Irresistible Bing Cherry Turnovers: A Taste of Nostalgia in Every Flaky Bite

There are certain flavors that instantly transport us back to cherished moments. For me, that flavor is undeniably Bing cherries. Every visit to my husband’s parents in scenic New Jersey begins with a delightful ritual: his mother, with a sparkle in her eye, retrieves a generously sized bag of fresh Bing cherries from the fridge. A small dish is set out for the pits, and we find ourselves leaning against the kitchen counters, sharing stories and laughter, savouring the sweet, succulent fruit. It’s a simple pleasure, yet it’s woven into the fabric of our family gatherings, creating a warm, lasting memory.

Living in California, I hadn’t often come across fresh Bing cherries at my local grocery store, making these New Jersey moments all the more special. So, imagine my absolute delight last week when I spotted them, vibrant and plump, offered at an incredible $1.99 per pound! The sight of them immediately brought back those fond memories, but this time, my mind wasn’t on just snacking. A delicious vision began to form: a baked breakfast treat, a warm embrace of sweet Bing cherry compote nestled within golden, flaky pastry. The thought alone was enough to make my mouth water and ignite my baking spirit.

The Allure of Bing Cherries: A Seasonal Delight

Bing cherries are more than just a fruit; they are a symbol of summer’s bounty. Known for their deep, dark red color, firm texture, and intensely sweet flavor with just a hint of tartness, they are a true delight. Their peak season is relatively short, typically from late spring through mid-summer, making their appearance in stores a cause for celebration. While they are exceptional eaten fresh, their robust flavor and vibrant hue also make them an outstanding choice for baking, transforming simple desserts into something truly extraordinary.

Choosing the Perfect Bing Cherries

When selecting Bing cherries for your turnovers or any recipe, look for fruit that is firm, plump, and has a deep, uniform color. Avoid any cherries that are bruised, soft, or shriveled. The stems should ideally be green and attached, indicating freshness. Fresh cherries should have a natural sheen and a sweet aroma. A good rule of thumb is to buy them close to when you plan to use them, as they don’t ripen further after being picked. Store them unwashed in the refrigerator in a loose bag or container until ready to use, typically for up to a week.

Beyond the Snack Bowl: Culinary Versatility

While the simple act of popping fresh Bing cherries into your mouth is a pure joy, their culinary applications extend far beyond. They lend themselves beautifully to a variety of dishes, from savory glazes for meats to refreshing salads. However, it’s in the realm of desserts that they truly shine. Pies, tarts, clafoutis, and especially compotes, are elevated by their unique flavor profile. The warmth of baking often intensifies their sweetness and brings out their juiciness, making them an ideal candidate for a comforting baked treat.

Crafting the Perfect Cherry Compote: The Heart of Your Turnovers

The foundation of these magnificent turnovers is a luscious Bing cherry compote. What might sound fancy is actually a cinch to whip up, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. The process involves gently simmering the pitted cherries with a touch of orange juice, which brightens the fruit’s natural flavor, and granulated sugar, enhancing their inherent sweetness. A small amount of cornstarch mixed with water acts as a thickening agent, ensuring the compote achieves that perfect, gooey consistency that oozes beautifully without being watery.

The Secret to a Silky Smooth Filling

Making the compote starts with combining the fresh, pitted Bing cherries with orange juice and sugar in a heavy-bottomed pot. The mixture is then heated over medium heat and allowed to simmer gently for about ten minutes. During this time, the cherries soften slightly, releasing their juices and mingling with the other ingredients to create a fragrant, ruby-red liquid. The cornstarch slurry, made by dissolving cornstarch in a small amount of water, is the key to thickening. It’s added gradually to the simmering cherries, stirring constantly, until the compote achieves a lovely, spoonable thickness that will hold up beautifully inside the puff pastry. This simple step ensures that each bite of turnover is filled with a rich, perfectly textured cherry goodness, not a runny mess.

