Every year on August 28, pastry lovers have a delicious reason to celebrate one of the bakery case’s sweetest classics: National Cherry Turnover Day.
Golden, flaky pastry wrapped around a warm cherry filling is a combination that’s difficult to resist. Add a drizzle of vanilla glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar, and the humble cherry turnover becomes a treat worthy of its own celebration.
Cherry turnovers can be enjoyed in almost any setting. They’re just as welcome alongside a morning cup of coffee as they are warmed up and topped with vanilla ice cream after dinner. They’re portable, easy to share, relatively simple to make at home, and filled with the familiar sweet-tart flavor of cherries.
National Cherry Turnover Day gives us an opportunity to appreciate this classic pastry, learn a little about turnovers and cherries, bake a homemade batch, and—most importantly—enjoy something delicious.
What Is National Cherry Turnover Day?
National Cherry Turnover Day is observed annually on August 28 as a celebration of cherry turnovers.
Like many food holidays, the origins of the observance aren’t especially well documented. But you don’t need a complicated history to appreciate the idea behind it.
It’s simply a day to put the spotlight on a beloved pastry.
Cherry turnovers combine two longtime favorites: fruit-filled desserts and flaky pastry.
The concept is simple. Cherry filling is placed on pastry dough, the dough is folded over the filling, the edges are sealed, and everything is baked until the pastry becomes crisp, flaky, and golden.
The finished turnover is easy to hold, easy to serve, and very easy to enjoy.
What Exactly Is a Turnover?
A turnover is a type of filled pastry created by placing a filling onto a piece of dough and folding the dough over itself.
The edges are then sealed so that the filling remains inside while the pastry cooks.
Turnovers can be baked or fried, depending on the recipe and tradition.
They can also be either sweet or savory.
Sweet turnovers commonly feature fillings such as:
- Cherry
- Apple
- Blueberry
- Peach
- Raspberry
- Strawberry
- Lemon
- Cream cheese
- Chocolate
Savory versions might contain meat, cheese, vegetables, potatoes, or combinations of several ingredients.
The cherry turnover, however, is all about that beautiful contrast between rich pastry and bright fruit filling.
Why Are They Called Turnovers?
The name describes the preparation.
After the filling is placed onto the dough, one portion of the pastry is turned over the filling.
It’s a simple technique that creates a convenient pastry pocket.
Depending on the shape of the original dough, turnovers may be triangular, rectangular, half-moon-shaped, or square.
Triangular turnovers made from square pieces of puff pastry are especially common today.
The Long Tradition of Filled Pastries
Although it’s difficult to identify one exact moment when the modern turnover was invented, filled pastries have been enjoyed in different forms for centuries.
The basic concept is practical.
Place something delicious inside dough, seal it, cook it, and you’ve created food that is relatively easy to carry and serve.
Cultures around the world developed their own versions of filled dough and pastry, both sweet and savory.
Some were made for meals. Others eventually became desserts.
As baking techniques evolved and refined pastry dough became more widely available, fruit-filled pastries became increasingly familiar.
Apples, berries, peaches, and cherries were natural choices for sweet fillings because fruit could be cooked with sugar and spices to create rich, flavorful mixtures.
The modern cherry turnover continues that long tradition.
Why Cherries Are Perfect for Turnovers
There are plenty of delicious fruit fillings, but cherries bring something special to pastry.
Cherries can be both sweet and tart.
That little bit of acidity helps balance the richness of buttery pastry and sugary glaze.
When cherries are cooked, they soften and release their juices. Combined with sugar and a thickener, they create a glossy filling that works beautifully inside pastry.
The combination delivers several textures and flavors at once:
Crispy pastry.
Flaky layers.
Soft fruit.
Sweet filling.
A slight tartness.
Creamy glaze, if you add it.
That contrast is a big part of what makes cherry turnovers so satisfying.
Puff Pastry Makes the Magic Happen
Many modern cherry turnover recipes use puff pastry.
Puff pastry contains numerous thin layers of dough and fat. When it enters a hot oven, steam causes those layers to separate and rise.
The result is the wonderfully airy, crisp, flaky texture associated with turnovers.
It’s also why a turnover can look fairly flat before entering the oven and emerge dramatically puffed and golden.
