Homemade Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream is a creamy and delightful treat that blends the classic flavors of rich vanilla ice cream with a sweet, tangy cherry swirl. This recipe features a smooth, vanilla ice cream base made with heavy cream and whole milk, swirled with a luscious cherry sauce for a refreshing and flavorful dessert. Perfect for summer days or any time you crave a sweet, homemade indulgence, this ice cream offers a deliciously satisfying experience.
Ingredients:
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cherry Swirl:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prepare Cherry Mixture:
- In a small saucepan, combine the chopped cherries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries break down and the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool. For a smoother texture, you can blend the mixture until smooth, then let it cool completely.
- Make Ice Cream Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Chill Base:
- Refrigerate the ice cream base for at least 2 hours or until it is well chilled.
- Churn Ice Cream:
- Pour the chilled ice cream base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
- Add Cherry Swirl:
- Once the ice cream is churned and has a soft-serve consistency, gently fold in the cooled cherry mixture, creating a swirl effect. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the cherry swirl distinct.
- Freeze:
- Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Serve:
- Scoop and serve the homemade cherry vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
Tips:
- Cherry Variations: You can use different types of berries or fruit preserves if cherries are not available.
- Smooth Ice Cream: For a smoother texture, make sure your ice cream base is well chilled before churning.
- No Ice Cream Maker? If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can place the mixture in a shallow dish and freeze it. Stir every 30 minutes until the ice cream is firm.
- Add-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Enjoy your homemade cherry vanilla ice cream!