WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Do you crave a sweet, creamy treat that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the juicy burst of fresh cherries? Look no further! I’ll share my Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream recipe that’s easy to follow and packed with flavor. From selecting the perfect cherries to mastering the churning process, you’ll learn how to create this delightful dessert at home. Get ready to impress your friends and family!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of fresh cherries and rich chocolate creates a decadent treat that is both refreshing and indulgent.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it accessible for all skill levels.
- Perfect for Summer: Homemade ice cream is the ultimate summer dessert, and this cherry chocolate chip delight is sure to impress at any gathering.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fruits or types of chocolate to create your own unique flavors.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– A pinch of salt
To make Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, you need fresh cherries. Choose ripe ones for the best flavor. The cherries create a sweet and tart balance in the ice cream. Heavy cream and whole milk provide a rich base. This creaminess makes the ice cream soft and smooth.
You’ll also need granulated sugar. It sweetens the mix and helps with texture. The vanilla extract adds depth. Almond extract gives a nutty hint, enhancing the flavor. Semi-sweet chocolate chips add a nice crunch and chocolatey taste. A pinch of salt rounds out the sweetness, making it perfect.
Nutritional Information
– Calories per serving: About 250
– Macronutrient breakdown:
– Fat: 14g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Protein: 3g
– Allergen information: Contains dairy and may contain nuts from almond extract.
This ice cream has about 250 calories per serving. The creamy ingredients contribute to the fat content. It’s a treat, so enjoy it in moderation. Always check for allergies, especially with the almond extract.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cherry Mixture
To start, grab a medium saucepan and add the pitted and halved cherries. Then, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir gently as the cherries soften and release their juices. Once they are nice and juicy, take the saucepan off the heat. Set it aside and let the mixture cool completely.
Mixing the Ice Cream Base
Next, take a large mixing bowl. In it, whisk together 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, and the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Make sure to mix well until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Now, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract, and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Stir until combined.
Combining Ingredients
Once your cherry mixture has cooled, it’s time to bring everything together. Carefully fold the cherry mixture into the cream mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be gentle to keep the cherries intact. After that, stir in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Ensure they spread evenly throughout the mixture.
Churning and Freezing
Now, pour the combined mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn the ice cream. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. You want it to reach a soft-serve consistency. After churning, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container. Smooth out the top and seal it well. Freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours. This will help it harden to your liking. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This makes scooping easier and more fun!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Ice Cream
Achieving the ideal texture
To get the best texture, follow the steps closely. Churn the mixture until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. This usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes. If you churn too little, your ice cream may be too hard. If you churn too much, it can become grainy.
Avoiding ice crystals
Ice crystals can ruin your ice cream. To avoid them, freeze the mixture quickly. Use an ice cream maker, as it helps incorporate air. This process gives your ice cream a smooth feel. After churning, transfer it to an airtight container for freezing. This keeps air out and prevents ice crystals from forming.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation tips for serving
Serving your ice cream nicely makes it more tempting. Use waffle cones or pretty bowls for a fun look. Add fresh cherry halves on top for color and taste. A sprinkle of chocolate shavings adds a nice touch too. These small details can turn your dessert into a showstopper.
Pairing with toppings
Toppings can enhance your ice cream experience. Try nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for crunch. A drizzle of chocolate sauce can make it richer. You could also serve it with whipped cream for extra creaminess. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Cherries: Fresh cherries will give your ice cream the best flavor and texture. Look for ripe, sweet cherries for optimal results.
- Chill Your Mixture: For creamier ice cream, chill the cream mixture in the refrigerator for about an hour before churning. This helps to enhance the overall texture.
- Experiment with Extracts: Feel free to substitute or add other extracts like coconut or mint to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Keep It Airtight: To maintain freshness and prevent ice crystals from forming, always store your ice cream in an airtight container.
Variations
Flavor Combinations
You can make your Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream even more fun by mixing in different flavors.
– Adding Different Fruits: Try adding raspberries or strawberries to the mix. These fruits pair well with cherries. You can also use blueberries for a burst of flavor. Just remember to chop them up before adding. This lets their juices mix in nicely.