Making traditional puff pastry completely from scratch requires patience and technique, which is why store-bought frozen puff pastry has become such a convenient option for home bakers.
With prepared puff pastry and cherry filling, you can make impressive turnovers without spending hours preparing dough.
Homemade Cherry Turnovers
National Cherry Turnover Day is an excellent excuse to make your own turnovers.
This simple version uses prepared puff pastry, making it approachable even if you don’t consider yourself an experienced baker.
Ingredients
For the turnovers:
- 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
- 1½ cups cherry pie filling
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- Coarse sugar for topping, optional
For the vanilla glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Cherry Turnovers
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier if a little cherry filling escapes during baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Pastry
Place the thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface.
Gently roll it just enough to smooth out the folds and create an even sheet.
Cut the pastry into equal-sized squares.
The size is up to you. Larger squares create bakery-style turnovers, while smaller squares are perfect for parties and dessert platters.
Step 3: Add the Cherry Filling
Place a spoonful of cherry pie filling near the center of each pastry square.
Don’t overfill them.
It’s tempting to add extra cherries, but too much filling makes the turnovers difficult to seal and increases the likelihood that the filling will leak during baking.
Step 4: Fold the Pastry
Fold one corner of the pastry over to the opposite corner, forming a triangle.
Gently press around the filling to remove excess air.
Step 5: Seal the Edges
Press the edges together.
Then use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges.
This creates the familiar decorative border while also helping keep the filling inside.
Step 6: Add the Egg Wash
Whisk together the egg and tablespoon of water.
Brush a thin layer over the tops of the turnovers.
The egg wash helps create a beautiful golden, glossy finish.
Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Step 7: Vent the Turnovers
Use a sharp knife to cut a small slit or two into the top of each pastry.
These openings allow steam to escape while the turnovers bake.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until the turnovers have puffed and become deeply golden.
Exact baking time can vary depending on the size of the turnovers and your oven.
Step 9: Cool
Allow the turnovers to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
The cherry filling can become extremely hot, so resist the temptation to bite into one immediately.
Step 10: Add the Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over slightly cooled turnovers.
Allow it to set for a few minutes before serving.
Make Homemade Cherry Filling
Prepared cherry pie filling is convenient, but homemade filling can make your turnovers even more special.
Simple Cherry Filling
You’ll need:
- 2 cups pitted cherries, fresh or frozen
- ⅓ to ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Place the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
Cook until the cherries begin releasing their juices.
Mix the cornstarch and water separately until smooth, then stir the mixture into the cherries.
Continue cooking until the filling thickens.
Remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
Allow the filling to cool completely before adding it to puff pastry.
Fresh, Frozen, or Canned Cherries?
One of the great things about cherry turnovers is that you have several options.
Fresh cherries are wonderful when they’re in season. You’ll need to pit them before cooking, but their fresh flavor makes the extra work worthwhile.
Frozen cherries are extremely convenient because they’re available throughout the year and are often already pitted.
Canned cherry filling offers the fastest route to homemade turnovers. Open the can, spoon the filling onto the pastry, fold, and bake.
There’s no wrong choice.
National Cherry Turnover Day is about enjoying the pastry, not making the process unnecessarily complicated.
Sweet Cherries vs. Tart Cherries
Different cherries create different turnover experiences.
Sweet cherries provide a rich, naturally sweet fruit flavor.
Tart cherries offer more acidity and can produce a filling with a brighter, sharper flavor.
Many people especially enjoy tart cherries in desserts because sugar balances their natural acidity without eliminating the characteristic cherry flavor.
If you’re making filling from scratch, experiment until you find your preferred balance between sweet and tart.
Delicious Cherry Turnover Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic turnover, you can have fun creating variations.
Cherry Cream Cheese Turnovers
Spread a small amount of sweetened cream cheese onto the pastry before adding the cherry filling.
The creamy filling pairs beautifully with tart cherries.
Cherry Chocolate Turnovers
Add a few semisweet or dark chocolate chips to each turnover.
Cherry and chocolate are a classic dessert combination.
Cherry Almond Turnovers
Add a tiny amount of almond extract to your cherry filling and sprinkle sliced almonds over the glazed turnovers.
