Why It’s Great

This cherry vanilla ice cream isn’t just delicious; it’s also surprisingly versatile. You can use fresh, frozen, or even jarred cherries, making it suitable for any season. The harmonious blend of cherry and vanilla flavors provides a refreshing complement to warm desserts such as pies or crumbles. Plus, making ice cream together can turn into a lovely activity for families, creating sweet memories along the way.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Directions

1. Prepare the Cherries: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cherries with ½ cup of sugar. Allow the mixture to rest for about 30 minutes to let the cherries release their juices.
2. Make the Ice Cream Base: In another large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, the remaining ½ cup of sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until it’s thoroughly combined and smooth.
3. Combine: Gently stir the cherry mixture, along with the juices, into the cream mixture. Take care not to mash the cherries too much as you mix.
4. Chill: Cover the mixture and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or until it is completely chilled. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture when churning.
5. Churn: Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which typically takes about 20-25 minutes.
6. Freeze: After churning, transfer your soft ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until it is firm and fully set.

Storing and Preserving

Your homemade cherry vanilla ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To keep it silky smooth and prevent ice crystals from forming, press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface before sealing the container. For the best flavor and texture, try to enjoy it within the first week.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

• Ice Cream Not Churning: If your ice cream doesn’t churn, make sure your ice cream maker’s bowl is frozen solid. It should be left in the freezer for at least 24 hours prior to use.
• Too Hard to Scoop: If your ice cream is excessively hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping.
• Grainy Texture: A grainy texture can arise if the sugar doesn’t dissolve completely. Be sure to whisk the base until it is completely smooth.
• Lack of Cherry Flavor: For the best flavor, use fresh cherries when they are in season, and consider adding a splash of cherry juice for even more richness.
• Over-churning: Stop churning once the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency to avoid ending up with a grainy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cherries?

  Yes, frozen cherries work wonderfully! Just allow them to thaw slightly before chopping.

• What can I substitute for heavy cream?

  You can use a mix of half-and-half and a little butter for a lighter alternative, although the final texture will differ.

• Is it necessary to have an ice cream maker?

  While an ice cream maker simplifies the process, you can make ice cream without one. Just stir the mixture every 30 minutes as it freezes.

• Can I add other flavors?

  Absolutely! You can easily incorporate chocolate chips, nuts, or even a rich swirl of chocolate sauce into your ice cream.

• How can I make this ice cream dairy-free?

  To make this ice cream dairy-free, replace the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and opt for a non-dairy sweetener.