Cherry Ice Cream
This homemade cherry ice cream is a rich and creamy treat that combines the natural sweetness and slight tartness of fresh or frozen cherries with a velvety smooth ice cream base. It’s simple to make with just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, resulting in a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it in a cone or as a topping for other desserts, this cherry ice cream is sure to impress your family and friends.
Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker (if using) – 1 unit
- Blender or Immersion Blender – 1 unit
- Saucepan - 1 unit
- Mixing Bowls – 2 units
- Whisk: 1 unit
- Airtight Container (1 unit, for storing ice cream)
Ingredients
- 2 cups 240g Fresh or Frozen Cherries, pitted and chopped
- 3/4 cup 150g Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup 240ml Heavy Cream
- 1 cup 240ml Whole Milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of Salt
Optional:
- Chocolate Chips or Chopped Nuts for mix-ins
- Extra Cherry Puree or Syrup for an extra burst of flavor
Instructions
Prepare the Cherries:
- If using fresh cherries, wash, pit, and chop them into small pieces. If using frozen cherries, thaw them slightly before chopping.
Make the Cherry Puree:
- Place the chopped cherries in a saucepan with 1/4 cup sugar. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries break down and release their juices. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Once cooled, blend into a smooth puree using a blender or immersion blender.
Prepare the Creamy Base:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, remaining sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the vanilla extract and stir to combine.
- Combine the Puree and Cream Base: Stir the cooled cherry puree into the cream mixture, ensuring it’s evenly mixed.
Churn the Ice Cream:
- Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually for about 20–30 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Freeze the Ice Cream:
- Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once frozen, scoop the cherry ice cream into bowls or cones, and garnish with optional toppings like whipped cream or extra cherries. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cherry Selection: If fresh cherries are out of season, frozen cherries work just as well. Ensure you use high-quality cherries for the best flavor.
- Sweetness: Depending on the ripeness of your cherries, you might need to adjust the amount of sugar used in the cherry puree. Taste the puree before adding all the sugar and adjust to your preference.
- Ice Cream Consistency: For a firmer ice cream, let it freeze for longer. If you prefer a softer consistency, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
- No Ice Cream Maker?: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze it, stirring every 30 minutes for the first few hours to prevent ice crystals from forming.