Craving a cool, refreshing treat on a hot summer's day? Forget the expensive ice cream maker and the complicated recipes! This homemade cherry ice cream recipe is unbelievably easy, requires no special equipment, and delivers a burst of fresh, vibrant cherry flavor. It's the perfect example of delicious and healthy meals you can whip up quickly, even on a busy weeknight. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this surprisingly simple dessert! This recipe is perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas or easy recipes for homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (about 12 ounces)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries: If using fresh cherries, pit them carefully. If using frozen cherries, let them thaw slightly. Roughly chop the cherries. You can leave some larger pieces for a chunkier texture.
Step 2: Make the Cherry Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped cherries, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cherries soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Cool Down: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cherry mixture cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial for preventing ice crystals from forming in your ice cream.
Step 4: Blend it Smooth: Once cooled, transfer the cherry mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the heavy cream, milk, and vanilla extract. Blend until completely smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Freeze and Stir: Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover tightly and place in the freezer. For the creamiest texture, every hour for the first three hours, remove the container from the freezer and vigorously stir the mixture. This breaks up the ice crystals and prevents a dense, icy texture.
Step 6: Enjoy! After at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, your delicious homemade cherry ice cream is ready to scoop and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Best Cherry Ice Cream:
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar to your preference. If your cherries are particularly tart, you might need slightly more sugar. Taste the mixture before freezing to ensure it's sweet enough.
- Freezing Time: Freezing time can vary depending on your freezer. Check the consistency after 4 hours. If it's still too icy, continue freezing and stirring.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Cherries: Both work beautifully! Using frozen cherries might result in a slightly icier texture, but the flavor will be equally delicious.
Variations:
- Cherry Almond Ice Cream: Add ¼ cup of slivered almonds to the mixture before blending for a delightful crunch.
- Bourbon Cherry Ice Cream: Stir in 1 tablespoon of bourbon or your favorite liqueur for an adult twist.
- Chocolate Cherry Swirl: Make a separate batch of chocolate ice cream (using the same base recipe but adding cocoa powder) and swirl it into the cherry ice cream before freezing.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size but here’s an estimate:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 18-20g
- Sugar: 25-30g
This easy cherry ice cream recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the sweet taste of summer. It's a great addition to your list of healthy meals and a perfect example of how simple homemade cooking can be. So ditch the ice cream maker and get ready to savor every bite of this delightful, homemade treat! Enjoy!