Cherry Ice Cream is the perfect way to celebrate summer. Whether you’re using sweet Bing cherries or tart Rainier, this homemade treat blends fruity bursts with velvety cream in each spoonful. You don’t need complicated steps or exotic ingredients—just fresh cherries, rich cream, and a touch of almond for magic. This recipe is based on personal experience and perfected through trial and error, ensuring a scoop of success every time.
👉 Don’t miss our raspberry ice cream recipe if you love fruity frozen treats!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh cherries (pitted) | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup (divided) |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Heavy cream | 2 cups |
| Whole milk | 1 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Almond extract | ½ tsp (optional but recommended) |
| Salt | Pinch |
Instructions:
1. Prep the Cherries
- Pit the cherries using a cherry pitter or knife.
- Toss them with ¼ cup sugar and lemon juice.
- Let them sit for 30 minutes to macerate and release juices.
- Optional: Blend half for a colorful swirl, or keep all whole for texture.
2. Make the Ice Cream Base
- In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, remaining ½ cup sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and salt until sugar dissolves completely.
- Chill the base in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).
3. Churn the Ice Cream
- Pour the chilled base into an ice cream maker.
- During the last 5 minutes, fold in macerated cherries (blended or whole).
- Churn until soft-serve consistency is achieved.
4. Freeze
- Transfer the churned ice cream into a lidded container.
- Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface.
- Freeze for 4–6 hours until firm.
5. Serve
- Scoop into bowls or cones.
- Garnish with a fresh cherry or dark chocolate curls.
💡 Looking for inspiration? Try coconut ice cream for another tropical summer favorite.
Variations & Tips:
- Add dark chocolate chips for a Cherry Garcia-style version.
- Mix in toasted almonds for a crunchy contrast.
- Swap 1 tbsp cream with amaretto for an adult twist.
- Strain excess juice from cherries to prevent icy texture.
- Learn more about rich creamy bases with pistachio ice cream.
Storage Tips:
- Store in a shallow, airtight container.
- Cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
- For best flavor and texture, consume within one week.
🧁 Discover great ideas like cherry amaretto tiramisu if you enjoy cherries in creative desserts.