The Cherry On Top: 5 Homemade Cherry Ice Cream Recipes

Last Updated on August 29, 2024 by Cherie

Learn how to make 5 irresistible homemade cherry ice cream recipes, including black cherry, morello cherry, and the one and only Cherry Garcia!

Cherry Ice Cream! It’s a delicious combination of sweet cherries and creamy smooth ice cream, with additional cherry coulis to drizzle all over it. Perfect for a sweet treat any time of the year! As it’s such a delicious treat, we couldn’t limit our cherry ice cream article to just one flavour, so we thought we’d share 5 delicious creations that are sure to put the cherry on top of your dessert game. Get ready to indulge in a cherrylicious adventure!

From the luscious Black Cherry Ice Cream to the nostalgic Cherry Garcia, we’ve got a perfect scoop for all the cherry lovers out there.

In this article, we will share some of our favourite cherry ice cream recipes, along with information on the different varieties of cherries and some interesting information on the health benefits of cherries. Get your spoons ready to dive into this cherry extravaganza!

If you’d prefer to go straight to our Homemade Cherry Ice Cream Recipes, click on the following link, or read along to find out more.

Jump to Homemade Cherry Ice Cream Recipes

From Bing to Morello; The Many Cherry Varieties

You thought cherries were just cherries, right? Well, get ready to be pleasantly surprised! Cherries come in a wide variety of flavours and types, each with its unique characteristics.

From the sweet and juicy Bing cherries to the tangy Montmorency cherries used in pies, and the deep, rich flavour of Black cherries, there’s a cherry for every taste and culinary need.

Here is a selection of various types of cherries along with brief descriptions of their flavour profiles:

Sweet Cherries (Prunus avium):

• • Sweet and juicy with a mild to rich flavour depending on the variety.
  • Varieties include Bing, Rainier, and Lambert.
  • Often eaten fresh, great for desserts, and widely used in cooking.

Sour Cherries (Prunus cerasus):

• • Tart and tangy flavour with a hint of sweetness.
  • Varieties include Montmorency and Morello.
  • Commonly used in pies, jams, and preserves due to their acidity.

Black Cherries:

• • Deep, rich flavour with a slightly bitter-sweet taste.
  • Varieties include Black Tartarian and Stella.
  • Often used in culinary dishes and can also be eaten fresh.

Rainier Cherries:

• • Pale yellow to pinkish-red in colour with a delicate, sweet flavour.
  • Known for their low acidity and unique taste.
  • Typically eaten fresh and enjoyed as a premium variety.

Lapins Cherries:

• • Large, dark red cherries with a sweet and robust flavour.
  • Cross between Bing and Van cherries, known for their firm texture.
  • Excellent for eating fresh and in desserts.

Montmorency Cherries:

• • Tart and bright red cherries with a tangy flavour.
  • Commonly used for making pies, preserves, and cherry juice.
  • Known for their health benefits and antioxidant properties.

Morello Cherries:

• • Dark red to black cherries with a distinct tart flavour.
  • Often used in cooking and baking, especially for pies and sauces.
  • Commonly preserved in syrup or used for making liqueurs.

Bing Cherries:

• • Large, dark red cherries with a sweet and rich flavour.
  • A popular variety for eating fresh and widely available.
  • Juicy and sweet, often considered the classic sweet cherry.

These varieties offer a range of flavours and uses, from fresh eating to culinary creations like jams, pies, and homemade ice creams.

Cherry-Picked Health Benefits

Cherries aren’t just super flavoursome, there are some juicy perks of adding cherries to your diet! Bursting with antioxidants like anthocyanins and quercetin, cherries fight inflammation and oxidative stress.

They’re a heart-healthy treat, helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Plus, with their natural melatonin content, cherries promote restful sleep.

These little powerhouses aid improved digestion, reduce muscle soreness, and are an overall deliciously sweet way to stay healthy!

===> Click here to learn more about the impressive health benefits of Cherries.

Now we have a greater understanding of the different cherries that are available, how their flavour profiles differ, and we know they’re also really good for us, let’s look at some Mouthwatering Homemade Cherry Ice Cream Recipes using some of the above cherry varieties.

Homemade Black Cherry Ice Cream Recipe

Description: This variation features the rich, deep flavour of black cherries. The cherries are cooked down slightly to release their juices, then folded into a creamy vanilla ice cream base. For an added touch, swirl in some cherry juice to intensify the flavour.

Ingredients:

• 500ml double cream
• 250ml whole milk
• 200g granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 300g fresh black cherries, pitted and halved
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, 100g of sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the cherries release their juices and soften about 10 minutes. Let cool and then puree half of the mixture.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the double cream, whole milk, remaining 100g of sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar dissolves.
• Stir in the cherry puree and whole cherries.
• Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Transfer the ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.

Homemade Morello Cherry Ice Cream Recipe

Description: Morello cherries are known for their tartness, which provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the ice cream base. This version incorporates almond extract to enhance the flavour profile, giving it a slightly nutty undertone that complements the tart cherries perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 500ml double cream
• 250ml whole milk
• 200g granulated sugar
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 300g Morello cherries, pitted and chopped

Method:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the Morello cherries and 100g of sugar. Cook over medium heat until the cherries soften and release their juices, about 10 minutes. Let cool.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the double cream, whole milk, remaining 100g of sugar, and almond extract until the sugar dissolves.
• Stir in the cooled cherry mixture.
• Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Transfer the ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.

