Craving a taste of summer, even when the weather outside is frightful? Then look no further than this homemade Cherry Garcia ice cream recipe! This delicious dessert captures all the vibrant flavors of the iconic Ben & Jerry's favorite, but with the added bonus of knowing exactly what's going into your delicious, healthy-ish treat. It's surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks, and it's the perfect way to impress your family and friends with a homemade dessert that tastes like pure indulgence. Let's get started on this exciting culinary adventure!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pitted dark sweet cherries, roughly chopped
- ½ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark chocolate preferred)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Don't let it boil!
Infuse the Flavor:
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool slightly.
Prepare the Cherry Mixture:
- Gently fold in the chopped cherries.
Chill Time:
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling step is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy texture.
Churn and Freeze:
- Once thoroughly chilled, churn the mixture in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
Add the Chocolate:
- During the last few minutes of churning, gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Hardening Up:
- Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours to allow it to fully harden.
Tips for the Best Homemade Cherry Garcia Ice Cream:
- Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the taste and texture of your ice cream. Fresh, ripe cherries are best!
- Don't Over-Churn: Over-churning can result in icy ice cream. Follow the instructions for your ice cream maker carefully.
- Get Creative with Cherries: Feel free to experiment with different types of cherries, such as Bing cherries or Rainier cherries. You can also add a splash of cherry liqueur for an extra kick (for adults only, of course!).
- Chocolate Variations: Try using different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate, to customize the flavor profile. Adding chopped nuts like almonds would also complement this recipe beautifully.
Nutritional Information (per serving - approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size. A general estimate per serving would be approximately 300-350 calories, with varying amounts of fat, sugar, and protein. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredient quantities.
More Easy and Delicious Recipes to Try:
Looking for more quick dinner ideas or healthy meals? Check out our other easy recipes on the blog! We have a wide variety of delicious dishes to satisfy every craving. From comforting pasta dishes to refreshing salads and everything in between, we've got you covered. Find your new favorite recipe today!
This homemade Cherry Garcia ice cream is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect combination of sweet cherries, rich chocolate, and creamy ice cream, making it a truly unforgettable dessert experience. Enjoy!