Classic Cherry Bakewell: In a Homemade Ice Cream

Enjoy the nostalgia of Cherry Bakewell with a twist! Our Cherry Bakewell Homemade Ice Cream. It’s a perfect treat with a familiar combination of flavours in every scoop!

Cherry Bakewell is a definite favourite of mine from my childhood. I’d always pluck the cherry out, scoff the rest, sorry I mean eat the rest, then finish off with the cherry at the end. The combination of flavours, soft in parts and crunch in others. The nutty almond, marzipan flavours and textures are a wonderful combination.

We’ve taken this beloved dessert’s delightful blend of cherries, almond notes, and sweetness and turned it into a creamy frozen delight. And why not?

In this article, we’ll discuss the mistake that led to the creation of this all-time classic treat, we’ll also learn about the fusion of cherries and almonds, we’ll detail the amazing health benefits of both cherries and almonds and of course, we’ll share with you a step-by-step guide on how you can make your very own Cherry Bakewell Homemade Ice Cream.

If you prefer, you can go straight to the recipe by clicking the link below or read along and find out more about this delicious fusion of flavours.
Jump to Homemade Cherry Bakewell Ice Cream Recipe

The History of a Cherry Bakewell.

The history of Cherry Bakewells can be traced back to England, where they originated as a variation of the Bakewell Pudding. The town of Bakewell in Derbyshire claims to be the birthplace of this delectable treat.

Interestingly, the original Bakewell Pudding is said to have been created by mistake in the 19th century when a cook misunderstood a recipe, resulting in the layers of pastry, jam, and almond mixture that define the dessert as we know and love today.

Over time, this accidental creation gained popularity and evolved into different variations.

The Cherry Bakewell features a pastry base filled with sweet raspberry jam and almond frangipane. The addition of a layer of icing and a single glace cherry on top adds the finishing touch. It showcases the exquisite interplay of cherries and almonds, enveloped in a luscious pastry.

Its widespread acclaim underscores the timeless appeal of this remarkable combination, which continues to entice palates across the globe.

Cherry Bakewells have become an iconic British sweet treat, loved for their delicate balance of flavours and textures.

Cherries and Almonds.

These two ingredients, Cherries and Almonds are the quintessential ingredients that define the recognisable flavour profile of Cherry Bakewell.

Cherries: These vibrant and juicy fruits are the stars of the Cherry Bakewell show. Sweet and tart at the same time, cherries add a burst of fruity freshness to the Bakewell. Their natural sweetness complements the almond undertones, creating a harmonious balance of flavours.

Almonds: Almonds bring a rich and nutty dimension to Cherry Bakewell ice cream. Often used in the form of almond extract or ground almond flour, they infuse the dessert with their distinct aroma and taste. Almonds enhance the overall texture and depth of the Bakewell, making it both creamy and indulgent.

Health Benefits of Cherries.

Cherries are not only sweet and delicious but also packed with health benefits that make them a fantastic addition to your diet. Here are some of the health benefits of cherries:

1. Rich in Antioxidants: Cherries are a great source of antioxidants, including vitamin C, anthocyanins, and quercetin. These antioxidants help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Cherries have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis and gout. The natural compounds in cherries may help reduce inflammation and pain.
3. Heart Health: The antioxidants and fibre in cherries contribute to heart health. They can help lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, reducing the risk of heart disease.
4. Promotes Sleep: Cherries contain melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Consuming cherries or cherry products may improve sleep quality and help manage sleep disorders.
5. Supports Digestive Health: Cherries are a good source of dietary fibre, which promotes healthy digestion. Fibre aids in regular bowel movements and prevents constipation.
6. Weight Management: Cherries are relatively low in calories and high in water content, making them a satisfying and hydrating snack. Their natural sweetness can also help curb sugar cravings.
7. Bone Health: Cherries contain minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which are important for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
8. Brain Health: The antioxidants in cherries may have protective effects on brain cells, potentially reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
9. Exercise Recovery: The anti-inflammatory properties of cherries can aid in post-exercise recovery by reducing muscle soreness and inflammation.
10. Cancer Prevention: Some studies suggest that the compounds found in cherries, particularly anthocyanins, may have cancer-fighting properties and help inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Cherries are another powerhouse from nature, full of goodness.

Incorporating cherries into your diet, whether in the form of fresh fruit, dried cherries or as an ingredient in recipes like our Cherry Bakewell ice cream, can be a delicious way to enjoy these health benefits.

Health Benefits of Almonds.

Almonds are not only a tasty snack but also offer a wide range of health benefits. Here are some of the key health benefits of almonds:

1. Heart Health: Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy fats that can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. They also contain antioxidants, such as vitamin E, that support heart health.
2. Weight Management: Despite being calorie-dense, almonds can actually aid in weight management. The combination of healthy fats, protein, and fibre helps increase feelings of fullness, leading to reduced overall calorie intake.
3. Bone Health: Almonds are a good source of important nutrients for bone health, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These minerals contribute to strong bones and teeth.
4. Blood Sugar Control: Almonds have a low glycemic index and are rich in fibre and healthy fats. This combination can help stabilise blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making them a suitable choice for individuals with diabetes.
5. Skin Health: Almonds are packed with vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin E is also known for its moisturising and anti-ageing properties.
6. Brain Health: Almonds contain nutrients like riboflavin and L-carnitine, which have been linked to improved brain function and memory. The healthy fats in almonds also support overall brain health.
7. Digestive Health: The fibre content in almonds supports healthy digestion by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.
8. Energy Boost: Almonds provide a quick and sustained energy boost due to their combination of healthy fats, protein, and fibre. They make for a great pre-or post-workout snack.
9. Antioxidant Properties: Almonds are a good source of antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which help protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.
10. Nutrient-Rich: Almonds are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, and iron. Incorporating almonds into your diet can contribute to overall nutrient intake.

