Quick Summary
Sweet, tangy, and festive — this Tart Cherry Party Cheese Ball combines cream cheese, pineapple, and cherries with a hint of Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress without stress.
Published: December 2010 | Updated: November 2025
Chef’s Note
This recipe has been a Traverse Bay Farms holiday staple for past few years. I first served it at a winter tasting event, and guests couldn’t get enough of the sweet-tart mix of cherries, cream cheese, and pineapple. The Traverse Bay Cherry Juice Concentrate adds a subtle cherry depth that brings all the flavors together. Best of all, you can make it days ahead — a host’s dream come true.
Prep & Yield
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Chill Time: 2 hours total
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Yield: 2 (4-inch) cheese balls
Ingredients
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½ cup maraschino cherries (about 14), drained and chopped
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2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
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1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, well drained
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1 cup walnuts, chopped
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Crackers or cut-up vegetables, for serving
Instructions
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Drain maraschino cherries on paper towels, chop, and drain again.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed 3–4 minutes, or until smooth.
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Stir in pineapple, cherries, and Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate until combined.
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Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
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Shape mixture into two 4-inch balls. Roll in chopped walnuts, pressing gently to coat.
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Refrigerate another hour or until fully chilled.
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Serve with crackers or vegetables.
Tip:
This appetizer can be made ahead and frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Chef’s Tips & Variations
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Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon for a holiday touch.
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Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor.
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For a savory twist, fold in cooked crumbled bacon before shaping.
Nutritional Highlights (per serving)
Calories: 216 | Total Fat: 14g | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 6g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 170mg
Behind the Recipe
At Traverse Bay Farms, we love creating recipes that make entertaining simple and delicious. The Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate enhances the natural cherry flavor and pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the cheese and the tropical sweetness of pineapple — a unique, Michigan-inspired appetizer that always earns compliments.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes — refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
What can I serve it with?
Crackers, celery sticks, or apple slices work perfectly.
Can I use dried cherries instead of maraschino?
Yes, just soak them in warm water or cherry juice first.
How do I keep it from being too soft?
Make sure the pineapple is well-drained and chill thoroughly before shaping.
Bring the Taste Home
Add a splash of Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate to appetizers, glazes, and dips for a vibrant burst of Michigan cherry flavor — the only sediment-free guarantee in the industry.
Check out these other Michigan Cherry Recipes, too
