sheet and brush with beaten egg.
- Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until turnovers are golden brown.
- Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with powdered sugar icing.