Cherry Vanilla Turnovers
Increase the vanilla in the glaze for a stronger vanilla flavor that complements the fruit.
Cherry Lemon Turnovers
Add fresh lemon zest to the cherry filling or glaze.
The citrus flavor makes the cherries taste especially bright and fresh.
Cherry Cheesecake Turnovers
Combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla before layering it with cherry filling.
It’s like enjoying cheesecake inside a flaky pastry pocket.
Don’t Overfill Your Turnovers
One of the most common mistakes when making turnovers is adding too much filling.
More filling sounds better, but pastry needs enough room around the edges to create a proper seal.
If cherry filling gets onto the sealing area, the pastry may not stay closed.
Use a moderate amount of filling and keep the edges clean.
If some filling does escape during baking, don’t worry.
Those caramelized cherry edges can sometimes be one of the tastiest parts.
How to Get Beautiful Golden Pastry
Presentation matters, especially if you’re serving turnovers at a gathering.
An egg wash is the easiest way to create a professional-looking finish.
Brush it lightly and evenly across the pastry without allowing large amounts to pool around the edges.
You can also sprinkle coarse sugar over the egg wash before baking.
The sugar adds sparkle, crunch, and additional sweetness.
Glazed or Unglazed?
That’s one of the great cherry turnover debates.
Some people prefer a simple turnover with nothing covering the buttery pastry.
Others believe a cherry turnover isn’t complete without glaze.
A vanilla glaze adds sweetness and gives homemade turnovers the appearance of something you’d find behind the glass at a bakery.
Powdered sugar is another excellent option.
Or go all out and use both.
It is National Cherry Turnover Day, after all.
Cherry Turnovers for Breakfast
There’s something special about starting the morning with a warm pastry and a fresh cup of coffee.
Cherry turnovers make an easy breakfast treat for weekends, birthdays, holidays, vacations, or lazy mornings at home.
Serve them alongside:
- Coffee
- Hot tea
- Milk
- Fresh fruit
- Yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
- Bacon or sausage
For brunch, make smaller turnovers and arrange them on a large pastry platter with muffins, croissants, cinnamon rolls, and fresh fruit.
Turn Your Turnover Into an Incredible Dessert
A cherry turnover is already dessert-worthy, but serving it warm opens up even more possibilities.
Place a freshly warmed turnover on a dessert plate and add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
The contrast between warm pastry and cold ice cream is fantastic.
You can also add:
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate sauce
- Caramel sauce
- Fresh cherries
- Chocolate shavings
- Toasted almonds
- Powdered sugar
Suddenly, a simple pastry becomes an impressive plated dessert.
Mini Cherry Turnovers for Parties
Mini turnovers are excellent for entertaining.
Cut puff pastry into smaller squares and use a smaller amount of filling.
Bake until golden and arrange them on a serving platter.
They’re perfect for:
Birthday parties, brunch gatherings, bridal showers, baby showers, family celebrations, holiday breakfasts, office parties, potlucks, picnics, and dessert tables.
Because they’re handheld, guests don’t necessarily need plates and forks.
Just grab one and enjoy.
Make a Turnover Tasting Board
National Cherry Turnover Day can become even more fun with a turnover tasting board.
Make cherry turnovers the centerpiece and surround them with other flavors.
Try:
- Cherry
- Apple
- Blueberry
- Peach
- Raspberry
- Strawberry
- Chocolate
- Cream cheese
Have everyone sample several varieties and vote for their favorite.
Of course, on August 28, cherry deserves center stage.
Cherry Turnovers and Coffee: A Perfect Pair
Few combinations feel more like a bakery breakfast than pastry and coffee.
The slightly bitter notes of coffee help balance the sweetness of cherry filling and glaze.
A strong cup of black coffee works especially well with a heavily glazed turnover, while a latte or cappuccino provides a creamier pairing.
Not a coffee drinker?
Try hot tea, iced tea, milk, hot chocolate, or even a cold glass of lemonade.
How to Store Cherry Turnovers
If you somehow have leftovers, store them properly so you can enjoy them later.
Allow freshly baked turnovers to cool completely before placing them into an airtight container.
Depending on the filling and ingredients used, refrigeration may be appropriate, particularly for turnovers containing cream cheese or other dairy-based fillings.
