Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

$For this ice cream, you need 2 cups of fresh cherries. You must pit and halve them. Fresh cherries add great flavor and texture. Look for bright red cherries that are firm. These cherries give your ice cream a sweet and tart taste. You will need 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk. These ingredients create a rich and creamy base. Heavy cream helps give the ice cream its smooth texture. Whole milk adds a nice balance to the creaminess. Together, they make the ice cream delightful. Use 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Sugar sweetens the cherries and ice cream. The lemon juice brightens the flavors and brings out the cherry taste. This combination is key to a well-balanced flavor. Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. These tasty chips provide bursts of chocolate in every bite. They melt slightly in the ice cream, making it even more tempting. The chocolate pairs perfectly with the cherries. You will also need 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Vanilla adds depth to the ice cream. It enhances the flavors of the cherries and chocolate. Use pure vanilla for the best taste. This ingredient is a must for a delicious ice cream. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, take 2 cups of fresh cherries. Pit and halve them. In a medium saucepan, add the cherries, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Cook this mixture over medium heat. Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes. The cherries will soften and release their juices. Once done, remove the pan from heat and let it cool completely. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk. Add 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Whisk this mixture vigorously until the sugar dissolves fully. This creates a smooth and creamy base for your ice cream. After the cherry mixture cools to room temperature, gently fold it into the cream mixture. Use a spatula to stir, but do this carefully. You want to mix them well without breaking the cherries too much. Cover the ice cream mixture and chill it in the refrigerator. Leave it for at least 2 hours or until it is cold. This step helps achieve a smooth texture. After chilling, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Churn it based on the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. In the last few minutes of churning, add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. This adds delightful bursts of chocolate. Once done, transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container. Smooth the top with a spatula. Freeze it for at least 4 hours or until firm. When ready to enjoy, take it out and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This helps soften it for easier scooping into bowls or cones. To get the best texture, chill your ice cream base well. This step helps your ice cream turn out smooth. After mixing, let it sit in the fridge for at least two hours. When you churn it, aim for a soft-serve consistency. This is crucial before you freeze it solid. Always choose ripe, fresh cherries for the best taste. Their natural sweetness shines through in the ice cream. Look for cherries that are firm and bright in color. When you cut them, make sure to pit them well. This prevents any hard bits in your ice cream. Serve your cherry chocolate chip ice cream in chilled bowls. This keeps it cold longer. You can add a sprig of fresh mint on top for a pop of color. Whole cherries also make a lovely garnish. This way, each scoop looks as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Use Ripe Cherries: Ensure your cherries are perfectly ripe for the best flavor; they should be sweet and slightly soft to the touch. Chill Your Equipment: Chill your ice cream maker bowl and any utensils beforehand to help achieve a smoother ice cream texture. Adjust Sweetness: Taste your cherry mixture before chilling; feel free to add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter ice cream. Store Properly: To prevent ice crystals from forming, make sure your container is airtight and keep your ice cream in the coldest part of the freezer. {{image_4}} You can make this ice cream without dairy. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Swap whole milk for almond or oat milk. This keeps the creamy texture while being dairy-free. You’ll still get the sweet cherry flavor with chocolate chips. You can change the sweetness to fit your taste. Use less sugar if you prefer a less sweet treat. You can also use honey or maple syrup. These options add a different flavor and sweetness. Just remember to adjust the amount based on what you choose. You can add fun flavors to your ice cream. Try mixing in almond extract for a nutty taste. A pinch of cinnamon can give it warmth and spice. You can also add a splash of bourbon for an adult twist. Each of these options brings a new twist to your cherry chocolate chip ice cream. Enjoy experimenting! To keep your Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream fresh, freeze it right away. Use an airtight container. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming. You can also layer plastic wrap over the ice cream before sealing. This adds extra protection against freezer burn. Your homemade ice cream will last for about two weeks in the freezer. After that, it may lose its flavor and texture. To enjoy the best taste, try to eat it within the first week. Use a sturdy container for freezing. A glass or heavy-duty plastic container works well. Make sure it has a tight lid. This keeps the ice cream safe from other smells in the freezer. If you have it, a shallow container helps the ice cream freeze evenly. You can also use smaller containers for single servings. Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just let them thaw and drain any extra juice. This helps keep the ice cream from getting too watery. Frozen cherries may not be as sweet, so you might want to add a bit more sugar. No ice cream maker? No problem! Pour the mixture into a shallow dish. Freeze it for about 30 minutes. Stir it well with a fork to break up any ice crystals. Repeat this every 30 minutes for about 3 hours. This method creates a creamy texture without a machine. You can use sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol. Make sure to check the sweetness level, as some are sweeter than sugar. You can also use ripe bananas to add natural sweetness. Just blend them well into the mixture. Yes, you can use dark chocolate or white chocolate if you prefer. Just chop it into small pieces or use chips. Each type will give a different flavor, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite! We explored how to make delicious cherry ice cream. You learned about the key ingredients like fresh cherries and cream. We reviewed easy steps to create the perfect blend and texture. I shared tips for using fresh items and serving ideas. Don’t forget the variations to suit your taste. Lastly, I provided storage tips to keep your ice cream fresh. Enjoy your homemade treat! It's simple, fun, and tasty.$

Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

A delightful and creamy ice cream made with fresh cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 7

Total Time 6

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the halved fresh cherries with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and the lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and release their natural juices. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, and the pure vanilla extract. Mix until the sugar is fully dissolved, ensuring a smooth and creamy base.
Once the cherry mixture has cooled to room temperature, gently fold it into the cream mixture using a spatula, stirring carefully to combine without breaking the cherries too much.
Cover and chill the ice cream mixture in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, or until it is thoroughly cold—this step is essential for a smooth texture.
Pour the chilled cherry and cream mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's specifications until you achieve a soft-serve consistency. This typically takes about 20-25 minutes.
In the final minutes of churning, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips, allowing them to be evenly distributed throughout the ice cream for delightful bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until the ice cream is firm enough to scoop.
When you're ready to indulge, take the ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. This will soften it slightly, making it easier to scoop into bowls or cones.

Notes

Serve in chilled bowls and garnish with mint or whole cherries.

Keyword cherry, chocolate chip, dessert, ice cream