Homemade Cherry Ice Cream is a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer with its creamy texture and vibrant cherry flavor. This recipe combines fresh or frozen cherries with a rich custard base, resulting in a sweet and tangy ice cream that is perfect for warm days or as a special dessert year-round. The burst of juicy cherries in every bite, along with the smooth creaminess, makes this ice cream a refreshing indulgence. Whether served in a cone or as a scoop alongside your favorite pie, this Cherry Ice Cream is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 large egg yolks
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cherries: In a small saucepan, combine the pitted cherries with 1/4 cup of the sugar. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until the cherries are softened and juicy. Remove from heat and let cool, then mash slightly with a fork or potato masher to release more juice. Set aside.
- Make the Custard Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat over medium heat until it begins to steam, but do not let it boil.
- Whisk the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar until pale and thick. Gradually pour about a cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Then, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture.
- Thicken the Custard: Cook the custard over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 8-10 minutes). Be careful not to let it boil.
- Cool the Mixture: Remove the custard from heat and strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg bits. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Once the custard is chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When it reaches a soft-serve consistency, gently fold in the cherry mixture.
- Freeze: Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- Serve: Scoop the Cherry Ice Cream into bowls or cones and enjoy the delightful burst of cherry flavor!
This Cherry Ice Cream is a homemade delight that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness, making it a delightful dessert for any occasion!