Whether enjoyed as a standalone snack, used in recipes like our Cherry Bakewell ice cream, or added to various dishes, almonds offer a variety of health benefits that make them a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

Harmonious Fusion: Cherries and Almonds.

Given the lengthy lists of health benefits for both Cherries and Almonds, why wouldn’t you combine these powerhouses nature has gifted us? Not only do they both pack a punch in regards to healthy benefits that are on offer, flavour-wise, these two match each other perfectly. When it comes to crafting irresistible desserts, the combination of cherries and almonds is a match made in food heaven.

The sweet cherries and rich almonds work together in a delicious blend, making a perfect combination of flavours and textures.

The Cherry Bakewell dessert is well-known for capturing this wonderful pairing.

Cherry Bakewell as an Ice Cream?

Cherry Bakewell is an all-time favourite dessert of mine and of course, being the experimentalist that I am, I wondered how those familiar and classic flavours would translate into Ice Cream.

Incorporating the essence of Cherry Bakewells into homemade ice cream adds a curious twist to this classic dessert, allowing you to enjoy its flavours in a refreshing frozen form.

I was quite surprised by how this experiment turned out and even had a friend who tried it questioning how I had managed to get pastry into ice cream! I didn’t, but what I did was to use Almond Milk instead of whole milk, plus ground almonds and by doing this, the almond milk and ground almonds added a texture and taste that makes you think you are eating pastry.

Curious, I know, but the use of additional almond ingredients enhanced the experience of eating a cherry bakewell, only as an Ice Cream.

Take a look at our post – Delicious Low-Fat Homemade Ice Cream: Indulgence Without Guilt – which provides more information on the use of alternative milks, such as Almond Milk in this case.

Let’s see what ingredients are required and what methods you’ll need to use to make your own Homemade Cherry Bakewell Ice Cream.

Homemade Cherry Bakewell Ice Cream Recipe

Here is our recipe and method for making Cherry Bakewell Homemade Ice Cream:

Ingredients:

• 250ml double cream
• 125ml almond milk
• 80g granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoon almond extract
• 150g chopped cherries (fresh or frozen, pitted)
• 65g ground almonds

Instructions:

• Prepare the Base:
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the double cream, almond milk, and granulated sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  • Stir in the almond extract to infuse the base with Bakewell almond flavour.
• Cherry and Almond Mixture:
  • In a separate bowl, combine the 50g of chopped cherries, and ground almonds. This mixture will add the familiar Cherry Bakewell flavours to the ice cream.
• Prepare a Coulis:
  • Place the remainder of the chopped cherries in a saucepan. Pour in a few drops of water so the cherries don’t stick and heat.
  • Simmer until the cherries have broken down. Allow to cool. You can set aside a couple of spoons of the softened chopped cherries to add at the end, for that additional textural, flavour experience.
• Blend the softened Cherries:
  • Pour the cooled cherries into a blender and blend until a smooth loose coulis has formed.
• Combine Mixtures:
  • Gently fold the cherry and almond mixture into the ice cream base. Ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Churning:
  • Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning. The ice cream should thicken and reach a soft-serve consistency.
    • NB: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals, repeating this process for about 3-4 hours or until the ice cream is firm. Please also check out our post – Homemade Ice Cream: Without an Ice Cream Maker to learn more.
• Layering and Swirling:
  • As the ice cream churns, gradually add spoonfuls of the cherry coulis. This will create swirls of cherry goodness throughout the ice cream.
• Freezing:
  • Transfer the churned ice cream into a lidded container. To intensify the flavours and allow the ice cream to set, cover it with plastic wrap before sealing the container with the lid.
• Final Freeze:
  • Place the container in the freezer and let the ice cream freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm. This will ensure a scoopable texture.
• Serving:
  • Once frozen, scoop the Cherry Bakewell ice cream into bowls or cones. You can also garnish with additional chopped almonds and softened chopped cherries.
• Enjoy:
  • Serve and savour the delightful blend of cherry, almond, and Bakewell flavours in this homemade ice cream creation.

If you’d like to learn how yo make your own Ice Cream Waffles cones, then please check out our article – Mastering the Art: Make Homemade Ice Cream Cones – which gives you all the information and step-by-step guides.

We hope you have enjoyed learning about the goodness of Cherries and Almonds and can see why combining these two into a Deliciously Classic Cherry Bakewell Homemade Ice Cream makes perfect sense.

Please do drop us a comment below if you have any questions and we’d especially love to hear from you if you give this Cherry Bakewell Homemade Ice Cream a go yourselves.