Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe – Easy & Delicious

Cool off this summer with a homemade cherry vanilla ice cream recipe that combines the creamy goodness of vanilla ice cream with sweet cherry filling and delightful chocolate chunks. This easy-to-make dessert is a perfect treat for any occasion and sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re enjoying it on a warm afternoon or serving it at a summer gathering, this Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream will become your new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

This Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream is a fantastic dessert for several reasons. It’s easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients, and the cherry swirl and chocolate chunks elevate it to something truly special. Best of all, it’s a no-cook recipe, so there’s no need to worry about making a custard or spending hours in the kitchen. Just mix, churn, and freeze for a creamy, rich, and indulgent treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious cherry vanilla ice cream:

For the Cherry Filling:

• Fresh Cherries: Pitted and quartered for a sweet, juicy filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cherry mixture.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the cherry filling for a smooth texture.

For the Vanilla Ice Cream:

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Provides a rich, creamy texture that’s essential for homemade ice cream.
• Whole Milk: Adds a smooth consistency to the ice cream base.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the ice cream and balances the flavors.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the vanilla flavor for that classic taste.
• Sea Salt: A pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
• Chocolate Candy Bars (Optional): These chunks of chocolate bring a fun, crunchy element to the ice cream.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you have dietary preferences or are missing some ingredients, here are some easy swaps for this cherry vanilla ice cream recipe:

• Non-dairy milk (almond, coconut, or oat milk): You can use these alternatives for a dairy-free version of the ice cream base.
• Coconut cream: Swap the heavy whipping cream for coconut cream for a dairy-free and slightly tropical twist.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: Use these instead of regular chocolate bars for a richer chocolate flavor.

How to Make Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream

Making this homemade cherry vanilla ice cream is simpler than you might think! Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Make the Cherry Filling

1. Begin by pitting and halving the fresh cherries. Place them in a saucepan along with granulated sugar, water, and cornstarch.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently until it thickens and becomes syrupy.
3. Once thickened, remove from heat and let the cherry filling cool. Refrigerate until chilled completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Vanilla Ice Cream Base

1. In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. As the ice cream begins to thicken, slowly add the chocolate chunks, allowing them to mix in as the ice cream churns.

Step 3: Freeze and Layer the Ice Cream

1. Once the ice cream is ready, spoon about ⅓ of the vanilla ice cream into a container.
2. Add a layer of the chilled cherry filling over the ice cream, and repeat the layers two more times.
3. Press a piece of wax paper directly on top of the ice cream to protect it from air and prevent ice crystals from forming.
4. Cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid, and freeze for 2-3 hours, or until the ice cream reaches your desired consistency.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Ice Cream

• Pre-chill the Ice Cream Bowl: If you’re using a freezer bowl ice cream maker, make sure to freeze the bowl 24 hours in advance for optimal results. For compressor ice cream makers, chill the bowl for at least 15 minutes before using.
• Layer Properly: When layering the cherry filling and vanilla ice cream, be sure to gently swirl the layers for a marbled effect rather than stirring them together completely.
• Allow Ice Cream to Soften Before Scooping: After freezing, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to make scooping easier.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This cherry vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings and side dishes. For a complete treat, serve it with:

• Crushed Nuts: Try topping the ice cream with roasted almonds or pistachios for added crunch.
• Hot Fudge or Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some warm sauce over the ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Homemade Waffle Cones: If you’re feeling adventurous, serve your cherry vanilla ice cream in a freshly made waffle cone for a delicious, crispy contrast.

Variations:

• Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream with Brownies: For a richer dessert, crumble brownies into the ice cream before freezing.
• Vegan Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream: Make this recipe vegan by using coconut cream, plant-based milk, and dairy-free chocolate chunks.

Why You Should Make This Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

This homemade cherry vanilla ice cream recipe is a must-try because it’s simple to prepare, incredibly creamy, and bursting with sweet cherry flavor. It’s a perfect treat for warm days, family gatherings, or just whenever you’re craving a delicious dessert. The best part is that you can customize it with chocolate chunks or even create your own version by adding different mix-ins!

Conclusion

This homemade Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream recipe is the perfect way to cool off and indulge in a sweet, creamy treat. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a dessert that is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it alone, sharing it with family, or serving it at a party, this cherry vanilla ice cream is guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of smooth vanilla ice cream, rich chocolate chunks, and the sweet swirl of cherry filling makes every bite unforgettable. Make it today, and enjoy the refreshing taste of summer in every scoop!

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Rich Black Forest Cheesecake with Cherry Topping 
• Blueberry Crisp Cheesecake Bars 

Print