When you’re ready to eat one, gently warming it can help restore some of the pastry’s original texture.
An oven or toaster oven generally does a better job of recreating crisp pastry than a microwave.
Can You Freeze Cherry Turnovers?
Cherry turnovers can also be useful make-ahead treats.
Depending on your recipe, they can be prepared and frozen before baking or frozen after they’ve been baked and cooled.
If you’re planning to freeze a batch, avoid glazing them until after reheating.
Fresh glaze looks and tastes better than glaze that has been frozen and thawed.
Having a few turnovers in the freezer means you’re never far away from a quick homemade treat.
Ways to Celebrate National Cherry Turnover Day
There are plenty of delicious ways to celebrate August 28.
Visit your favorite bakery. See whether they have cherry turnovers and treat yourself to one.
Bake homemade turnovers. Puff pastry and prepared cherry filling make this an easy kitchen project.
Share a batch. Bring turnovers to work or deliver a few to friends, relatives, or neighbors.
Host a pastry breakfast. Make cherry turnovers the centerpiece of a special morning meal.
Experiment with flavors. Try cherry chocolate, cherry almond, or cherry cheesecake turnovers.
Support a local bakery. Food holidays provide a great reason to discover independent bakeries in your community.
Bake with your family. Let everyone help fill, fold, crimp, glaze, and decorate the pastries.
Enjoy one for dessert. Warm it and add vanilla ice cream.
Turn Baking Into a Family Activity
Making turnovers is simple enough that several people can participate.
One person can cut the pastry.
Another can spoon in the filling.
Someone else can crimp the edges.
Kids can help drizzle cooled turnovers with glaze or sprinkle them with sugar.
The finished pastries don’t need to look identical.
In fact, homemade imperfections are part of the fun.
The real reward is gathering around the table afterward and enjoying something everyone helped create.
Share Something Sweet With Someone Else
National Cherry Turnover Day can also be about generosity.
Bake an extra batch and give a few away.
Bring some to a neighbor.
Take a box to work.
Share them with a friend who’s having a difficult week.
Drop some off for relatives.
Small gestures don’t have to be expensive or complicated to brighten someone’s day.
Sometimes a warm homemade pastry is enough to let somebody know you were thinking about them.
Why Food Holidays Are So Much Fun
There seems to be a national day for almost everything, and food celebrations are among the most enjoyable.
They give us an excuse to slow down and appreciate something we might otherwise take for granted.
Most people aren’t going to spend an ordinary Thursday thinking deeply about the humble cherry turnover.
But on National Cherry Turnover Day?
Suddenly that familiar pastry gets to be the star.
Food holidays can also encourage us to try new recipes, visit local businesses, learn about culinary traditions, and spend time cooking with people we care about.
The food may be the theme, but the experiences and memories often become the best part.
The Simple Joy of a Freshly Baked Pastry
There’s something comforting about the smell of pastry baking in the oven.
You begin with flat pieces of dough and spoonfuls of fruit filling.
Then the oven works its magic.
The pastry rises.
The layers become crisp.
The cherries bubble inside.
The kitchen fills with a warm, buttery aroma.
Finally, the turnovers emerge golden brown and ready for glaze.
It’s a simple baking experience, but sometimes those simple moments are exactly what we need.
Celebrate National Cherry Turnover Day on August 28
National Cherry Turnover Day on August 28 is your invitation to enjoy one of the classic combinations of fruit and pastry.
Pick up a cherry turnover from your favorite bakery on the way to work.
Make homemade turnovers for breakfast.
Bake mini versions for friends and family.
Experiment with chocolate, cream cheese, almond, or lemon.
Or warm up a classic cherry turnover after dinner and top it with vanilla ice cream.
However you celebrate, take a moment to appreciate the combination that makes this pastry so memorable: crisp, flaky layers on the outside and warm, sweet-tart cherries waiting inside.
Sometimes celebrations don’t need to be complicated.
Sometimes all you need is a cup of coffee, a comfortable place to sit, and a warm cherry turnover.
Happy National Cherry Turnover Day!
National Cherry Turnover Day Question
What’s your perfect cherry turnover: warm and plain, covered with vanilla glaze, dusted with powdered sugar, filled with cream cheese, or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream?
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