Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe – Easy Homemade Delight

Indulge in the sweet, creamy delight of homemade Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream. With its luscious vanilla base, juicy cherry swirls, and crunchy chocolate chunks, this dessert will quickly become your go-to summer treat. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it combines the best of both worlds – vanilla ice cream and fruity cherry goodness – making it an irresistible choice for family gatherings, BBQs, or a simple afternoon treat.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream

This Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream recipe offers a perfect blend of creamy vanilla ice cream with the tart sweetness of cherries, enhanced by the delightful crunch of chocolate chunks. It’s simple to make and doesn’t require eggs or cooking, meaning you can prepare it with minimal fuss. The addition of cherry filling and chocolate chunks creates an extra layer of flavor and texture, making every spoonful a deliciously unique experience.

Ingredients

For the Cherry Filling:

• Fresh Cherries: Adds a burst of fruity sweetness to the ice cream.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cherries to balance the tartness.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry filling for a luscious, syrup-like consistency.

For the Ice Cream:

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Provides the rich and creamy texture that defines premium homemade ice cream.
• Whole Milk: Contributes to the ice cream’s smoothness and enhances the flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the ice cream base and helps achieve the perfect balance of sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, aromatic flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.
• Sea Salt: Just a pinch to elevate the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness.
• Chocolate Chunks: Optional, but they add a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the cherries.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to make a few adjustments, here are some substitutions to try:

• Non-Dairy Milk: For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or almond milk. This will change the flavor slightly but still provide a creamy consistency.
• Dark Chocolate: If you prefer a less sweet option, try using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate chunks.
• Sweetener Substitutes: If you’re cutting down on sugar, you can replace the granulated sugar with honey or a sugar substitute like Stevia.

Step-by-Step Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

1. Prepare the Cherry Filling: Start by pitting and halving the fresh cherries. In a saucepan, combine the cherries, water, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir the mixture until well-coated, then bring it to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer until it thickens into a syrup-like consistency. Remove from the heat and allow the filling to cool. Refrigerate until chilled.
2. Make the Vanilla Ice Cream Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and sea salt until the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the vanilla ice cream mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When the ice cream starts to thicken, slowly add the chocolate chunks and continue churning.
4. Layer the Ice Cream: Once the ice cream reaches the desired consistency, begin layering it in a container. Start by spooning a third of the ice cream into the container, followed by a layer of the chilled cherry filling. Repeat the process two more times to create beautiful layers of vanilla ice cream and cherry filling.
5. Freeze: Press a piece of parchment or wax paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and freeze for 2-3 hours or until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Tips & Tricks

• Pre-chill your equipment: To ensure the ice cream freezes properly, chill your ice cream bowl in advance. If you’re using a freezer bowl machine, freeze it for 24 hours. For a compressor ice cream maker, 15 minutes is sufficient.
• Use cold ingredients: To avoid ice crystals and achieve the creamiest texture, ensure your ice cream base is thoroughly chilled before churning.
• Avoid over-churning: Keep an eye on the ice cream as it churns to avoid over-freezing, which can make it too hard to scoop later.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This homemade cherry vanilla ice cream is versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Pair it with a warm slice of pie or serve it alongside a rich brownie for an indulgent dessert experience. For a fun twist, try adding a hint of cinnamon to the cherry filling for extra flavor. If you prefer a healthier version, consider using a sugar substitute and making it dairy-free with coconut milk.

Seasonal Touches

This Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream is especially delightful during the warmer months when cherries are in season. It’s a fantastic treat for summer barbecues or a family gathering. The combination of the rich vanilla ice cream and fresh, tart cherries makes it a perfect match for the season’s flavors.

By following this easy-to-make Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream recipe, you can enjoy a delightful, homemade treat that’s both creamy and packed with fruity sweetness. It’s a surefire way to impress your family and friends this summer!

Conclusion

Homemade Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream is the perfect treat to indulge in any time of year, but especially during the warmer months when fresh cherries are in season. With its creamy vanilla base, rich cherry swirls, and a hint of chocolate crunch, this ice cream is a crowd-pleaser for all ages. The best part? It’s easy to make and requires no complicated techniques, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced home cooks. So, whip up this recipe, gather your loved ones, and enjoy a bowl of this delectable homemade ice cream on a sunny day.

FAQ About Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

More Relevant Recipes

• Nectarine Cobbler
• Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars

Print