If you’re craving a luscious dessert that’s both sweet and a little tart, Cherry Ice Cream might just become your new favorite. This recipe skips the fuss of custard bases and cooking, letting you whip up a creamy, flavorful treat in just minutes. With frozen cherries, rich cream, and a hint of vanilla, you’ll enjoy a smooth and refreshing ice cream that’s perfect any time. Whether you’re serving it soft or letting it freeze to firm perfection, this cherry delight is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Ice Cream
There’s something special about how this cherry ice cream captures the bright, juicy flavor of cherries without any complicated steps. You don’t need eggs or a long cooking process—just blend everything together, and you’re on your way. The natural tartness of cherries balances the sweetness, making each bite refreshing but indulgent. Adding the optional chocolate swirl takes it to the next level, giving you a rich contrast that melts beautifully with the fruity creaminess. It’s simple, quick, and perfectly satisfying.
Ingredients for Cherry Ice Cream
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this creamy cherry treat to life:
- 16 ounces frozen sweet cherries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the optional chocolate swirl:
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
How to Make Cherry Ice Cream
Start by combining the frozen cherries, heavy cream, milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract in a blender. Blend everything until it becomes a completely smooth mixture. This is your ice cream base—no cooking or custard needed.
If you prefer soft-serve, you can serve it right away. For a firmer ice cream, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn it until it reaches your desired consistency.
While the ice cream is churning, prepare the chocolate swirl if you’re using it. Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for one minute, then stir. If the chocolate isn’t fully melted, heat in additional 20-30 second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly at room temperature while the ice cream finishes churning. If it hardens too much, reheat briefly and stir again to keep it drizzle-ready.
Once the ice cream is done churning, transfer about a third of it into an airtight container. Drizzle a third of the melted chocolate over this layer. Repeat with the remaining ice cream and chocolate in two more layers, creating a delicious swirl effect. Freeze the container until the ice cream is fully set and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Cherry Ice Cream
Cherry ice cream is incredibly versatile. Serve it in bowls topped with fresh cherries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for some crunch. You can also pair it with warm desserts like brownies or fruit crisps, where the cold creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm toppings. If you want to impress guests, try serving scoops in waffle cones or cups and add a drizzle of extra melted chocolate or a handful of toasted coconut flakes on top. For a lighter touch, spoon some over a fresh summer salad with mint leaves or a slice of pound cake.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cherry Ice Cream
To get the best results, make sure to use high-quality frozen cherries with no added sugars or preservatives. This ensures your ice cream tastes fresh and vibrant. When blending, don’t rush the process; blend until perfectly smooth to avoid any icy chunks. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can pour the blended mixture into a container and freeze it, stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until fully frozen.
For the chocolate swirl, use coconut oil to keep the chocolate smooth and easy to drizzle. If you want to switch things up, dark chocolate chips offer a deeper flavor, while white chocolate creates a sweeter swirl. Feel free to experiment with adding a splash of lemon juice or almond extract to the base for a unique twist.
How to Store Cherry Ice Cream
Store your cherry ice cream in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent ice crystals from forming. It will keep well in the freezer for up to two weeks. When you want to enjoy it, take the container out about 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier scooping. Avoid refreezing once it has softened to maintain the best texture.
Variations of Cherry Ice Cream
If you want to mix things up, try swapping frozen cherries for other frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity flavor. You can also add mix-ins such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or mini chocolate chips for extra texture. For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and use a dairy-free chocolate for the swirl. Another fun twist is to blend in a handful of fresh herbs like mint or basil for a refreshing herbal note.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cherry Ice Cream
What makes this cherry ice cream different from traditional recipes?
This recipe skips the egg custard base and cooking process, using a blender to create a smooth, creamy texture quickly.
Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?
Yes! After blending, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and stir every 30 minutes until it freezes to prevent ice crystals.
Is the chocolate swirl necessary?
No, it’s optional but adds a rich, delicious contrast that complements the cherry flavor beautifully.
How long does the ice cream keep in the freezer?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to two weeks.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Frozen cherries work best for texture and chill, but fresh cherries can be used if frozen first.
Does this ice cream contain eggs?
No, this recipe is egg-free and simple to make.
Cherry Ice Cream
Equipment
- Blender
- Ice Cream Maker
- Microwave
Ingredients
- 16 oz. frozen sweet cherries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¼ tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips for optional swirl
- 2 tsp. coconut oil for optional swirl
Instructions
- Combine frozen cherries, heavy cream, milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- If you prefer soft-serve, serve immediately. For firmer ice cream, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- While churning, prepare the chocolate swirl by melting chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth.
- Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly while the ice cream finishes churning.
- Transfer about a third of the ice cream to an airtight container. Drizzle a third of the melted chocolate over this layer and repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Freeze the container until the ice cream is fully set, about 4 hours.
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