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Cherry Ice Cream with dark chocolate

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Fresh Cherry Ice Cream with Dark Chocolate

A jar filled with homemade fresh Cherry Ice Cream with dark chocolate chips

Churn up a batch of our homemade fresh Cherry Ice Cream with dark chocolate!

Hey cherry lovers! This recipe is for you, and me too of course. I’m a cherry lover from way back. This week we’re focusing on cherry recipes and to get started I’ve revived an old post you might have missed. We’ve got new photos, new taste testers, and a brand new bottle of Kirsch.

Fresh cherries soaked in cherry brandy folded into an eggless ice cream filled with more fresh cherries, then blended with dark chocolate. What more is there to discuss? This stuff is cherry-licious.

A bottle of cherry brandy and fresh cherries

Adding small amounts of liquor to eggless ice cream helps create a softer, scoop-able consistency.

Custard style ice creams made with egg yolks don’t freeze as hard as eggless ice cream recipes. Adding just a touch of liquor like this cherry brandy not only adds a delicious punch of flavor, it helps create a better scoop-able consistency.

If you don’t generally imbibe or prefer not to buy a whole bottle of Kirsch, it’s all good. This recipe will be fine without it.

However if you do enjoy a little brandy from time to time, this French cherry brandy is wonderful served cold. It’s also terrific added to recipes like this ice cream, or Black Forest Cake and Cherries Jubilee.

Check out this article by cookbook author David Lebovitz for more about Kirsch. HINT: Well chilled and stored in a dark location, Kirsch will keep for a year or two!

A tin filled with fresh cherry ice cream with dark chocolate chips

Overview of ingredients:

  • fresh cherries, pits removed, chopped and divided
  • Kirsch – cherry brandy
  • whole milk
  • heavy cream
  • granulated sugar
  • salt
  • vanilla extract
  • good quality dark chocolate, chopped or dark chocolate chips, rough chopped

How to make cherry ice cream:

1. Macerate part of the cherries

Place 1/2 cup of cherries in a small bowl. Add the Kirsch, cover and refrigerate until needed. The cherries and brandy are going to make this incredible, flavorful cherry juice 🙂

2. Steep the remaining cherries on the stove-top

Combine the remaining chopped cherries, milk, 1/4 cup of heavy cream, sugar and salt in a medium saucepan. Heat until the mixture starts to boil. Remove from the heat, cover and steep for 30 minutes.

3. Puree the milk and cherry mixture

Using a stick or immersion blender, process the cherry and milk mixture until pureed. Stir in the remaining 1 cup of cream. Pour the ice cream base into a large bowl, cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

4. Make the ice cream!

Add the vanilla and Kirsch soaked cherries to the pureed milk and cherry mixture. Churn the ice cream in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

When also frozen, add the chopped chocolate and process until distributed.

Transfer to a freezer safe container with a lid. Freeze for several hours or overnight for a firm consistency.

Serve and enjoy!

a bowl of fresh cherry ice cream and a bowl of cherries

Cherries and chocolate are the perfect match.

There are two full cups of fresh cherries in this ice cream recipe so the consistency is slightly different than a dairy only recipe. That’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Along with the pureed cherries, there are chunks of chopped cherries and chopped dark chocolate. You can use dark chocolate chips, as I have done here, or chop good quality chocolate bars.

We prefer dark chocolate in this recipe, but semisweet or bittersweet are both good too. If using chocolate chips I recommend giving them a rough chop, or if you can find dark chocolate mini-chips, they’re perfect!

A strainer of fresh cherries

Fresh cherries are the base for this luscious, eggless ice cream.

Don’t skimp on the cherries in this recipe! Some of the cherries are steeped in hot milk and sugar for 30 minutes before being pureed and added to the base.

Another 1/2 cup of diced cherries are soaked overnight in cherry brandy then added to the mixture before churning. This is a full-on cherry flavored frozen treat you’ll remember long after you’ve taken the last bite. Enjoy!

A jar filled with scoops of fresh cherry ice cream with dark chocolate chips

During summer, it’s hard to beat a nice cold scoop of homemade ice cream

Now days it almost feels like cheating because homemade ice cream is so easy to make. When I was young, somebody (usually the kids) had to hand churn the ice cream maker while Dad added salt and ice to the tub.

In later years we graduated to an electric ice cream maker, but you still had to add salt and ice.

Now all you have to do it mix it up, pour it in and turn it on!  Amazing! Check out the link at the bottom of this post for information about our favorite ice cream maker.

Thanks for PINNING!

A baking pan filled with homemade fresh cherry ice cream with dark chocolate chips
Rate our recipe!

Cherry Ice Cream with dark chocolate

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 d 1 hr
Yield: 8
Course: Dessert
Author: Tricia
PRINT RECIPE
Fresh cherries soaked in cherry brandy folded into an eggless ice cream filled with more fresh cherries, then blended with dark chocolate.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cherries pitted, chopped, divided
  • 2 tablespoons Kirsch (cherry brandy)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 ¼ cups heavy cream, divided
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • pinch salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • ¾ cup good quality dark chocolate, chopped, or dark chocolate chips, rough chopped

Instructions

  • Place ½ cup of the chopped cherries in a small bowl.  Add the Kirsch, cover and refrigerate until time to make the ice cream.
  • In a medium saucepan combine the remaining 1 ½ cups chopped cherries, milk, ¼ cup heavy cream, sugar and salt.  Heat on medium/low until the mixture just begins to boil. Turn off the heat, cover and steep for 30 minutes.
  • Puree the milk and cherry mixture with a stick/immersion blender or regular blender. Stir in the remaining 1 cup of cream. Pour the mixture into a container, cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
  • When ready to make the ice cream, stir in the vanilla and the Kirsch soaked cherries.  Churn the ice cream in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's directions.  When the ice cream is almost finished, add the chopped chocolate and process until distributed. Transfer the ice cream to a freezer safe container with a lid. Freeze for several hours or overnight for a firmer consistency.

