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Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream

Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream is a classic dessert made with a rich vanilla ice cream base and swirled with sweet, tart cherry pieces. The cherries are cooked down into a syrupy mixture and mixed into the ice cream, creating a perfect balance of creamy and fruity flavors. This homemade treat is easy to make and perfect for any occasion, offering a refreshing and indulgent dessert experience.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, European
Servings 6 People
Calories 440 kcal

Equipment

  • Saucepan For cooking the cherry mixture and making the syrup.
  • Mixing Bowls: To combine the ice cream base ingredients.
  • Whisk To mix the ice cream base and dissolve the sugar.
  • Ice Cream Maker For churning the ice cream to achieve a creamy texture.
  • Freezer-Safe Container: To store the ice cream while it firms up in the freezer.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure ingredients accurately.
  • Spatula: For scraping the sides of the bowls and stirring the ingredients.

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Heavy Cream
  • 1 cup Whole Milk
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup (for the base) + 1/4 cup (for the cherry mixture)
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • Salt A pinch (optional)
  • 4 large egg yolks (optional, if making a custard base)
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (optional, if using as a thickener)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Cherry Mixture
    In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups of chopped fresh cherries, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries release their juices and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Let it cool completely.
  • Mix the Ice Cream Base
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. For a custard base, you can whisk in 4 egg yolks or 1 tablespoon of cornstarch if you prefer a thicker, creamier texture.
  • Chill the Base
    Refrigerate the ice cream base for at least 2 hours or overnight to ensure it's thoroughly chilled. This will help the ice cream churn more smoothly.
  • Churn the Ice Cream
    Pour the chilled base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for about 20-25 minutes. During the last few minutes of churning, slowly add the cooled cherry mixture, allowing it to swirl through the ice cream.
  • Freeze and Serve
    Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm. Once frozen, scoop and serve your homemade Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream!

Notes

  • Chilling the Base: For the smoothest texture, it's essential to chill the ice cream base for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and helps the ice cream churn more effectively.
  • Cherry Mixture: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the cherry mixture before adding it to the ice cream. However, leaving some cherry chunks will create a delightful contrast in texture.
  • Storage: Homemade ice cream can become hard after freezing for a long time. To make it scoopable, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
  • Custard Base Option: If you're using egg yolks for a custard-style ice cream, ensure that the eggs are tempered slowly with the warm milk mixture to avoid curdling.
Keyword Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe