Cherry Ice Cream is the kind of dessert that instantly brings summer to your spoon. With its vivid pink hue and swirls of real fruit, this treat is as stunning to look at as it is satisfying to eat. The richness of the cream, the brightness of lemon juice, and the natural sweetness of cherries create a perfectly balanced flavor.
This recipe is a fantastic way to use seasonal cherries and make a frozen dessert with minimal ingredients. It’s simple enough for a weekday project yet special enough to impress guests at a dinner party. Whether served in a cone, bowl, or between two cookies, it’s a classic done right.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 cups heavy cream
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1 cup whole milk
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 tsp salt
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups sweet cherries, pitted and halved
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1 tbsp lemon juice
Directions:
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Place the cherries and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and release their juices. Mash slightly for a jam-like texture. Let cool.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until the sugar dissolves completely.
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Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
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Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer instructions (usually 20–25 minutes).
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Add the cooled cherry mixture in the last few minutes of churning to create beautiful swirls of fruit throughout the ice cream.
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Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for 3–4 hours until firm.
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Scoop and serve!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 260 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Nostalgic Frozen Favorite
Cherry ice cream is one of those timeless treats that sparks joy in just about anyone who tastes it. It captures the essence of summer in every spoonful, from the vibrant flavor of ripe cherries to the rich, creamy texture that slowly melts in your mouth. For many, it evokes childhood memories of roadside ice cream stands, county fairs, and long summer afternoons. What sets this homemade version apart is not only its simplicity but its celebration of real, whole ingredients—sweet cherries, pure vanilla, and fresh dairy—without any artificial flavorings or preservatives.
This cherry ice cream isn’t just a dessert; it’s a memory, a comfort, and a reward all rolled into one delicious scoop.
The Charm of Homemade Ice Cream
There’s something deeply satisfying about making ice cream from scratch. It reconnects you with the rhythm of slow food—prepping, chilling, churning, and waiting. In an age where everything is instant, taking the time to make your own cherry ice cream offers a kind of culinary therapy. You control the ingredients, adjust the sweetness, and choose the texture you prefer. You’re not limited by commercial stabilizers or artificial coloring; instead, you’re leaning into the purity of nature’s own sweetness.
Homemade cherry ice cream especially shines in its authenticity. Unlike store-bought versions that often rely on flavor extracts or overly sweet syrups, this version highlights the natural tartness and complexity of real cherries.
Why Cherries Make the Perfect Ingredient
Cherries are an ideal fruit for ice cream due to their balance of sweet and tart, their vibrant color, and their tender bite. When gently cooked down with lemon juice, cherries develop a syrupy richness that blends beautifully with the creamy base. Their slightly tangy character prevents the dessert from becoming cloying, keeping each bite bright and refreshing.
Using fresh cherries also gives you complete control over texture. You can puree them into a smooth swirl, leave chunks for a fruit-forward experience, or do a mix of both. Depending on the variety—Bing, Rainier, or sour cherries—the flavor of your ice cream can range from rich and deep to tart and crisp.
Flavor Pairings and Variations
Cherry ice cream on its own is spectacular, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of complementary flavors. Add dark chocolate chunks for a Cherry Garcia–style twist, or swirl in a ribbon of fudge or almond butter. Vanilla and almond extracts both pair well with cherry, giving the ice cream a richer, more nuanced aroma.
For those who like to experiment, consider infusing the milk with herbs like basil or mint before churning. You could also spike your cherry compote with a splash of kirsch (a cherry liqueur), amaretto, or brandy for an adult-friendly dessert with a more complex profile.
If you’re following a dairy-free or vegan diet, this recipe adapts beautifully with full-fat coconut milk or a blend of oat milk and cashew cream. The richness and consistency may vary slightly, but the flavor will still shine.
Choosing the Right Equipment
An ice cream maker is key to achieving the best texture, as it churns the mixture while freezing to prevent large ice crystals from forming. Most home models are compact and easy to use, requiring little more than freezing a canister ahead of time. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make no-churn cherry ice cream by folding whipped cream into a condensed milk base, then swirling in your cherry mixture before freezing.
The investment in an ice cream maker pays off over time—not just for this recipe, but for countless frozen desserts throughout the year.
Tips for the Best Results
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Use ripe, in-season cherries: Fresh cherries offer the best texture and flavor. If cherries aren’t in season, frozen cherries are an excellent substitute. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well.
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Don’t skip the chill time: Chilling the base for several hours (or overnight) helps create a smoother texture and enhances the flavors.
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Add cherries during the last few minutes of churning: This ensures they don’t sink to the bottom or break down too much.
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Let the ice cream sit out for 5–10 minutes before scooping: Homemade ice cream tends to freeze harder than store-bought, so allowing it to soften slightly will give you perfect scoops.
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Use a shallow, wide container for freezing: This promotes even freezing and makes scooping easier.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry ice cream is stunning on its own, but it also shines in layered sundaes, affogatos, or served atop a warm brownie. Pair it with a buttery shortbread cookie or a slice of pound cake for a beautiful contrast in textures. It’s also amazing in ice cream sandwiches, nestled between chewy chocolate cookies or almond macarons.
For a festive presentation, consider serving it in chilled bowls topped with fresh cherries, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of cherry syrup. If you’re entertaining, scoop it into small cups and garnish with mint sprigs or edible flowers for a simple but elegant dessert.
Nutritional Notes
While this ice cream is certainly an indulgence, it’s also made from whole, natural ingredients. There are no preservatives, artificial colors, or unpronounceable additives. If you’re mindful of sugar or calories, you can reduce the sugar slightly or replace some of it with honey, agave, or maple syrup. Opting for reduced-fat dairy or plant-based milks will also lighten the nutritional load without sacrificing too much creaminess.
Because it’s homemade, you’re empowered to adjust the recipe to meet your needs—whether that’s reducing sugar, eliminating dairy, or adding extra protein-rich nuts or seeds for crunch.
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Recipe
This cherry ice cream is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. It engages all the senses: the vibrant color, the fresh scent of summer fruit, the creamy texture, and the bold, balanced taste. It’s incredibly simple, yet it feels luxurious and indulgent. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a regular afternoon into something special, and it’s versatile enough to become a staple in your summer dessert lineup.
If you’re someone who values freshness, control over ingredients, and the joy of a kitchen project that pays off deliciously, this recipe will become a fast favorite.
Conclusion
Cherry ice cream is a celebration of what homemade desserts are all about: flavor, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re making it for a summer gathering, a quiet evening treat, or just to preserve the bounty of cherry season, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s adaptable, reliable, and bursting with character—just like the best desserts should be.
In a world full of mass-produced sweets, taking the time to make this creamy, fruit-packed cherry ice cream will remind you why homemade always tastes better. So gather your cherries, chill your cream, and let the magic of churning begin. One scoop, and you’ll be hooked.