Quick Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to Love With Recipes, your ultimate destination for delectable, easy-to-make treats that bring joy to any occasion. Today, we are diving into the delightful world of quick cherry turnovers—an irresistible breakfast treat that combines the flaky crunch of puff pastry with the sweet, tart flavor of cherry pie filling. These turnovers are perfect for busy mornings when you crave something homemade but without the long wait. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to customize fillings and toppings to suit your preferences. Whether you’re preparing for a spontaneous brunch, a weekend family breakfast, or a quick snack, these cherry turnovers will satisfy your sweet tooth effortlessly. Let’s explore how to create these golden, luscious pastries from scratch, with detailed guidance on every step, ensuring you achieve bakery-quality results every time.

Time

The total time required to make these quick cherry turnovers encompasses preparation, baking, and icing. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Cooling and Icing: 5 minutes
• Total Estimated Time: Approximately 30 minutes

This makes it an ideal recipe for a spontaneous breakfast or a quick sweet snack without sacrificing flavor or presentation.

Needed Equipment

To ensure smooth execution of this recipe, gather the following equipment:

• Oven: A standard kitchen oven, preheated to 375°F (190°C)
• Baking Sheet: Preferably rimmed, lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mat for easy cleanup
• Rolling Pin: To unroll and evenly flatten the puff pastry if needed
• Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: To cut the puff pastry into squares
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients
• Mixing Bowls: For preparing the icing mixture
• Spoon or Piping Bag: For drizzling the icing over the baked turnovers
• Cooling Rack: To allow turnovers to cool slightly before icing
• Pastry Brush (optional): For brushing edges with egg wash if desired for a glossy finish

Tags

Sweet, Breakfast, Quick, Easy, Vegetarian, Baked, Pastry, Fruit, Snack, Family-Friendly, Homemade, No-Fuss

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately four generously sized cherry turnovers, each serving as a delightful breakfast or snack portion. Adjust servings based on your needs, or double the recipe for larger gatherings.

Difficulty Level

This is an easy-level recipe suitable for cooks of all skill levels, including beginners. The steps are straightforward, and the use of pre-made puff pastry drastically reduces preparation time while delivering professional-looking results.

Allergen Information

Note: For gluten-free options, substitute puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or phyllo dough, and ensure the icing ingredients are gluten-free.

Dietary Preference

Vegetarian. This recipe does not include any animal-derived ingredients aside from dairy in the icing, making it suitable for lacto-vegetarians. For vegan adaptations, replace dairy milk with plant-based milk (such as almond or coconut milk) and ensure the confectioners’ sugar is vegan-friendly.

Course

Breakfast, Brunch, Snack, Dessert

Cuisine

American, Homestyle, Pastry, Comfort Food

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Proper preheating is crucial to achieve evenly baked, golden turnovers. Place the oven rack in the center position for uniform heat distribution. While the oven heats, prepare your workspace and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment. This step typically takes about 10 minutes, giving you enough time to organize everything for the process ahead.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Carefully unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a clean, lightly floured surface. If the dough is frozen or slightly stuck, gently let it thaw at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before handling. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the sheet into four equal squares, each approximately 5×5 inches. This size provides ample space for filling while maintaining stability and ease of sealing. Handle the pastry gently to prevent tearing, especially around the edges. If the pastry becomes too warm or sticky, refrigerate it for a few minutes to firm up, making cutting and folding easier.

Step 3: Assemble the Turnovers

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. Place each square of puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for expansion. Spoon about ¼ cup of cherry pie filling onto the center of each square, ensuring you leave a border of about ½ inch around the edges. Proper filling placement is vital; overfilling can cause the filling to spill during baking, while underfilling might make the turnovers less satisfying. Use the back of a spoon to level the filling slightly, spreading it evenly within the square.

Step 4: Seal the Edges

To create a traditional turnover shape, fold each square diagonally to form a triangle, covering the filling. Align the corners precisely to avoid leakage. Gently press the edges together to seal the filling inside. For extra security, use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges, pressing down firmly around the perimeter. This not only prevents the filling from oozing out but also adds a decorative touch. If you prefer a different shape, like a rectangle or half-moon, fold accordingly and seal as desired. For a shiny, golden finish, lightly brush the edges with an egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a teaspoon of water), if you have it on hand, before baking.

