Traditional Cherry Pie Recipe

(Made with Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate)

Quick Summary

A timeless favorite inspired by America’s love for cherries — this Traditional Cherry Pie combines tart cherries, a hint of Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate, and a buttery crust that bakes into golden perfection.

Published: February 2010 | Updated: November 2025

Chef’s Note 

When we first baked this pie for a Traverse Bay Farms holiday event, the aroma filled the kitchen with the unmistakable scent of tart cherries and flaky pastry. We added just a splash of Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate, and it brought out that deep, ruby-red flavor that reminds you why this dessert has stood the test of time.

Prep & Yield

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 50–55 minutes

• Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

• 2 (16-ounce) cans unsweetened tart cherries or 4 cups frozen unsweetened tart cherries

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca

• ½ teaspoon almond extract

• ¼ cup Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate (for extra flavor)

• Pastry for a 2-crust, 9-inch pie

• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine

Instructions

1. If using canned cherries, drain them well. Save the juice for another recipe if desired. (Frozen cherries don’t need to be thawed.)

2. In a large bowl, combine cherries, sugar, tapioca, almond extract, and cherry juice concentrate. Mix gently and let stand for 15 minutes.

3. Line a 9-inch pie plate with one pastry crust and fill with cherry mixture.

4. Dot the filling with butter.

5. Cover with top crust, cutting slits for steam, or create a lattice top.

6. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 50–55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.

7. Cool before serving to allow filling to set.

Chef’s Tips & Variations

• Brush the crust with a little milk and sprinkle with sugar before baking for a golden finish.

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

• Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon for a subtle spiced note.

Nutritional Highlights (per serving)

Calories: 305 | Total Fat: 12g | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 3g | Cholesterol: 25mg

Behind the Recipe

Traverse Bay Farms’ tart cherries deliver that signature tang and color that make every bite memorable. Adding Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate intensifies the cherry flavor while keeping the pie beautifully vibrant.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, it can be baked a day in advance and stored at room temperature or refrigerated.

Can I use sweet cherries instead of tart?
Tart cherries are best for balance, but you can mix half sweet and half tart.

How do I keep the filling from being too runny?
Let the filling sit for 15 minutes before baking to allow the tapioca to thicken.

Can I freeze cherry pie?
Yes. Bake, cool completely, then freeze wrapped tightly. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Bring the Taste Home

Experience the award-winning flavor of Michigan cherries with Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate — the perfect way to enhance your favorite desserts and sauces.