Homemade Cherry Cheesecake Ice Cream Recipe

Description: This decadent variation combines the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the fruity burst of Morello cherries. The base is made with cream cheese and cream, creating a rich, tangy flavour. Swirl in Morello cherry compote and mix in digestive biscuit pieces for added texture and a true cheesecake experience.

Ingredients:

• 225g fresh or frozen Morello cherries, pitted and chopped
• 225g cream cheese, softened
• 240ml double cream
• 240ml whole milk
• 150g caster sugar
• 65g digestive biscuits, crushed
• Zest of 1 lemon

Method:

• Prepare the Cherry Compote:

• • In a small saucepan, combine the chopped cherries with 50g of caster sugar and lemon zest.

• • Cook over medium heat until the cherries release their juices and the mixture thickens slightly, about 8-10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
• Make the Ice Cream Base:
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and remaining 100g of caster sugar until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the double cream and whole milk to the cream cheese mixture. Whisk until well combined.
• Chill the Mixture:
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled. Chilling overnight is recommended for best results.
• Churn the Ice Cream:
  • Once chilled, pour the ice cream base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
• Add Mix-ins:
  • During the last few minutes of churning, add the cherry compote and crushed graham cracker pieces. Churn briefly to incorporate them evenly into the ice cream.
• Transfer and Freeze:
  • Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container, swirling gently to distribute the cherries and graham cracker pieces throughout.
  • Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
• Serve:
  • Before serving, let the ice cream soften slightly at room temperature for a few minutes. Scoop into bowls or cones and enjoy your homemade Cherry Cheesecake Ice Cream!

Homemade Cherry Garcia Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500ml double cream
• 250ml whole milk
• 200g granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 200g dark chocolate, chopped into chunks
• 300g fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Description: Our Cherry Garcia ice cream is a nod to the classic Ben & Jerry’s flavour, combining the sweet and tart taste of ripe cherries with rich, dark chocolate chunks. This flavour is perfect for those who crave a balanced blend of fruity and chocolatey goodness. The cherries add a juicy burst of flavour and a pop of colour, while the chocolate chunks provide a satisfying crunch and a deep cocoa richness. Enjoy a scoop of Cherry Garcia and experience the harmonious combination that has made this flavour a fan favourite for years.

Method:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, 100g of sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the cherries soften and release their juices, about 10 minutes. Let cool.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the double cream, whole milk, remaining 100g of sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar dissolves.
• Stir in the cooled cherry mixture and dark chocolate chunks.
• Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Transfer the ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.

Tips:

• For an extra touch, you can add a splash of cherry liqueur or amaretto to the ice cream base before churning.
• If you prefer softer cherries in your ice cream, you can simmer them with a tablespoon of sugar and a splash of water for a few minutes before adding them to the ice cream.

Cherry Almond Amaretto Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients:

• Fresh or frozen cherries
• Double cream
• Whole milk
• Sugar
• Amaretto liqueur
• Almond extract

Description: This sophisticated variation features the flavours of cherries and almonds, elevated with a splash of Amaretto liqueur. The cherries are macerated in Amaretto before being mixed into the ice cream base, which is flavoured with both vanilla and almond extracts. The Amaretto not only adds depth but also helps keep the ice cream scoopable.

Method:

For a detailed method of making this delicious Cherry Amaretto Ice cream, please check out our article – An Indulgent Homemade Cherry Amaretto Ice Cream – Frosted Fusions – giving you all the directions you need to make a very indulgent cherry amaretto ice cream.

These five variations of cherry ice cream offer a wide range of flavours and textures, perfect for satisfying any cherry ice cream craving.

And if that cherry ice cream bonanza wasn’t enough for you, you can also check out our delicious Homemade Cherry Bakewell Ice Cream Recipe, which takes the familiar flavours of a cherry bakewell and incorporates those flavours into an incredible Homemade Ice Cream.

Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker? No Problem.

If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make all the recipes listed above. In all instances, you can use the ‘freeze n stir’ method. You pour the completed mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up any ice crystals that are forming, 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 – which provides many hints and tips to make deliciously creamy ice cream without an ice cream maker.

With all the recipes provided above, you should have most equipment required in your kitchens if however, you find you are missing any equipment then head on over to our article – What Equipment Do You Need To Make Homemade Ice Cream? – Frosted Fusions – which lists everything you might need along with useful links.

We hope you have enjoyed our cherry ice cream extravaganza, exploring the delicious world of cherry-infused frozen treats.

Whether you’re a fan of the rich and luxurious Black Cherry Ice Cream or the nostalgic and fun Cherry Garcia, there’s a cherry ice cream recipe here to tantalise your taste buds.

With these simple recipes, you can create creamy, flavourful, and refreshing desserts that celebrate the natural sweetness and vibrant flavour of cherries.

So, grab your equipment, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to these irresistible homemade frozen treats.

If you have any questions please do drop us a message below and we’ll happily get back to you. Of course, it goes without saying that if you have any cherry ice cream experiences that you’d like to share, we would love to hear from you.

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