Description
A creamy cherry ice cream with a smooth custard base and bursts of ripe cherry flavor. Perfect for a refreshing summer dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the cherries: In a medium saucepan, combine cherries with 1/4 cup sugar and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cherries release juices and soften, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Leave some cherries whole or mash lightly for texture.
- Make the custard base: In a separate saucepan, combine heavy cream and milk. Warm over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
- Whisk egg yolks and sugar: Whisk egg yolks with 1/2 cup sugar until pale and thickened.
- Temper the eggs: Slowly pour about one cup of warm cream mixture into egg yolks while whisking. Pour egg yolk mixture back into remaining cream in saucepan.
- Cook the custard: Stir continuously over low heat until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (170-175°F/75-80°C). Do not boil.
- Strain and cool: Strain custard through fine mesh sieve into a bowl. Stir in vanilla and salt. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Combine cherries and custard: Fold cherry mixture into chilled custard gently for even distribution.
- Churn the ice cream: Pour mixture into ice cream maker and churn for 20-25 minutes until soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze until firm: Transfer to airtight container and freeze at least 3 hours before serving.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, mash cherries more before folding in.
- Use fresh cherries when in season for best flavor.
- Refrigerate custard base thoroughly to improve texture when churned.
- This ice cream can be served alone or as a topping for desserts.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop cooking, Churning, Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: cherry ice cream, summer dessert, homemade ice cream, creamy ice cream, fruity ice cream