| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 567 | 33.6g | 20.2g | 60.4g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 57.2g | 1.5g | 7.8g | 0.11g |
When I think about the perfect summertime dessert, my mind always travels back to the first time I made Cherry Ice Cream. This dish, so much more than a simple sweet treat, offers a multitude of flavors that seem to dance and mingle on your palate – just like the wild parties of my Texan summers. With each delightful spoonful, you’ll taste the freshness of summer cherries, the creaminess of full-bodied dairy, and subtle undertones of pure vanilla extract. Plus, who could forget that extra bit of zest from the fresh lemon juice?
A Taste of Childhood, Reimagined
Imagine cherry trees heavy with ripe, sun-kissed fruit, and picture the kids of the neighborhood, including a younger version of myself, eagerly picking them. I’ve brought these childhood memories of Texas summers into this favorite recipe of mine; it’s a testament to the way my Southern roots influence my cooking today. Yet, you’ll also notice a modern twist typical of my style, like the addition of cherry jam to intensify the depth of flavor. This recipe is somewhat reminiscent of a Southern Blackberry Cobbler Ice Cream, although we’re substituting blackberries with cherries in our version.
Health Benefits and Pairing Ideas
While this Cherry Ice Cream is certainly a treat, it also comes with some unexpected health benefits. Cherries are a great source of antioxidants, which can boost your immune system and even support a healthy sleep cycle. Not forgetting the lemon juice, which provides a dose of essential vitamin C.
This ice cream pairs beautifully with a multitude of desserts. Serving it alongside a slice of warm, homemade Apple Pie or a decadent Chocolate Brownie would certainly make for a mouthwatering contrast of temperatures and flavors.
All in all, the sophistication of this recipe’s flavors, its comforting connection to my childhood, and the surprising health benefits, is why I fell in love with this Cherry Ice Cream. Each time I prepare it, I can’t help but close my eyes with the first bite, let the corners of my mouth curl into a smile, and reminisce on happy, sun-drenched Texan summers spent under cherry trees. I hope you find the same joy in this recipe that I do.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 and 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup of cherry jam
Method
Step One
Begin by rinsing the cherries and removing the seeds. After this, you will want to keep them aside for later use.
Step Two
Take a medium saucepan and combine the heavy cream, milk, and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Stir these well on medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. You will want to bring the mixture to a simmer, but be sure not to boil it.
Step Three
While the milk mixture is heating, whisk together the egg yolks and remaining 1/2 cup of sugar in a separate bowl.
Step Four
Once the milk mixture is heated, slowly pour about 1 cup into the bowl with the egg yolks and sugar, whisking constantly to temper the egg yolks and prevent them from scrambling. Then, pour the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture, stirring well to combine.
Step Five
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a temperature of 170 to 175 degrees F (77 to 80 degrees C), or until it coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
Step Six
Once your cream mixture is ready, remove it from the heat, and add the vanilla extract. Also, add the pitted cherries and the lemon juice to the saucepan and let them infuse into the cream mixture as it cools.
Step Seven
After cooling it down for about 2 hours in the fridge, use an immersion blender or regular blender to blend the mixture until it’s smooth. If desired, you can strain it through a fine-mesh strainer for an even smoother texture.
Step Eight
Transfer it to your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A few minutes before your ice cream is done churning, add the cherry jam so that it gets mixed in well, creating a marbled effect.
Step Nine
Finally, transfer your finished Cherry Ice Cream to an airtight container and freeze it until it’s firm, this should take around 4-5 hours. Enjoy your homemade Cherry Ice Cream!
