Creamy Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream
This Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream is smooth, creamy, and packed with juicy cherry chunks. Sweetened with honey and lightly flavored with vanilla, it’s an easy-to-make homemade treat that’s perfect for summer or any special occasion. A delicious way to enjoy fresh flavors and creamy texture without store-bought additives.
Equipment
- 1 Ice cream maker (chilled, 4–6 cups capacity)
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Small mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 Loaf pan or shallow container
- 1 Plastic wrap or wax paper
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar divided
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 15 oz. can of cherries about 1.5 cups, drained and roughly chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Ice Cream Bowl – Chill Thoroughly: Before you begin, make sure your ice cream maker’s bowl is completely frozen. Ideally, place it in the freezer for at least 24 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when you shake the bowl and hear no liquid sloshing inside. A thoroughly chilled bowl ensures your ice cream will churn smoothly and develop a creamy, soft-serve texture without forming ice crystals.
- Combine Creamy Base Ingredients – Mix to Perfection: In a large mixing bowl, pour 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk. Add ½ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup honey, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. Using a whisk, gently but thoroughly blend the ingredients until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture looks smooth and homogenous. This is the foundation of your creamy ice cream, so take your time to ensure it is perfectly combined.
- Prepare the Cherry Topping – Sweeten the Fruit: In a small bowl, place the drained cherries from your 15-ounce can. Roughly chop the cherries into bite-sized pieces for an even distribution throughout the ice cream. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar over the cherries and stir gently. Let the cherries sit for a few minutes so they release a little juice and become lightly sweetened. This step intensifies the cherry flavor and ensures they don’t freeze too hard in the final ice cream.
- Churn the Ice Cream Base – Transform into Soft-Serve: Pour the prepared cream mixture into your chilled ice cream maker. Start the machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow it to churn for about 20 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to a soft-serve consistency. During this process, the cold air and continuous motion incorporate air into the ice cream, making it light, creamy, and smooth. Keep an eye on the texture—it should be soft but hold gentle peaks when lifted with a spatula.
- Fold in Half the Cherries – Distribute Flavor Evenly: With the ice cream still churning, add half of your sweetened cherry mixture during the last two minutes. Allow the machine to mix the cherries gently into the ice cream. This step ensures that the cherries are evenly dispersed, giving every bite a burst of fruity flavor while maintaining a creamy consistency. Avoid adding all the cherries at once, as it can affect the churning and texture.
- Layer and Swirl Remaining Cherries – Create Visual Appeal: Transfer the churned ice cream into a shallow container or loaf pan. Dollop the remaining cherries on top, and using a spatula or a spoon, gently swirl them into the ice cream. This creates attractive streaks of cherry throughout the dessert, enhancing both the look and taste. Press a layer of plastic wrap or wax paper directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming during freezing.
- Freeze Until Firm – Achieve Perfect Texture: Place the container in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is fully set. Freezing slowly allows the ice cream to firm up while preserving its creamy texture. Avoid leaving it uncovered, as this may result in a grainy surface. This step is essential for achieving a smooth, scoopable ice cream that melts perfectly in your mouth.
- Serve with Ease – Bring to Room Temperature: When ready to serve, remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes. This short resting period softens the ice cream slightly, making scooping easier and ensuring a luscious, creamy texture in every spoonful. Serve in bowls or cones, and enjoy the perfect combination of vanilla creaminess and cherry sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure both the ice cream maker bowl and the ice cream base are extremely cold before starting for the creamiest texture.
- If using fresh cherries, let them sit with sugar for a few minutes to soften and release natural juices.
- Honey can be substituted with agave syrup or corn syrup if desired.
- Avoid over-churning, as it can affect the smoothness of the ice cream.
- Always press plastic wrap or wax paper directly onto the ice cream surface before freezing to prevent ice crystals.
- For best results, consume the ice cream within two weeks for optimal flavor and texture.