Mastering the Flaky Puff Pastry Turnovers

Once the aromatic cherry compote is ready, the next step is perhaps the most exciting: assembling the turnovers. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, largely thanks to the use of store-bought puff pastry dough. This culinary shortcut doesn’t compromise on taste or texture; in fact, it ensures a consistently flaky, golden result with minimal fuss. Puff pastry, with its myriad of buttery layers, is the perfect vehicle for the warm cherry filling, creating a delightful contrast between the crisp exterior and the soft, fruity interior.

Simplicity Meets Elegance with Puff Pastry

Puff pastry is a baker’s best friend, especially when time is of the essence but an impressive result is desired. Its laminated structure, created by countless layers of butter and dough, expands dramatically in the oven, producing an incredibly light and airy texture. For these turnovers, a single sheet of thawed puff pastry is all you need. Thawing it properly in the refrigerator beforehand is crucial; it should be pliable but still cold enough to handle without becoming sticky. This ease of use makes crafting elegant pastries accessible to home bakers of all skill levels, allowing you to focus on the delicious filling rather than complex dough preparation.

Step-by-Step Assembly for Golden Perfection

The assembly process is straightforward. First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure a quick and even bake for that desirable golden crust. Using a sharp knife or a pastry wheel, carefully cut the thawed puff pastry sheet into four equal squares. In a small bowl, whisk together one large egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash – this will be used to seal the edges and give the pastries a beautiful golden sheen. Brush this egg wash around the perimeter of each pastry square. Then, place a generous tablespoon of the prepared cherry compote into the center of each square, making sure not to overfill, as this could lead to spillage during baking.

To form the turnovers, carefully fold one corner of the pastry square over to meet the opposite corner, creating a triangle. Gently press the edges together to seal them, and then use the tines of a fork to crimp and reinforce the seams, adding a decorative touch while preventing the filling from escaping. Once formed, arrange the turnovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. A crucial step for achieving maximum flakiness is to chill the assembled turnovers in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This helps solidify the butter in the puff pastry, leading to a more pronounced lift and flakiness when baked. After chilling, mix a teaspoon or two of milk or cream with the remaining egg wash and brush it over the tops and sides of each turnover for an even richer color. Make one or two small slits on the top of each turnover with a sharp knife – this allows steam to escape, preventing the pastry from bursting. Finally, sprinkle a bit of granulated or raw sugar over the tops for a sparkling finish and a delightful crunchy texture.

Why These Bing Cherry Turnovers Will Be Your New Favorite Treat

From the moment they emerge from the oven, golden brown and fragrant, these Bing Cherry Turnovers are pure bliss. Each bite is a journey of textures and flavors that captivates the senses. The warmth of the juicy, cooked cherries, softened and sweetened into a delectable compote, gently oozes out from the flaky layers of pastry. The pastry itself provides a satisfying crackle as it’s devoured, a testament to its perfect crispness and buttery richness. It’s truly a heavenly experience, a testament to the simple magic that happens when fresh, seasonal fruit meets classic baking techniques.

A Symphony of Textures and Flavors

The beauty of these turnovers lies in their harmonious contrast. The exterior is incredibly crisp and airy, shattering delicately with each bite, revealing the tender, warm interior. The compote itself is a marvel – not too sweet, allowing the natural tartness and fruity notes of the Bing cherries to shine through, balanced beautifully by the subtle citrus hint from the orange juice. This combination of rich, sweet-tart fruit with the delicate, savory pastry creates an addictive treat that is both comforting and sophisticated. They are perfect for those moments when you crave something special, yet don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether served warm for a leisurely breakfast, as an elegant addition to a brunch spread, a comforting afternoon tea snack, or a delightful dessert after dinner, these Bing Cherry Turnovers fit every occasion. Their individual portion size makes them easy to serve and enjoy, and their impressive appearance belies their simple preparation. Imagine starting your weekend with a cup of coffee and one of these golden beauties, or surprising guests with a tray of freshly baked pastries. They are guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy any sweet craving.

