Cherry Almond Ice Cream Recipe – Easy & Delicious Homemade Summer Dessert

Cherry Almond Ice Cream Recipe: A Sweet Spring & Summer Treat

When the weather starts warming up, nothing beats a rich, refreshing bowl of homemade Cherry Almond Ice Cream. This dessert, infused with the natural sweetness of cherries and the subtle fragrance of almond extract, is perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or treating yourself to a well-deserved dessert, this ice cream is sure to impress. It’s a great choice for those who are looking for a simple yet indulgent frozen treat, and it’s made even better by adding a little crunch with optional almonds. Best of all, this Cherry Almond Ice Cream is surprisingly easy to make with a little time and your trusty ice cream maker.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Please note: The nutritional content above is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Recipe Yield

• Approximately 1 quart of ice cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cherry Base:

Start by placing 2 cups of pitted sweet cherries, 1 1/4 cups of sugar, and 1/4 cup of water into the top of a double boiler. This will help gently heat the mixture without direct contact with the heat, preserving the flavors of the cherries while they cook down. Turn the heat to medium and let it cook for about 10 minutes. During this time, the fruit will soften, and the sugar will dissolve, creating a syrupy cherry base. Stir occasionally to prevent any burning or sticking.

2. Set Aside Half of the Cherries:

Once the mixture has cooked down, remove it from the heat. Take out half of the cherries from the pot and set them aside. These will be chopped and added back later to give your ice cream that delightful chunky texture. Drain the juice from the cherries and return it to the pan. Set the drained cherries aside.

3. Puree the Remaining Cherries:

Take the remaining cooked cherries (along with the syrup) and puree them until smooth. You can use a blender, food processor, or immersion blender to achieve this. This cherry puree will form the base of your ice cream, giving it that vibrant color and rich cherry flavor. Once pureed, set the mixture aside to cool.

4. Chop the Reserved Cherries:

While the cherry puree is cooling, roughly chop the 1/2 cup of reserved cherries. These will provide bursts of fruitiness in the ice cream and add texture. Stir these chopped cherries into the cooled puree once it’s ready. After mixing them in, place the entire cherry mixture in the refrigerator to chill thoroughly—this step is important for the best ice cream texture.

5. Make the Cream Mixture:

In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of half-and-half and 1 egg. Use a blender to blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. This will help create a smooth texture when combined with the cherry mixture later. Pour this smooth blend into a large bowl.

6. Add the Cherry Puree to the Cream Mixture:

Once the cherry mixture has cooled, whisk it into the cream and egg blend, ensuring everything is well combined. Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 tsp of almond extract. The almond extract gives the ice cream a lovely, nutty undertone that pairs beautifully with the cherries. Stir everything together until fully incorporated, and then refrigerate the entire mixture to chill.

7. Freeze the Mixture:

Once chilled, transfer the ice cream base into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for freezing. Most machines will have you churn the mixture for about 20-25 minutes, or until it thickens and resembles soft serve ice cream.

8. Add the Almonds (Optional):

If you like the added texture of nuts, sprinkle in 3/4 cup of chopped almonds during the final few minutes of churning. This gives the ice cream a delightful crunch and complements the almond flavor perfectly. If you prefer to skip the nuts, you can leave them out entirely.

9. Freeze to Firm Up:

Once the ice cream reaches your desired consistency, transfer it to an airtight container. Place the container in the freezer to firm up the ice cream for at least 3-4 hours before serving. This will allow it to set and become the perfect scoopable texture.

Tips for Success

• Cherry Variations: You can substitute fresh cherries with frozen cherries, especially if you’re making this outside of cherry season. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using.

• Almonds: If you prefer a smoother texture without nuts, you can skip the almonds altogether. Alternatively, you can toast the almonds beforehand to bring out a deeper nutty flavor.

• Egg-Free Version: If you’re concerned about raw eggs, you can pasteurize the egg or use an egg substitute such as a flaxseed mixture or egg replacer.

• Sweetness Adjustment: If you find the ice cream too sweet, reduce the sugar slightly or balance the flavor with a pinch of salt.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Almond Ice Cream

This Cherry Almond Ice Cream is the perfect dessert for warm weather, offering the ideal balance of sweetness, richness, and texture. The combination of cherries, heavy cream, and almond extract provides a comforting yet refreshing flavor profile that’s sure to please everyone from kids to adults. Plus, with the addition of almonds (optional), you add a delightful crunch that complements the creamy texture of the ice cream perfectly.

Whether you’re preparing for a family picnic, a special spring celebration, or simply indulging in a delicious homemade treat, this ice cream is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part is, it’s simple to make and can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.

This homemade Cherry Almond Ice Cream is a great way to make the most of seasonal fruit while indulging in a creamy, decadent dessert. Go ahead, scoop yourself a bowl, and enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor!

Recipe Category: Frozen Desserts
Keywords: Dessert, Cherries, Fruit, Low Protein, Free Of…, Spring, Summer, Sweet, < 60 Mins, Freezer, Small Appliance