What is the nutritional value of a piece of cherry pie?

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

A single piece of commercially prepared cherry pie can contain over 300 calories, with substantial amounts of sugar and fat. Understanding the nutritional value of a piece of cherry pie involves looking beyond the delicious taste to assess its macronutrients and micronutrients.

Quick Summary

An average slice of cherry pie is high in calories, sugars, and saturated fats, with minimal vitamins or minerals. Homemade versions offer more control over ingredients. The inherent benefits of cherries are often offset by added sugars and refined flour in pie.

Key Points

High Calories: An average slice of cherry pie contains several hundred calories, primarily from sugar and fat.
Significant Sugar and Fat: The pie crust and sweetened filling result in high levels of sugar and saturated fat.
Homemade vs. Commercial: Homemade pies offer greater control over ingredients, allowing for less sugar and healthier fats, unlike commercially prepared versions that often contain processed additives.
Limited Micronutrients: The processing and baking minimize the nutritional benefits of the cherries, resulting in low vitamin and mineral content.
Antioxidant Benefit: Despite the overall high-calorie count, cherries themselves contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Enjoy in Moderation: Due to its high sugar and fat content, cherry pie is best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a diet.

A Detailed Look at Cherry Pie Nutrition

The nutritional makeup of a piece of cherry pie can vary greatly depending on whether it's homemade or commercially prepared. The primary ingredients—cherries, sugar, flour, and shortening—all contribute significantly to its final nutritional profile. A standard slice is typically calorie-dense and high in sugar, offering little in the way of beneficial micronutrients after processing.

Nutritional Breakdown of a Standard Cherry Pie Slice

Based on USDA data and commercial nutrition facts, a typical 1/8 slice of a 9-inch cherry pie (around 125-150g) offers the following approximate nutritional content:

Calories: 325-486 kcal
Total Fat: 12-22g, with 3-9g of saturated fat
Carbohydrates: 42-69g, largely from sugar and refined flour
Sugar: 18-25g
Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
Protein: 2.5-5g
Sodium: 140-344mg
Micronutrients: Small amounts of iron, potassium, calcium, and vitamin A

It is important to note that these values are averages and can shift based on specific recipes and portion sizes. The ingredients, particularly the type of pie crust and the amount of added sugar in the filling, are the main determinants of the final caloric and fat counts.

Commercial vs. Homemade Cherry Pie

There are considerable nutritional differences between a store-bought, commercially prepared cherry pie and one made from scratch. Understanding these distinctions is key to making informed dietary choices.

Commercial Pie Characteristics

High Sugar Content: Often uses high-fructose corn syrup in the filling.
Processed Ingredients: Contains processed fats like hydrogenated oils in the crust and filling.
Additives: May include artificial colors (like Red #40) and preservatives.
Consistent Nutrition: The nutritional facts are typically standardized, as shown on packaging.

Homemade Pie Characteristics

Ingredient Control: You can choose healthier, unprocessed ingredients, such as real butter for the crust and natural sweeteners.
Lower Sugar: The amount of added sugar can be reduced or replaced with natural alternatives like honey or stevia.
Nutrient-Dense: Using whole-grain flour for the crust can increase fiber content.
Variable Nutrition: The final nutritional value depends entirely on the specific recipe and preparation method used.

The Health Trade-Off: Cherries vs. Pastry

While the pastry and added sugars make cherry pie a high-calorie dessert, the cherries themselves offer several health benefits. Cherries, particularly tart cherries, are rich in powerful antioxidants like anthocyanins, which possess anti-inflammatory properties. The fruit also contains melatonin, which can aid in regulating sleep patterns. However, in a traditional pie, the potential benefits of the cherries are largely overshadowed by the substantial amounts of fat and sugar from the crust and filling. This makes cherry pie a treat to be enjoyed in moderation, rather than a health food. Consuming fresh or dried cherries is a more effective way to gain their nutritional advantages without the added calories and sugar.

Comparison Table: Commercial vs. Homemade Cherry Pie


Nutritional Factor	Commercial Cherry Pie (1/8 slice)	Homemade Cherry Pie (1/8 slice)	Key Difference
Calories	325-390 kcal	~430-486 kcal	Homemade can be higher or lower depending on ingredients.
Fat	12-16.5g	~22g	Homemade often uses more butter, potentially higher saturated fat.
Saturated Fat	3.2-3.8g	~5.4g	Refined butter in homemade recipes can increase saturated fat.
Sugar	18-21g	~25g	Can be higher in homemade but is adjustable; commercial uses more processed sugars.
Fiber	1-1.2g	~1.4g	Generally low in both, but whole wheat flour can boost homemade fiber.
Sodium	140-308mg	~344mg	Can be higher or lower depending on the salt in crust/filling.

Making a Healthier Cherry Pie

If you want to enjoy cherry pie with a healthier twist, you can make several substitutions and adjustments to the traditional recipe:

Use a whole wheat pie crust instead of one made with refined white flour. This increases fiber and nutrients.
Substitute some or all of the sugar with natural alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or sugar-free sweeteners like stevia or xylitol.
Thicken the filling with arrowroot starch instead of cornstarch for a cleaner, less processed result.
Consider an oat-based crumble topping instead of a full top crust to reduce calories and fat.
Control your portion size. A smaller slice or mini-pie can satisfy cravings with fewer calories.

Conclusion

In summary, the nutritional value of a piece of cherry pie places it firmly in the category of a high-sugar, high-fat dessert, best consumed in moderation. While the natural cherries offer beneficial antioxidants and vitamins, their health benefits are largely diluted by the other ingredients. Commercial pies are particularly high in processed sugars and fats, whereas homemade versions offer more flexibility to improve the nutritional profile by controlling ingredients. For those seeking the health benefits of cherries, consuming them fresh or in juice form is a more direct and healthier alternative to eating pie.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical 1/8 slice of a 9-inch cherry pie, especially commercially prepared, can range from 325 to nearly 500 calories, depending on the ingredients and serving size.

Yes, homemade cherry pie is generally considered healthier because you have control over the ingredients. You can reduce the amount of sugar, use whole-grain flour, and opt for natural fats over processed ones.

The main sources of calories in cherry pie are the pastry crust, which is high in fat and refined flour, and the filling, which contains a large amount of added sugar.

While fresh cherries have beneficial antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, these benefits are largely outweighed by the high sugar and fat content of a traditional pie. The heat from baking can also diminish some nutritional value.

To make a healthier cherry pie, use a whole-grain crust, reduce the amount of added sugar or use natural alternatives, and consider a lighter topping like an oat crumble instead of a full top crust.

A slice of cherry pie contains small amounts of some micronutrients, such as iron, potassium, and vitamin A, but the overall amount is not significant enough to be considered a nutritious source due to its high calorie and sugar load.

Due to its very high sugar content, cherry pie is not a good choice for people with diabetes. Excessive sugar can cause blood sugar spikes and should be avoided or consumed only with a doctor's approval and strict moderation.