Tips for Success and Variations

To ensure your Bing Cherry Turnovers turn out perfectly every time, a few tips can make all the difference. Always ensure your puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold when you work with it; this prevents stickiness and helps maintain those crucial layers. Don’t skip the chilling step for the assembled turnovers, as it’s vital for maximizing flakiness. For an extra touch of flavor, a tiny pinch of almond extract or a dash of cinnamon can be added to the cherry compote, complementing the cherries beautifully. If Bing cherries aren’t available, other stone fruits like sour cherries (adjust sugar accordingly), peaches, or even mixed berries can be used, creating new and exciting flavor profiles.

Ingredient Substitutions and Enhancements

While Bing cherries are stellar, this recipe is adaptable. If you can only find frozen cherries, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to prevent a watery compote. For a different citrus note, lemon juice can substitute for orange juice. A sprinkle of lemon zest in the compote also adds a lovely brightness. For those who enjoy a hint of spice, a small pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the cherry flavor. You could even add a few drops of almond extract for a classic cherry-almond pairing. For a glazed finish, after baking and cooling slightly, a simple drizzle of powdered sugar mixed with a tiny bit of milk or lemon juice makes for a beautiful and extra-sweet topping.

Storage and Reheating

These turnovers are best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven. However, if you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to four days. To regain some of their original crispness, reheat them gently in a toaster oven or a regular oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the pastry re-crisps. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.

Bing Cherry Turnovers

Yield:
4

Ingredients

1 pound fresh Bing cherries, rinsed and pitted
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2-3 tsp. cornstarch
2 tsp. water (for cornstarch slurry)
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 large egg
1 Tbsp. water (for egg wash)
2 tsp. milk or cream
1-2 Tbsp. granulated or raw sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

Place the cherries, orange juice, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar into a heavy-bottomed pot and heat over medium heat. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cherries soften slightly and release their juices.
While the compote simmers, mix the cornstarch and 2 tsp. of water together in a small bowl until smooth to create a slurry. Once the compote has cooked, slowly add the cornstarch slurry a bit at a time while stirring continuously. Continue to simmer for 1 minute, or until the compote thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Preheat your oven to 425° F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, carefully unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet. Using a sharp knife or pastry wheel, cut the puff pastry into 4 equal squares.
In a small bowl, beat the large egg and 1 Tbsp. water together until smooth to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, apply the egg wash around the perimeter of each puff pastry square.
Place about a tablespoon (or a bit more, depending on square size) of the cooled cherry compote into the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill.
Fold the dough over to create a triangle, matching up the tips of the square. Gently press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to press the seams together firmly, creating a decorative edge and ensuring a good seal.
Carefully transfer the turnovers onto your lined baking tray. Place the tray in the refrigerator and chill the turnovers for 10 minutes. This step helps the pastry retain its flakiness during baking.
Once the turnovers are cold, mix the 2 tsp. of milk or cream with any remaining egg wash. Brush the top and sides of the turnovers generously with this egg wash. With a sharp knife, make 1 or 2 small openings (slits) on the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape. Sprinkle the tops with 1-2 Tbsp. of granulated or raw sugar for a beautiful crunch and shine.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the turnovers are beautifully golden brown and puffed up. Once done, transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving, as the compote will be very hot.
Enjoy these warm, flaky, and absolutely delicious Bing Cherry Turnovers!

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As quickly as those golden turnovers were baked and enjoyed, so too were most of my precious Bing cherries. The ephemeral joy of devouring them, warm and flaky, was exquisite. Now, with an empty fruit bowl and a fresh batch of cherished memories, it’s time to embark on another trip to the grocery store. This time, however, a small victory has been won in my kitchen; the sweet satisfaction of creating something beautiful and delicious. And while a few more cherries will certainly find their way into another delightful recipe, many will be destined for their original, simple purpose: to be savored fresh, one by one, evoking those precious kitchen counter conversations with family.