Step 5: Bake the Turnovers

Place the assembled turnovers in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until they puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown. Baking times may vary depending on your oven’s calibration and the thickness of your pastry. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning. For consistent results, rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking. Once baked, remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Allow the turnovers to cool for about 5 minutes; this makes handling and icing easier and prevents the filling from running out.

Step 6: Prepare the Icing

While the turnovers are cooling, prepare the icing. In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until smooth and free of lumps. The consistency should be thick but pourable. If you desire a more intense flavor, add a few drops of almond extract. Adjust the thickness by adding a little more milk if too thick, or more sugar if too thin. The icing can be made in advance and stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 hours, or refrigerated for longer storage.

Step 7: Drizzle and Serve

Once the turnovers have cooled slightly, use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle the icing generously over the tops. The icing adds a sweet, glossy finish and enhances the visual appeal. For a more polished appearance, transfer the icing to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip and pipe delicate lines or patterns. Serve the turnovers warm or at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours or refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven or microwave if desired before serving.

Preparation Tips

• Handling Puff Pastry: Keep the puff pastry cold until ready to use. Warm pastry becomes sticky and difficult to work with, risking tearing or uneven sealing.
• Filling Variations: Feel free to substitute cherry pie filling with other options such as blueberry, apple, raspberry, or peach preserves for variety.
• Sealing Techniques: For extra security, brush the edges with egg wash before crimping. This helps the seal adhere better and gives a shiny, professional appearance.
• Customizing Icing: Add food coloring, lemon zest, or a splash of liqueur (like Grand Marnier) to customize the icing for special occasions.
• Serving Ideas: Pair these turnovers with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a side of fresh fruit for an elevated breakfast or dessert experience.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Chill the Pastry: Keep the puff pastry refrigerated until just before assembling to maintain its flakiness.
• Seal Properly: Ensure edges are well sealed to prevent filling leakage during baking. Use a fork to crimp for a decorative finish.
• Customize Fillings: Experiment with different fruit fillings or add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a twist.
• Adjust Sweetness: Modify the icing sugar amount to suit your preferred level of sweetness.
• Presentation: Dust with extra powdered sugar or serve with fresh fruit for a beautiful presentation.

Add-ons

• Whipped cream or mascarpone for serving alongside
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish
• Chocolate drizzle or sprinkles for a festive touch
• Layered fillings, such as cream cheese or custard, combined with fruit filling

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad
• Yogurt parfaits
• Light breakfast sausages or bacon
• Granola and nuts for added crunch

Improvements

• Use homemade puff pastry for an even flakier, more flavorful result.
• Add a hint of citrus zest (lemon or orange) to the icing for a bright flavor contrast.
• Incorporate a splash of liqueur into the filling for an adult twist.
• Make larger turnovers for a more substantial breakfast or dessert portion.
• Experiment with different toppings such as streusel or chopped nuts before baking.

Save and Store

Leftover turnovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours or refrigerated for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes or microwave briefly until warm. To freeze, individually wrap cooled turnovers in plastic wrap and store in a resealable freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before reheating for best results.

FAQ

Can I make these turnovers ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before baking. Just bring them to room temperature for a few minutes before placing in the oven.

Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will yield an even flakier, richer result, but it requires more time and effort. Follow a standard puff pastry recipe for best results.

Is it possible to make these vegan?

Yes, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based options—use vegan puff pastry, plant-based milk, and vegan confectioners’ sugar. Verify all ingredients are vegan-friendly.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Fresh cherries can be used; however, they need to be cooked down with sugar and thickener (like cornstarch) to mimic the consistency of pie filling. This adds a little extra prep time.

Conclusion

These quick cherry turnovers are a testament to the magic of combining simple ingredients into a treat that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. Their flaky exterior, juicy cherry filling, and sweet icing make them a crowd-pleaser for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes of effort, you can create a warm, inviting homemade pastry that rivals bakery offerings. Perfectly suited for those busy mornings or when spontaneous guests arrive, these turnovers are guaranteed to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Remember, at Love With Recipes, we believe that great food doesn’t have to be complicated—just delicious and made with love.

References

• Food Network: Basic Puff Pastry Recipe
• Joy of Baking: Fruit Filling Techniques