Are you ready to dive into a world of delicious homemade ice cream? This cherry ice cream recipe is incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and delivers a burst of summery sweetness in every bite. Forget those store-bought tubs filled with artificial ingredients – let's create a truly delightful, healthy, and unforgettable dessert together using your ice cream maker! This recipe is perfect for a quick dessert, a special occasion, or simply satisfying that sudden craving for something cool and refreshing. It's one of those easy recipes that yields surprisingly delicious results, making it a staple in my quick dinner ideas repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (fresh are preferable for the best flavor)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Mixture
- In a small saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cherries have softened and released their juices. This creates a beautiful homemade cherry sauce.
Step 2: Make the Custard Base
- While the cherries are simmering, in a separate saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and salt.
- Heat over medium heat until the mixture is just warm to the touch – do not boil.
Step 3: Combine and Cool
- Once the cherries are cooked, carefully blend them using an immersion blender until smooth. Alternatively, let them cool slightly then carefully blend in a regular blender.
- Strain the cherry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds or skins for a smoother ice cream texture.
- Stir the warm cream mixture into the cherry puree, then add the vanilla extract.
- Let the mixture cool completely before churning. This is crucial for the best results. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream
- Once the mixture is completely chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
Step 5: Harden the Ice Cream
- Once churned, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or until solid. This allows the ice crystals to firm up, leading to a creamier texture.
Tips for the Best Cherry Ice Cream:
- Fresh vs. Frozen Cherries: While frozen cherries work in a pinch, fresh cherries offer a superior flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet ice cream, reduce the sugar to ½ cup. Taste and adjust to your preference.
- Add a Boozy Twist: For an adult treat, add 1-2 tablespoons of cherry liqueur or brandy to the mixture after churning.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Enjoy your cherry ice cream with fresh cherries, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of honey.
Variations:
- Cherry Almond Ice Cream: Add ¼ cup of chopped almonds to the ice cream mixture before churning.
- Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: Fold in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips after churning.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Sugar: Around 25-30g
This homemade cherry ice cream is a delicious and relatively healthy dessert option compared to store-bought versions, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without unnecessary additives. Enjoy this easy recipe and the delightful experience of homemade cooking! It's sure to become one of your best recipes.