Flaky Blackberry Turnovers: A Delightful Treat
There's something undeniably enchanting about the delicate crunch of a flaky pastry enveloping a sweet, juicy blackberry filling. These homemade blackberry turnovers are a testament to the art of baking, where simple ingredients come together to create an irresistible treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack, these turnovers are sure to impress with their golden, buttery crust and burst of fresh berry flavor.
Prep Time: 45 minutes Cook Time: 20-25 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 5 to 10 minutes Servings: 12 turnovers
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh blackberries, rinsed and patted dry
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
For the Pastry:
- One cup of cold, unsalted butter, diced.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup ice water
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
Preparing the Blackberry Filling:
- In a medium bowl, gently combine the fresh blackberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir until the berries are evenly coated with the sugar mixture. Set aside.
Creating the Flaky Pastry:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to combine.
- Blend the cold butter into the mixture using a pastry blender or two knives until it looks like rough crumbs. This process incorporates the butter into the flour, creating layers that contribute to the flaky texture.
- Incrementally pour ice water, one tablespoon at a time, into the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough pastry.
- Cut the dough in half, cover each piece with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the butter to solidify, ensuring a flaky crust.
Assembling and Baking the Turnovers:
- Set your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out one half of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough into squares or circles.
- Place a spoonful of the prepared blackberry filling in the center of each dough square.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle, pressing the edges together firmly to seal. Crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Coat the tops of the turnovers with the beaten egg.
- Arrange the turnovers on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the turnovers turn golden and the filling starts to bubble.
- Let the turnovers cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. For added sweetness, sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Tips for Perfect Turnovers
- For an extra flaky pastry: Freeze the butter before cutting it into the flour. This will create even smaller butter pieces, resulting in a more delicate and flaky crust.
- Prevent filling from seeping out: Ensure that the edges of the turnovers are sealed tightly to prevent the juicy blackberry filling from escaping during baking.
- Short on time? Use store-bought puff pastry as a shortcut for the pastry dough. However, homemade pastry offers a superior flavor and texture.
- Experiment with fillings: While blackberries are classic, feel free to experiment with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries. You can also try different flavor combinations, such as adding a touch of almond extract or cinnamon to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
These flaky blackberry turnovers are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They make a delightful breakfast or brunch treat, or a perfect accompaniment to afternoon tea.
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