Introduction: Golden Peach Turnovers are a delightful and simple pastry that makes use of fresh, ripe peaches, and puff pastry for a quick and delicious dessert. With just a few ingredients, you can create a treat that has the perfect balance of sweetness and flakiness. This recipe is ideal for those looking for a fruity pastry that pairs beautifully with breakfast or a tea-time snack. In this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare these turnovers in under 40 minutes, making them a go-to for last-minute dessert ideas or special occasions.
Overview of the Recipe: The Golden Peach Turnover recipe is an easy-to-make pastry that relies on store-bought puff pastry sheets and a simple peach filling. The natural sweetness of peaches is complemented by a hint of lemon and sugar, all wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust. The turnovers are then baked to perfection and drizzled with a sweet glaze to add the finishing touch. These turnovers are perfect for serving at brunches, dessert tables, or just as a treat to indulge in.
History and Origin:
Turnovers, in general, have a long history that dates back to ancient times when people started using dough to wrap around fillings of various kinds. These pastries became popular across Europe, with different countries adding their unique twists. The peach turnover itself is a variation that likely gained popularity in America due to the abundance of peaches in the southern states. Georgia, famously known as “The Peach State,” has contributed significantly to peach recipes in American cuisine. Combining the European technique of puff pastry with the beloved peach fruit led to the creation of this sweet and satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1 package puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully heat while you prepare the turnovers.
- Prepare the Peach Filling:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the peeled and sliced peaches, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the peaches are evenly coated. The cornstarch will help thicken the peach juices while baking, resulting in a perfect, non-runny filling.
- Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets until they are smooth and even. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into equal-sized squares (approximately 4×4 inches). This will serve as the base for each turnover.
- Fill the Turnovers:
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the peach mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the turnovers to burst open while baking.
- Seal the Turnovers:
- Fold the puff pastry square diagonally to form a triangle, ensuring that the filling is enclosed within. Press the edges of the turnover with your fingers to seal them. Then, use a fork to crimp the edges, which gives the turnovers a decorative look and ensures the filling stays inside.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Place the assembled turnovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each turnover with the beaten egg to give them a glossy, golden finish when they bake.
- Bake:
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the turnovers are puffed and golden brown. The turnovers should be flaky and have a light golden hue on top.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- While the turnovers are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl. Continue mixing until the glaze is smooth with no lumps.
- Cool and Glaze:
- Once the turnovers are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. When they are still warm but not hot, drizzle the glaze over each turnover using a spoon or piping bag.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Warm or Cold: These turnovers taste best when slightly warm. Serve them fresh out of the oven with the glaze slightly set for the best texture. You can also serve them at room temperature for a softer, sweeter flavor.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: The buttery and fruity flavors of these turnovers pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them an ideal breakfast or mid-afternoon snack.
- Add Ice Cream: For a dessert twist, serve these turnovers with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
Variations of the Recipe:
- Apple Turnovers: Swap the peaches with diced apples mixed with cinnamon and sugar for a fall-inspired version of this recipe.
- Mixed Berry Turnovers: A combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries can make for a delicious mixed berry turnover. You may need to adjust the sugar based on the tartness of the berries.
- Cream Cheese Filling: Add a tablespoon of sweetened cream cheese to the peach mixture for a richer, creamier turnover.
- Spiced Peach Turnovers: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the peach filling to bring out a warm, spiced flavor that complements the peaches perfectly.
Health Benefits:
Peaches are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making these turnovers not only delicious but also somewhat nutritious. Here are some of the health benefits:
- Rich in Vitamins: Peaches are an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system and improve skin health.
- Low-Calorie Fruit: Peaches are relatively low in calories, making this dessert lighter compared to many others.
- Good Source of Fiber: The fruit filling also provides dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel fuller longer.
FAQs:
- Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh? Yes, canned peaches can be used as a substitute. Make sure to drain the peaches well and adjust the sugar content since canned peaches are usually sweetened.
- Can I freeze the turnovers before baking? Yes, you can freeze the assembled turnovers before baking. Store them in an airtight container, and when ready to bake, you can put them directly in the oven without thawing. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- How do I store leftover turnovers? Store any leftover turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them, but they might lose some of their flakiness.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, simply substitute the puff pastry with a gluten-free version. The filling ingredients are already gluten-free.
- Can I make the glaze dairy-free? To make the glaze dairy-free, you can use a dairy-free milk alternative such as almond milk or coconut milk.
Conclusion:
Golden Peach Turnovers are a versatile, quick, and easy dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a pastry that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or simply enjoying one with your morning coffee, these peach turnovers will surely become a household favorite. The light and flaky puff pastry, combined with the sweet peach filling, makes for a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Plus, with a variety of possible flavor combinations and health benefits, you can adapt this recipe to fit your taste and dietary preferences.
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Easy Golden Peach Turnover Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1 package puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully heat while you prepare the turnovers.
- Prepare the Peach Filling:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the peeled and sliced peaches, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the peaches are evenly coated. The cornstarch will help thicken the peach juices while baking, resulting in a perfect, non-runny filling.
- Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets until they are smooth and even. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into equal-sized squares (approximately 4×4 inches). This will serve as the base for each turnover.
- Fill the Turnovers:
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the peach mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the turnovers to burst open while baking.
- Seal the Turnovers:
- Fold the puff pastry square diagonally to form a triangle, ensuring that the filling is enclosed within. Press the edges of the turnover with your fingers to seal them. Then, use a fork to crimp the edges, which gives the turnovers a decorative look and ensures the filling stays inside.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Place the assembled turnovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each turnover with the beaten egg to give them a glossy, golden finish when they bake.
- Bake:
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the turnovers are puffed and golden brown. The turnovers should be flaky and have a light golden hue on top.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- While the turnovers are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl. Continue mixing until the glaze is smooth with no lumps.
- Cool and Glaze:
- Once the turnovers are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. When they are still warm but not hot, drizzle the glaze over each turnover using a spoon or piping bag.