Irresistible Flaky Strawberry Turnovers: Your Ultimate Guide to Easy Puff Pastry Perfection

There’s nothing quite like the delightful crunch of a golden, flaky pastry, especially when it’s filled with sweet, juicy strawberries. These Strawberry Turnovers are a testament to simple elegance, combining light, airy puff pastry with a luscious strawberry pie filling, all finished with a delicate vanilla glaze. Whether you bake them in the oven for a classic golden finish or use your air fryer for a quicker treat, this recipe promises four utterly delicious puff pastry turnovers that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert.

When I shared my strawberry pie filling recipe, it was clear it would be perfect for crafting delicious mini strawberry pies. But the versatility of that vibrant filling doesn’t stop there! It’s also the secret to stuffing these incredible Strawberry Turnovers, transforming a simple ingredient into a spectacular pastry.

Imagine: flaky, golden-brown pastry shells giving way to a warm, sweet strawberry core, all made effortlessly even when your summer schedule is packed. That’s precisely why I always keep a box of puff pastry in my freezer. It’s a true lifesaver for whipping up quick and easy desserts, transforming humble ingredients into impressive treats. From puff pastry cinnamon rolls and puff pastry chocolate croissants to elegant puff pastry Danishes, the possibilities are endless.

I must confess, I might have a slight obsession with puff pastry turnovers. They’re just so satisfying to make and even more delightful to eat! Beyond strawberries, I’ve perfected recipes for cherry turnovers, blueberry turnovers, apple turnovers, and peach turnovers. Each one offers that perfect balance of crisp pastry and sweet fruit filling.

Once these strawberry-filled pastries emerge from the oven, puffed and golden, a sweet vanilla glaze is drizzled over them. This simple addition provides just the right amount of sweetness, elevating the flavors without overpowering the natural goodness of the strawberries. And because summer often means turning down the heat, I’ve included detailed instructions for making these turnovers in your air fryer. Now, you can satisfy your turnover craving without even turning on your oven, keeping your kitchen cool while enjoying a warm, fresh-baked treat.

Why You’ll Love Making These Strawberry Turnovers

• Effortlessly Delicious: Using store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe incredibly easy, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Baking Options: Whether you prefer baking in a traditional oven or a speedy air fryer, this recipe works beautifully.
• Seasonal Perfection: Highlight fresh, ripe strawberries when they’re at their peak, or enjoy them year-round with quality frozen fruit or fillings.
• Customizable: Easily swap out the strawberry filling for other fruits or even savory options.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These turnovers are wonderful for breakfast, a delightful snack, or a charming dessert for guests.
• Freezer-Friendly: Prepare them ahead of time and freeze, making them ideal for quick treats whenever a craving strikes.

Essential Ingredients for Flaky Strawberry Turnovers

Crafting these delectable strawberry turnovers requires just a few key ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create your flaky, golden puff pastry delights:

• Puff Pastry: This is the star of the show! You’ll find it in the freezer section of your grocery store, usually near frozen pie crusts. Make sure you grab puff pastry, not phyllo dough, as they behave very differently. Puff pastry’s layers create that iconic flaky texture when baked. Always follow package directions for thawing; typically, it involves thawing in the refrigerator overnight or on the countertop for about 30-40 minutes.
• Strawberry Pie Filling: The heart of your turnover! While a high-quality canned pie filling works perfectly well, I highly recommend using homemade strawberry pie filling for the freshest, most vibrant flavor. You can also experiment with other strawberry options like a thick strawberry jam without pectin, ensuring it’s not too watery to prevent leaks.
• Egg: A single large egg, lightly beaten, is crucial for your egg wash. This magical liquid serves two purposes: it acts as a glue to seal the edges of your turnovers, preventing the filling from leaking, and it gives the pastry that gorgeous golden-brown sheen. Plus, it helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully. If you have leftover egg, it’s great for other recipes like dredging for buffalo chicken tacos!
• Cinnamon Sugar: A simple mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon dusted on top of the turnovers before baking. This step is optional but highly recommended. It adds a touch of warmth and an extra layer of sweetness and texture that makes these turnovers truly irresistible.
• Vanilla Glaze: The finishing touch! This sweet, simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract provides a lovely contrast to the tartness of the strawberries and adds a professional, bakery-style finish. It’s a touch of sweetness you absolutely don’t want to skip!

Can you substitute other fruit for the strawberry?

Absolutely! Not in the mood for strawberry, or perhaps you have another fruit on hand? These puff pastry turnovers are incredibly versatile. You can easily use another fruit filling to create your own custom turnovers. Consider using blueberry pie filling, cherry pie filling, peach pie filling, or apple pie filling. The baking method remains the same, making it a simple switch for endless flavor possibilities.

