Cherry Ice Cream
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Few treats can match the indulgent joy of ice cream. And this Cherry Ice Cream recipe is a celebration of summer’s bounty by taking plump, juicy cherries, adding them to sweetened vanilla-flavored cream, and turning it into a frozen delight with a wonderfully rich and smooth texture and a deliciously vibrant flavor. This homemade cherry ice cream is classy and elegant and every bite is a burst of summer goodness. Super easy to make – no eggs, no cooking, no fuss!
For more homemade ice cream recipes try my Cookies and Cream Ice Cream, Honey Lavender Ice Cream,ย Pumpkin Ice Cream, andย White Chocolate Cranberry (or Cherry) Pistachio Ice Cream!
How to Make Cherry Ice Cream
This homemade Cherry Ice Cream can be made with either fresh or frozen cherries. Whichever you choose, the key to a great cherry ice cream is hitting the right balance between sweet and tart. Too much sweetness can overwhelm the cherryโs natural flavor, while too little can make the ice cream taste flat. The sweetness level of frozen cherries is typically pretty consistent but if you’re using fresh cherries you may need to adjust the sugar level a little depending on how ripe and sweet the cherries are. Meaning, if they tend toward the tarter side you may need to add a little more sugar. Another way to curb the sour is to add just a touch of almond extract which will bring out the fruit’s subtle nuances. Or if you like it a little tart, you can also add a splash of lemon juice can enhance the cherryโs natural tartness.
You also have the option of a chunky or a smooth texture: dice the cherries and add them to the cream for a chunky version, or puree the cherries for a smooth version. Or you can also go for “in between” and add a combination of chunks and puree. I personally like some chunks because it’s not only a nice textural contrast but it also just makes it seem more “real” as opposed to an artificially flavored soft serve out of a dispenser.
Cherry Ice Cream Variations
Feel free to change things up. Here are a few popular variations:
- Cherry Almond Ice Cream: Add some almond extract and toasted almonds for a nutty twist.
- Cherry Garcia Ice Cream: Add some chocolate chunks.
- Black Forest Ice Cream: Add some chocolate chunks and/or a swirl of chocolate sauce along with a splash of Kirsch.
- Maraschino Cherry Ice Cream: Add a few maraschino cherries to the mix for an added candied-boozy-almond flavor.
- Cherry Lime Ice Cream: Add some lime juice and zest to the cherry base for a refreshing, citrusy kick.
Dairy-Free Ice Cream
If youโre lactose intolerant you can use any milk alternative of your choice such as almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk. Coconut milk will give you creamier results than the other options but will also contribute a coconut flavor. But thatโs not a bad thing at all. In fact, you can even add some toasted shredded coconut to your cherry ice cream for a nice flavor twist!
Cherry Ice Cream Recipe
To make cherry ice cream follow these simple steps:
- Combine the cream, milk, sugar, extracts, and salt in a bowl and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the cherries.
- Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm before serving.
Note: If you’d like a deeper and uniform red color you can puree some of the cherries in a blender before adding them to the cream and milk.
Enjoy!
For more delicious cherry recipes try our:
Cherry Ice Cream
Equipment
- Basic ice cream maker , I have this and love it
- Deluxe ice cream maker , I also have this and love it (with built-in compressor so no pre-freezing required)
Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted and roughly chopped fresh or frozen cherries , or 1 cup cherry puree (pureed in blender) if you prefer a smooth texture without chunks)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons quality pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine the cream, milk, sugar, extracts, and salt in a bowl and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the cherries. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm before serving. Note: For a deeper and uniform red color you can puree some of the cherries in a blender.