– Using Dark Chocolate Instead: If you want a richer taste, swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate. Dark chocolate adds depth and a nice contrast to the sweet cherries. You can chop a dark chocolate bar into small pieces or use chips.
Dietary Alternatives
If you’re looking for healthier options, there are many choices to make this treat fit your needs.
– Dairy-Free Options: You can use coconut milk or almond milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream. This keeps the creaminess while making it dairy-free. You can also try using dairy-free chocolate chips for a complete dairy-free dessert.
– Low-Sugar Substitutions: If you want to cut down on sugar, use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. These options can still give you that sweet flavor without the calories. Just use them according to the package instructions, as they can vary in sweetness.
Storage Info
How to Store Ice Cream
To keep your Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream fresh, follow these steps:
– Best practices for freezing: Make sure your freezer is set to 0°F (-18°C) or lower. This keeps the ice cream firm and helps it hold its texture.
– Packaging for freshness: Store the ice cream in an airtight container. A container allows no air to enter. This helps stop ice crystals from forming and keeps your ice cream smooth.
Shelf Life
How long can you keep your ice cream?
– How long it lasts in the freezer: Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream can last up to 2 months in the freezer. While it may stay safe to eat, the taste may fade over time.
– Signs of spoilage: If you see ice crystals on the surface or the ice cream has a grainy texture, it’s best to toss it. Also, if the ice cream smells off or has a strange flavor, don’t eat it.
Following these tips will keep your Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream tasty and delightful!
FAQs
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream without an ice cream maker?
You can make this ice cream without an ice cream maker. Here’s how:
– Use a mixing bowl: After mixing your ingredients, pour them into a bowl.
– Freeze and stir: Place the bowl in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork for about 2-3 hours. This helps break up ice crystals.
– Final freeze: After 3 hours, let the ice cream freeze for an additional hour without stirring.
This method gives you a creamy texture, even without a machine.
Can I use frozen cherries instead?
Yes, frozen cherries work well! Here’s how to use them:
– Thaw first: Let the frozen cherries thaw before cooking. This helps them soften.
– Drain excess liquid: After thawing, drain any extra juice. You want to keep the ice cream from getting too watery.
– Cook as fresh cherries: Cook the thawed cherries with sugar as you would fresh ones.
Using frozen cherries is a great option, especially when fresh ones are not in season.
What other desserts can I make with this flavor?
You can create many tasty treats with cherry and chocolate flavors! Here are some ideas:
– Cherry Chocolate Chip Milkshake: Blend your ice cream with milk for a creamy shake.
– Cherry Chocolate Sundae: Top your ice cream with hot fudge, nuts, and whipped cream.
– Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: Fold cherry bits and chocolate chips into cookie dough for a fun twist.
These ideas keep the flavors alive in different ways, perfect for any sweet tooth!
You learned how to make cherry chocolate chip ice cream using simple steps. We discussed the ingredients, from fresh cherries to chocolate chips. I shared tips for perfect texture and storage methods. You can customize the recipe with different fruits or dairy-free options. Enjoy making this treat at home! It’s a fun way to beat the heat and impress friends. Now, get started and create your own delicious versio
Cherry Chocolate Chip Delight Ice Cream
A deliciously creamy ice cream featuring fresh cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3.75 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 pinch salt
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the pitted and halved cherries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Stir gently, allowing the cherries to cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until they soften and release their juices. Remove the saucepan from heat and set it aside to cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, and the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until the sugar is thoroughly dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Once the cherry mixture has cooled, carefully fold it into the cream mixture using a spatula or a wooden spoon. Take care to maintain the integrity of the cherries, avoiding excessive mashing.
Gently stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Pour the combined mixture into your ice cream maker and churn it according to the manufacturer's instructions, which typically takes around 20-25 minutes until a soft-serve consistency is achieved.
Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container, smoothing the top before sealing. Freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours, or until it hardens to your preferred firmness.
When you're ready to serve the ice cream, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This will make scooping easier and enhance the overall enjoyment of your treat.
For an appealing presentation, serve in waffle cones or decorative bowls, garnished with fresh cherry halves and chocolate shavings.
Keyword cherry, chocolate chip, dessert, ice cream
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