How To Make Strawberry Turnovers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making homemade strawberry puff pastry turnovers is surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding. Follow these simple steps for perfectly flaky and delicious results:

1. Prepare Your Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, carefully unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet. Using a rolling pin, gently roll it into a 10×10-inch square. This ensures an even thickness and makes cutting easier. Once rolled, cut the large square into four equal 5×5-inch squares.
2. Fill the Turnovers: Take one puff pastry square. Dip a pastry brush into your lightly beaten egg and brush a thin line along two adjacent edges (forming a V-shape or half the perimeter). This egg wash will act as your seal. Place about 2 tablespoons of your strawberry pie filling onto the center of the square, being careful not to overfill or get the filling too close to the edges, as this can prevent proper sealing.
3. Fold and Seal: Carefully take one corner of the square (opposite the brushed edges) and fold it diagonally over the filling to meet the other corner, forming a perfect triangle. Gently press down along the edges with your fingers to seal the two layers of pastry together. For extra security and a decorative touch, you can use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges. Place the sealed turnover onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (or a lightly greased air fryer basket if using). Repeat this process with the remaining puff pastry squares and filling.
4. Vent for Steam: Using a sharp knife, cut three small slits into the top of each turnover. These slits are essential as they allow steam to escape during baking, preventing the pastries from bursting and ensuring they puff up beautifully.
5. Egg Wash and Cinnamon Sugar: Lightly brush the entire top surface of each turnover with the remaining beaten egg. This egg wash will give your turnovers a beautiful golden shine. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the tops of the egg-washed turnovers.
6. Bake or Air Fry:
   • Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the turnovers for 18-20 minutes, or until they are gloriously puffed up and deeply golden brown.
   • Air Fryer Method: If using an air fryer, there’s no need to preheat. Place the turnovers in a lightly greased air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to work in batches, keeping unbaked turnovers cold). Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Carefully flip them over and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

   Once baked, transfer the turnovers to a wire rack and let them cool completely before glazing. Homemade strawberry turnovers with puff pastry are truly at their best when eaten the same day due to the delicate nature of the pastry. However, you can store any extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

How To Make the Perfect Vanilla Glaze for Turnovers

Once your puff pastry strawberry turnovers are completely cool to the touch, it’s time to add that irresistible finishing touch: a smooth, sweet vanilla glaze. This glaze is similar to my popular Bundt cake glaze but is made without butter, keeping it light and shiny. Here’s how to whip it up:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, room temperature milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Sifting the powdered sugar beforehand is key to avoiding lumps and achieving a silky consistency.
2. Adjust Consistency: The perfect glaze should be thick enough to cling to the turnovers but thin enough to drizzle. If your glaze appears too thick, add a tiny bit more milk, about a quarter teaspoon at a time, whisking well after each addition until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, whisk in a little more powdered sugar until it thickens up.
3. Drizzle and Set: Drizzle the glaze artfully over the cooled turnovers. You can use a spoon or even a small piping bag for more control. Allow the glaze to set and harden for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This will prevent mess and ensure the glaze doesn’t rub off.

How To Freeze Puff Pastry Turnovers for Later

Great news! If you’re not planning to devour all of your delicious strawberry puff pastry turnovers at once, you can easily freeze them for later enjoyment. This makes them perfect for meal prepping or having a quick homemade treat on hand. There are three convenient ways you can freeze your turnovers, depending on your preference:

1. Freeze Before Egg Wash: Assemble your turnovers completely, including placing the filling and sealing the edges, but stop just before brushing them with the egg wash and sprinkling with cinnamon sugar. This method is ideal for baking them fresh, exactly like a new batch.
2. Freeze After Baking (Before Glazing): Bake the turnovers fully according to the instructions, letting them cool completely. Do not add the vanilla glaze at this stage. This is a fantastic option for quick reheating.
3. Freeze After Glazing: You can also freeze turnovers after they’ve been glazed. However, be aware that the glaze might become a little stickier or slightly less firm after thawing due to excess moisture. It will still taste great, but the texture might be slightly altered.

Whichever method you choose, the freezing process remains consistent for all three. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Flash Freeze: Place your puff pastry turnovers in a single layer on a baking tray or plate. Ensure they are not touching each other. Freeze them for approximately 1 hour, or until they are completely firm. This crucial “flash freezing” step prevents the turnovers from sticking together once transferred to a bag or container.
• Store Long-Term: Once firm, carefully transfer the frozen turnovers into a freezer-safe plastic bag or an airtight container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to 2 months.
• Thawing and Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen turnovers, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. For best results, especially if they were frozen unbaked or unglazed, you can warm them slightly in a preheated oven (around 350°F / 175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and flaky again. If they were frozen unbaked, apply the egg wash and cinnamon sugar, then bake as directed. If they were frozen baked (and unglazed), you can add the fresh glaze after reheating.

More Delicious Strawberry Recipes to Explore

Since summer is strawberry season, and you might have some lovely fresh strawberries leftover from making your pie filling (or just because you love them!), here are some more delicious strawberry recipes to try. These recipes celebrate the sweet, juicy flavor of strawberries in various delightful forms:

• Strawberry Popsicles: A refreshing and healthy frozen treat perfect for hot days.
• Strawberry Cream Pie: A creamy, no-bake dessert that’s effortlessly elegant and rich.
• Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting: A vibrant, fruity frosting perfect for cakes, cupcakes, or even spreading on toast.