Delightful Cherry Cream Turnovers
These Delightful Cherry Cream Turnovers are a perfect summer treat, bursting with the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh Bing cherries encased in a buttery, flaky crust. Inspired by a classic recipe from Country Living Magazine, these turnovers are easy to make and are sure to impress family and friends alike. With hints of ginger and lemon zest enhancing the cherry filling, these pastries are not only a delightful dessert but also fantastic as a sweet breakfast or snack. The dough can also be used as a versatile pie crust for other fruit fillings, making it a must-have recipe in your baking repertoire!
N/A
Servings
167
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 cups (measured)
granulated sugar
1/2 cup (measured)
crystallized ginger
3 tablespoons (chopped)
salt
1 teaspoon (measured)
unsalted butter
3/4 cup (cold, cubed)
cream cheese
4 ounces (softened)
ice water
3-4 tablespoons (chilled)
Bing cherries
1 lb (pitted and halved)
lemon zest
1 tablespoon (finely grated)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (measured)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Dough: In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine the flour, granulated sugar, chopped crystallized ginger, and salt. Pulse until the ingredients are well blended. Next, add the unsalted butter and cream cheese, pulsing until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
2
With the processor running, slowly add ice water, and mix just until the dough begins to come together. Gather the dough, shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
3
Prepare the Filling: While the dough is chilling, mix the pitted and halved Bing cherries with the lemon zest, lemon juice, cornstarch, and additional salt in a medium bowl. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Assemble the Turnovers: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a 6-inch round cutter to cut out circles. Gather and chill the scraps to cut out additional circles until 15 total are made.
5
Spoon an even amount of cherry filling onto each dough circle. Dampen the edges of the dough with water, then fold each circle in half to encase the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal them tightly.
6
Chill the assembled turnovers on parchment-lined baking sheets for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
7
Bake: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Before baking, use a sharp knife to cut 2 or 3 small slits in the top of each turnover for steam vents. Bake in the middle of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cherry juices bubble out of the vents.
8
Cool: Allow the turnovers to cool on a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
19g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Delightful Cherry Cream Turnovers?
They are a sweet summer pastry featuring fresh Bing cherries encased in a flaky, buttery crust made with cream cheese and hints of ginger.
What type of cherries are recommended for this recipe?
Fresh Bing cherries are the recommended choice for their sweet and juicy flavor profile.
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but ensure they are thawed and well-drained to avoid excess liquid in the filling.
What makes the crust for these turnovers special?
The crust uses a combination of unsalted butter and cream cheese, along with chopped crystallized ginger, for a unique texture and flavor.
How long should I chill the dough before rolling it out?
The dough should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Why is crystallized ginger included in the dough?
The crystallized ginger adds a subtle spice and sweetness that complements the cherry filling.
What is the ideal thickness for the rolled-out dough?
The dough should be rolled out to approximately 1/8 inch thick.
How many turnovers does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 15 turnovers using a 6-inch round cutter.
How do I properly seal the turnovers?
Dampen the edges of the dough circles with water, fold them over the filling, and press the edges with a fork to seal.
Is it necessary to chill the turnovers after they are assembled?
Yes, chilling the assembled turnovers for 30 minutes helps the crust firm up, ensuring a better texture when baked.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
How do I prevent the turnovers from bursting in the oven?
Cut 2 or 3 small slits in the top of each turnover before baking to act as steam vents.
How long do these turnovers need to bake?
Bake them for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
How do I know when the turnovers are finished baking?
They are done when the crust is golden and cherry juices begin to bubble out of the vents.
What is the calorie count for one turnover?
Each turnover contains approximately 167 calories.
Can I substitute the lemon zest and juice?
While lemon adds a necessary brightness, you could use orange zest and juice for a different citrus profile.
How should I store leftover turnovers?
Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.
Can these turnovers be served warm?
Yes, they are delicious served warm, but they should be allowed to cool slightly on a wire rack first.
Can I make the dough without a food processor?
Yes, you can use a pastry blender or two knives to cut the butter and cream cheese into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal.
What can I use if I don't have a 6-inch round cutter?
You can use a small plate or a bowl of similar size as a template to cut your dough circles.
Is this dough suitable for other types of pies?
Absolutely! This versatile dough can be used as a crust for various other fruit fillings.
Why is cornstarch used in the cherry filling?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the cherry juices so the filling doesn't become too runny.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough can be made and kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
Are these turnovers suitable for breakfast?
Yes, they make a fantastic sweet breakfast or snack option.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a classic pastry recipe from Country Living Magazine.
Can I use a different type of fruit besides cherries?
Yes, you can substitute other fruits like blueberries, blackberries, or chopped peaches using the same method.
How much fat is in each turnover?
Each serving contains 10g of fat.
Why must the butter be cold when making the dough?
Cold butter creates small pockets of steam during baking, which results in a flaky crust.
What should I do with the dough scraps?
Gather the scraps, chill them briefly, and roll them out again to cut more circles until you reach 15 total.
Can I freeze the turnovers before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked turnovers; bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.