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- 2 cups heavy cream - 1 cup whole milk - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract These ingredients form the base of our Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. The heavy cream adds richness, while the milk keeps it smooth. Sugar sweetens the mix, and vanilla gives it a warm, inviting flavor. - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - A pinch of salt The lemon juice brightens the taste. It balances the sweetness. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors in the ice cream, making it pop. - 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips Cherries bring a juicy burst of flavor. They add a nice contrast to the chocolate chips. The dark chocolate lends a rich, deep flavor that pairs perfectly with the cherries. Each scoop gives you a delightful mix of creamy, sweet, and tangy. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a medium mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients. Make sure the sugar dissolves fully. This step creates a smooth and creamy base. Then, add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to mix. The vanilla and salt will enhance the flavors in your ice cream. Next, take 1 cup of fresh cherries. Pit them and slice them in half. In a small bowl, drizzle these cherries with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Toss the cherries gently to coat them. This step adds a bright flavor. The lemon juice balances the sweetness of the cherries, making them taste even better. Now, it's time to bring it all together. Carefully fold the cherry mixture and 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips into the cream base. Be gentle here to keep the cherries whole. You want those juicy bites in your ice cream. Once combined, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning. Usually, it takes about 20-25 minutes to reach a soft-serve texture. After that, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container. Smooth the top and seal it. Place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours to firm up. Enjoy the process and look forward to your delicious treat! To get that creamy, smooth ice cream, you need to churn it right. I recommend churning the mixture for about 20-25 minutes in your ice cream maker. This time helps incorporate air, which makes the ice cream light and fluffy. If you churn it too long, the ice cream can become too hard. Keep an eye on it, and stop when it reaches a soft-serve texture. Serving cherry chocolate chip ice cream can be fun and creative! I love using chilled bowls to keep the ice cream cold. You can also sprinkle extra dark chocolate chips on top for a rich touch. For a beautiful finish, add a few whole cherries as a garnish. This makes the dish look appealing and adds extra flavor. Consider pairing it with a warm brownie for a delightful contrast. If you want to cut back on sugar, you can still enjoy this treat. Try substituting half of the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. These add sweetness without overpowering the flavor. You can also use a sugar substitute that measures like sugar. Just make sure it is suitable for baking. Always taste the mixture first to ensure it stays delicious! Pro Tips Use Fresh Cherries: The best flavor comes from using ripe, fresh cherries. Look for ones that are firm and deeply colored for the sweetest taste. Chill Your Ingredients: For a creamier texture, make sure your heavy cream and milk are well chilled before mixing. This helps the ice cream freeze faster and reduces ice crystals. Mix-In Variations: Experiment with different types of chocolate or add other fruits like raspberries or blueberries to customize your ice cream flavor. Let it Sit: For the best texture, allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This makes it easier to scoop and enhances the flavor. {{image_4}} You can change up your cherry chocolate chip ice cream by adding other fruits. Here are some fun options: - Raspberries: These berries add a nice tartness and vibrant color. - Strawberries: Sweet strawberries pair well with chocolate and cherries. - Peaches: Fresh peaches bring a juicy sweetness that balances the flavors. - Blueberries: These small berries add bursts of flavor and a beautiful hue. Mixing these fruits can create exciting new flavors. Just remember to keep the fruit pieces similar in size for even mixing. You can also use different chocolate or nuts in your ice cream. Here are some ideas: - White Chocolate Chips: This adds a creamy sweetness that contrasts the cherries. - Milk Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter and creamier option, try milk chocolate. - Nuts: Chopped almonds or walnuts give a nice crunch and nutty flavor. - Toasted Coconut: This adds a tropical twist and a chewy texture. Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. The key is to balance flavors and textures for a delightful treat. If you want to make this ice cream dairy-free, you can easily adapt the recipe. Here’s how: - Use Coconut Cream: Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream for a rich base. - Almond Milk or Oat Milk: Swap whole milk with almond or oat milk for a creamy texture. - Maple Syrup or Agave: Use these natural sweeteners instead of granulated sugar for a vegan-friendly option. These changes keep the flavor and texture while making the ice cream suitable for a plant-based diet. Enjoy your delicious cherry chocolate chip ice cream guilt-free! To keep your cherry chocolate chip ice cream fresh, store it in an airtight container. This stops ice crystals from forming. Lay a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing. This extra layer helps keep the air out. Your ice cream can last about two weeks in the freezer. After that, it may lose its flavor and texture. For the best taste, try to eat it within this time frame. If you notice freezer burn, it’s best to toss it. You can refreeze ice cream, but only if it hasn’t melted completely. If it has softened too much, the texture will change. It may become grainy or icy after refreezing. To keep it smooth, try to scoop only what you need each time. Yes, you can use frozen cherries. They work well in this ice cream. Just thaw them first. Drain any extra juice to keep the ice cream from becoming too watery. Frozen cherries also save time and are often available year-round. They still bring that sweet flavor and nice texture. You can still make this ice cream without a machine! Pour the blended mixture into a shallow dish. Place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir the mix with a fork for about 2 to 3 hours. This method breaks up ice crystals, making the ice cream creamy and smooth. To soften ice cream, take it out of the freezer about 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This time allows the ice cream to soften just enough. Use a scoop or a spoon to serve easily. If it's too hard, let it sit a bit longer, but don’t let it melt too much! We covered how to make delicious cherry chocolate chip ice cream. You learned about the main ingredients, flavor enhancers, and mix-ins to elevate your treat. I shared tips for texture, serving, and healthier options. We explored variations, storage, and answered common questions. Now, it's time for you to enjoy making this tasty dessert. Experiment with fruit and mix-ins to find your favorite version! Creative ice cream can bring joy, so let your taste buds guide you.

Cherry Chocolate Chip Bliss Ice Cream

A delightful ice cream featuring fresh cherries and dark chocolate chips.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Using a whisk, blend the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved and everything is well incorporated.
  • Add the pure vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, stirring gently to enhance the overall flavor of the ice cream base.
  • In a small separate bowl, take the pitted and halved cherries and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Gently toss to coat the cherries evenly. This step helps balance the sweetness of the cherries and adds a delightful tangy note.
  • Carefully fold the cherry-lemon mixture and dark chocolate chips into the cream mixture. Take care not to over-mash the cherries; aim to keep their shape for that juicy burst of flavor in each bite.
  • Pour the combined mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for about 20-25 minutes, or until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve texture.
  • Once churned, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container, smoothing the top as you go. Seal it and place it in the freezer for a minimum of 4 hours to allow it to firm up properly before serving.

Notes

For an enticing serving, dish the ice cream in chilled bowls and garnish with additional dark chocolate chips and whole cherries.
Keyword cherry, chocolate, dessert, ice cream