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- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup whole milk - ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ cup dark chocolate chunks - ¼ teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon lemon juice When measuring the cherries, make sure they are pitted. This helps avoid any surprises while eating. Use a liquid measuring cup for the cream and milk to get an accurate amount. For sugar, use dry measuring cups to ensure the right sweet balance. Use ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor. Check for firmness and vibrant color. If you choose frozen cherries, pick a brand with no added sugar. For cream and milk, choose full-fat options. This gives your ice cream a rich, creamy texture. Dark chocolate chunks should be high quality, with at least 60% cocoa content. This adds depth to your ice cream. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, take your fresh or frozen cherries. Pitting and halving them makes them easier to cook. In a medium saucepan, add the cherries, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Heat this over medium heat. Stir the mixture gently for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the cherries to soften and release their juices. Once they look shiny and juicy, remove the pan from heat and set it aside to cool. While your cherry mixture cools, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, add the heavy cream, whole milk, the remaining ½ cup of sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Use a whisk to mix everything together. Keep whisking until the sugar dissolves completely. The mixture should become smooth and creamy. This base is what will make your ice cream rich and tasty. Now it’s time to combine the mixtures. Carefully fold the cooled cherry mixture into the cream mixture. Make sure to save a few cherry halves for later. Stir gently, but don’t overmix. You want to see swirls of cherry in your cream. Next, pour this combined mixture into your ice cream maker. Churn it according to the manufacturer's instructions for about 20 to 25 minutes. You want it to reach a soft-serve texture. In the last few minutes, add the dark chocolate chunks. This step spreads the chocolate throughout the ice cream. Once done, transfer the ice cream into an airtight container. To keep it fresh, press plastic wrap against the top. This will help prevent ice crystals. Seal the container with its lid and freeze for at least 4 hours. This will make it firm enough for scooping. Enjoy your homemade cherry chocolate chunk ice cream! To get that rich and creamy texture, use heavy cream and whole milk. These ingredients keep the ice cream smooth. Make sure to whisk the cream and sugar until fully mixed. This step is key for a velvety base. Churning the mixture in your ice cream maker is also important. It incorporates air, which makes the ice cream light and fluffy. Ice crystals can ruin your ice cream's texture. To avoid this, press plastic wrap against the surface of the ice cream before sealing it. This keeps air out and helps maintain a smooth texture. Also, try to store the ice cream in an airtight container. This way, it won't absorb other flavors from the freezer. For a fun serving idea, use chilled bowls. This keeps the ice cream from melting too quickly. Top each bowl with reserved cherry halves and extra chocolate chunks. This adds a nice touch and makes it look fancy. You can also pair your ice cream with a warm dessert, like brownies or pie. The contrast of warm and cold is a treat! Pro Tips Choose the Right Cherries: Opt for ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor. If using frozen cherries, ensure they're unsweetened to keep control of the sugar levels. Chill Your Mixture: For a creamier texture, refrigerate the ice cream base for at least an hour before churning. This helps the mixture churn more efficiently. Use Good Quality Chocolate: Invest in high-quality dark chocolate chunks. They will melt beautifully and enhance the overall taste of your ice cream. Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add other mix-ins such as nuts or different fruits in the last few minutes of churning for added texture and flavor. {{image_4}} You can swap cherries for other fruits. Try strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. These fruits add bright flavors. Each fruit brings its own sweet touch. Mix and match for fun combinations. For example, use peaches for a summer vibe. You can even mix fruits together for a unique twist. Want a dairy-free treat? Use coconut milk instead of cream and milk. Almond milk works well too. Replace sugar with maple syrup or agave. For a creamy texture, add soaked cashews blended smooth. This way, you keep the sweet, rich taste. Your vegan friends will love this choice! Dark chocolate is a classic choice for this ice cream. But you can also use milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor. White chocolate adds a creamy touch with a hint of sweetness. For a fun twist, try adding chocolate-covered cherries. This gives a double dose of chocolate delight. Mix different chocolates to suit your taste. To keep your cherry chocolate chunk ice cream fresh, use an airtight container. This prevents air from getting in and keeps your ice cream creamy. Press plastic wrap against the surface before sealing it. This step stops ice crystals from forming, which can ruin the texture. After you churn the ice cream, freeze it for at least 4 hours. This allows it to harden properly. If you want to enjoy it later, leave it in the freezer until you are ready to serve. Just remember, the longer it sits, the firmer it gets. Homemade ice cream lasts about 2 to 3 weeks in the freezer. After that, it may lose flavor and texture. To make the most of your ice cream, enjoy it sooner rather than later. If you notice ice crystals or freezer burn, it’s best to toss it out for a fresh batch! Yes, you can use frozen cherries. They work well and save time. Just thaw them before cooking. This helps them release their juices. You’ll enjoy that fruity flavor just like fresh cherries. You can store homemade ice cream for about two weeks. Keep it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. After two weeks, the flavor might fade a bit. If it lasts longer, check for ice crystals. No ice cream maker? No problem! You can still make this treat. After mixing all your ingredients, pour them into a shallow dish. Freeze it for about 30 minutes. Stir every 30 minutes until it gets creamy. This method takes more time but gives you a delicious result. This blog post covered all the key steps to make tasty cherry ice cream. We discussed the right ingredients, how to mix and freeze them, and tips for a creamy treat. I shared variations and storage tips to help you enjoy it longer. Remember, using quality ingredients makes a big difference. With these steps and tips, you can create a delicious dessert that everyone will love. Go ahead and make your cherry ice cream; it’s easier than you think! Enjoy your sweet creation!

Cherry Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

A delightful homemade ice cream featuring fresh cherries and rich dark chocolate chunks.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 5 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chunks
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the halved cherries, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and begin to release their vibrant juices. Once cooked, remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
  • While the cherry mixture cools, take a large mixing bowl and whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, the remaining ½ cup of sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue whisking until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
  • Carefully fold the cooled cherry mixture into the cream mixture, making sure to reserve a few cherry halves for garnish later. Stir gently until the two mixtures are well incorporated.
  • Pour the combined mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until it achieves a soft-serve consistency.
  • During the last few minutes of churning, gently fold in the dark chocolate chunks, allowing them to distribute evenly throughout the ice cream.
  • Transfer the finished ice cream into an airtight container. To prevent ice crystals from forming, press a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container with its lid.
  • Freeze the ice cream for a minimum of 4 hours or until it is firm enough for scooping and serving.

Notes

For a delightful presentation, serve in chilled bowls topped with reserved cherry halves and additional chocolate chunks.
Keyword cherry, chocolate, dessert, ice cream