Maple Tart Cherry Sauce
(Made with Traverse Bay Farms Sediment-Free Cherry Juice Concentrate and Michigan Maple Syrup)
Quick Summary
Sweet meets tart in this Maple Tart Cherry Sauce, a delicious blend of Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate, pure maple syrup, and walnuts. It’s the perfect finishing touch for roasted turkey, pork, or ham — elegant enough for holidays and simple enough for everyday meals.
Published: October 2010 | Updated: November 2025
Chef’s Note
This sauce became a Traverse Bay Farms favorite during our fall tasting events. Guests loved how the Michigan Tart Cherry juice Concentrate deepened the flavor of the Michigan maple syrup and cherries without overpowering the dish. It’s versatile — amazing over roasted meats, drizzled on pancakes, or spooned over baked brie. You’ll be surprised how quickly it disappears from the table.
Prep & Yield
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Yield: 1½ cups (6 servings)
Ingredients
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⅓ cup cherry juice blend
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¼ tsp Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate
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2 tbsp cornstarch
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1 cup frozen unsweetened tart cherries, thawed and drained
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¾ cup real maple syrup (or maple-flavored syrup)
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½ cup chopped walnuts
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1 tsp grated orange peel
Instructions
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In a small saucepan, combine cherry juice blend, Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens.
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Add tart cherries, maple syrup, walnuts, and orange peel. Stir gently.
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Reduce heat to low and simmer 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until hot and well combined.
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Serve warm over roasted turkey, pork, or ham.
Chef’s Tips & Variations
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Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
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Substitute pecans or hazelnuts for a different texture.
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Serve over pancakes, waffles, or vanilla ice cream for a sweet brunch twist.
Nutritional Highlights (per serving)
Calories: 196 | Total Fat: 6.4g | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 2g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 20mg
Behind the Recipe
Traverse Bay Farms’ Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate enhances natural fruit flavors and pairs beautifully with real maple syrup. The result is a rich, silky sauce that captures the best of Michigan’s orchards — tangy, nutty, and irresistibly aromatic.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes — refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Can I use dried cherries instead of frozen?
Yes, rehydrate ¾ cup of Traverse Bay Farms Dried Tart Cherries in warm water or juice before using.
What meats pair best with this sauce?
It complements turkey, ham, pork, and even grilled salmon.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely — this sauce scales easily for holiday entertaining.
Bring the Taste Home
Add Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate to glazes, sauces, and dressings for a natural cherry flavor boost. The only sediment-free guarantee in the industry — proudly made from Michigan-grown fruit.
