There is something truly nostalgic about a warm cherry turnover. That crisp, shatteringly flaky crust paired with a tart, gooey center is a combination that never goes out of style. Whether you are looking for a quick brunch addition or a late-night treat, these Easy Cherry Turnovers are about to become your new go-to.

This post is sponsored by Northwest Cherries.

The best part? We’ve lightened up the filling using a zero-calorie sweetener, so you get all the deep, jammy flavor of the cherries without the sugar!

If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy this incredible stone fruit, check out some of our favorite cherry recipes. For a savory twist, try our Cherry Glazed Salmon, which uses the fruit’s natural tartness to create a sophisticated dinner, or toss together a Steak and Arugula Salad with Cherries for a fresh, nutrient-packed lunch.

If you have extra cherries on hand, you can whip up a batch of Homemade Cherry Preserves to use for future bakes. You can even start your morning with a refreshing Iced Vanilla Cherry Matcha Latte. Whether you are craving something sweet or savory, these recipes prove that cherries are the ultimate versatile ingredient for any recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal Ingredients: Just a few staples and puff pastry and the star of the recipe, cherries.
• Two Ways to Bake: Use the Air Fryer for a 12-minute “quick fix” or the oven for a classic golden bake.
• Better-Than-Bakery Flavor: The secret is the almond extract in the glaze. It makes the cherry flavor absolutely pop.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Puff Pastry: You’ll need one package (2 sheets). Make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best results.
• Cherries: You can use fresh or frozen cherries.
• Purecane Sweetener: This keeps the recipe keto-friendly and lower in calories.
• Cornstarch: Essential for that thick, pie-like filling.
• The Glaze: A simple mix of powdered sugar, heavy cream, and almond extract.

Substitutions & Variations

• The Sweetener: If you don’t have Purecane, you can substitute 1:1 with granulated sugar or monk fruit.
• The Glaze: If you want to skip the powdered sugar, a simple drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a dusting of cinnamon sugar is delicious.
• The Fruit: You can mix in other fruits to enhance the flavors or to use what you have on hand.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pile on the cherries, but 1 to 2 tablespoons is plenty. If you overfill, the steam will burst the seams during baking.
2. Seal It Tight: Use the tines of a fork to “crimp” the edges. This isn’t just for looks. It locks the juice inside.
3. Cool the Filling: Let your cherry mixture cool for at least 10 minutes before putting it on the dough. If the filling is too hot, it will melt the butter in the puff pastry. And you’ll lose those flaky layers.

How to Make Easy Cherry Turnovers

Step 1: Simmer the Cherry Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine your pitted frozen cherries, Purecane sweetener, cornstarch, and a small splash of water. Place the pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. As it heats up, the cherries will break down slightly, and the juices will simmer and thicken into a gorgeous, glossy, pie-like filling.

Once thick, remove it from the heat.

Related: Homemade Cherry Pie Filling and Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Filling

Step 2: Cut the Puff Pastry

While the filling cools, gently unroll your thawed puff pastry sheets onto a lightly floured surface. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice each sheet into four equal squares, giving you eight pastry squares total.

Step 3: Fill and Fold

Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of your cooled cherry filling right into the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill them, or the steam will cause them to burst open! Gently, grab one corner of the square and fold it over diagonally to meet the opposite corner, creating a triangle shape.

Step 4: Seal and Prep for Baking

Take the tines of a fork and firmly press down along the open edges to crimp them shut. This locks all those delicious juices inside. Finally, cut a tiny slit in the top of each turnover so steam can escape, and brush the tops lightly with a simple beaten egg wash for that classic bakery glow.

Step 5: Bake or Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Now, choose your favorite baking adventure:

• The Air Fryer Method: Arrange the turnovers in a single layer in your air fryer basket, working in batches if needed. Fry at 350°F for about 12 minutes until beautifully puffed and golden brown.
• The Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, arrange your turnovers, and bake for about 25 minutes until flaky and deeply golden.

Step 6: Whisk the Almond Glaze

While your turnovers are cooling on a wire rack, it’s time to whip up the magic. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, and a splash of almond extract until it creates a completely smooth, velvety glaze.

Step 7: Drizzle and Serve!

Drizzle that sweet almond glaze generously over the warm cherry turnovers. Serve them while they’re fresh, crisp, and warm. Enjoy every single flaky bite!

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

If you happen to have any left, here is how to keep them fresh:

• To Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• To Reheat: We suggest to avoid the microwave. It makes the pastry soggy! Instead, pop them back in the Air Fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes or the oven for 5 minutes. They will crisp right back up to their original glory.

Why We Love & Trust Northwest Cherries

Founded in 1947, the Northwest Cherry Growers is a growers’ organization used to increase awareness and consumption. The organization is dedicated to the promotion, education, market development and research of cherries from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana orchards.

Their passion and commitment to their cherry growers allows them to collectively spread awareness of seasonality, health benefits, and the importance of consumption. They truly believe that cherries are more than a treat. They boast an abundance of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals making them a true superfruit. To learn more, visit nwcherries.com

More Sweet Cherry Recipes

• Cherry Limeade
• Homemade Cherry Danishes
• Cherry Clafoutis
• Whipped Cherry Goat Cheese
• Fresh Cherry & Lime Slushie
• Cherry Yogurt Bark

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