Recipe Notes

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Nutrition

Calories: 341kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 31mg | Potassium: 263mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 625IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 2mg

Here are a few more ice cream recipes you might enjoy!

What a treat! Chocolate Chocolate Chunk-Raspberry Swirl Ice Cream made with a luscious and rich chocolate ice cream, chunks of semi-sweet chocolate and a tart raspberry swirl.

 

Rocky Road Ice Cream – A rich, smooth chocolaty bowl of deliciousness blended with fluffy mini-marshmallows and chopped roasted almonds. A great treat with terrific textures and flavor.

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream – don’t let summer pass you by without making this luscious, rich vanilla ice cream with ribbons of fresh strawberry sauce and crushed shortbread cookies throughout.

Originally posted July 2013, updated June 2019

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38 Comments

  1. Pamela Dreyer says

    July 8, 2021 at 2:34 pm

    The recipe says yields 8 servings, but what is the serving size? I have a 2 quart ice cream maker. Wondering if I need to modify the recipe.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      July 8, 2021 at 7:28 pm

      Hi Pamela. You’ll be fine with a two quart ice cream maker. I use a 1-1/2 quart capacity ice cream maker and it all fits fine. Good luck and enjoy!

      reply to this comment >
  2. Froggy says

    June 22, 2021 at 1:44 pm

    Hi! My son and I were making this today with cherries from our tree! We have way too many!

    Anyway, when we mixed all the ingredients in the pan and started warming them up it all curdled! Is this normal? It was boiling or anything…

    Any advise?

    Thanks!

    reply to this comment >
    • Froggy says

      June 22, 2021 at 1:45 pm

      I mean it wasn’t boiling! Sorry about the typo!

      reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 24, 2021 at 8:27 am

      Hi Froggy. No it normally does not curdle. Sounds like it was over-heated but not sure how if it didn’t boil. I’m sorry you’re having trouble with the recipe. Perhaps next time omit the heavy cream and add it later. Again sorry you had trouble. Having fresh cherries from a tree in your yard must be amazing!

      reply to this comment >
    • Any Nadeau says

      June 27, 2021 at 6:54 pm

      Acid curdles dairy.. the brandy curdled the dairy.. add the brandy at the very end

      reply to this comment >
      • Tricia Buice says

        June 28, 2021 at 7:56 am

        Thanks for commenting. Our recipe does just that – adds the brandy at the end.

        reply to this comment >
  3. Eliza says

    April 13, 2021 at 1:03 pm

    Any way to make this without an ice cream maker??

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      April 13, 2021 at 5:05 pm

      Hi Eliza. I haven’t made this into a no churn ice cream. However, if you follow the directions for a no-churn vanilla ice cream and add cherries and dark chocolate, you’ll get close! Enjoy

      reply to this comment >
  4. mimi rippee says

    June 19, 2019 at 11:11 am

    oh boy. Now I want ice cream. This is one of my favorite flavor combinations, and I am really enjoying cherry season right now. I love that you marinated them a bit in the kirsch!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 19, 2019 at 12:35 pm

      Thanks Mimi – the Kirsch soaked cherries really add that pop of deliciousness. So yummy! Thanks for stopping by!

      reply to this comment >
  5. handmade by amalia says

    June 17, 2019 at 11:54 pm

    This looks almost too amazing to eat. Almost.
    Amalia
    xo

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 18, 2019 at 10:02 am

      Haha – thanks Amalia!

      reply to this comment >
  6. Chris Scheuer says

    June 17, 2019 at 12:11 pm

    5 stars
    Your new photos are spectacular, Tricia! I want to run to the store, get cherries and pull out the ice cream maker. This is a heavenly dessert for summer!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 18, 2019 at 9:59 am

      Thank you Chris. Ice cream inspires me – haha – usually to eat too much!

      reply to this comment >
  7. Pam says

    June 17, 2019 at 9:46 am

    You got me at cherry and then again at ice cream! It looks very delicious, Tricia!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 18, 2019 at 9:58 am

      Thanks Pam – great to hear from you. Hope you’re having a terrific summer.

      reply to this comment >
  8. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says

    June 17, 2019 at 8:45 am

    5 stars
    I spotted the first cherries at the market this week, so I’ll be making this one! Cherry and chocolate are always a winning combination 🙂

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 18, 2019 at 9:58 am

      Yes indeed – thanks Jennifer!

      reply to this comment >
  9. angiesrecipes says

    June 16, 2019 at 10:55 pm

    That looks heavenly! Can’t wait for the cherry season arrive here.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 17, 2019 at 7:08 am

      Thanks Angie – I was so thrilled when I saw cherries in the market. Love these little fruits!

      reply to this comment >
  10. sue says

    June 16, 2019 at 9:48 pm

    5 stars
    Delish! I’ve got a bag of beautiful cherries and I’ve been trying to decide what to make with them, and then this popped up, thanks!!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 17, 2019 at 7:08 am

      Can’t wait to see what you make with the cherries Sue. Enjoy 🙂

      reply to this comment >
  11. Cake Duchess says

    August 2, 2012 at 1:37 am

    Love your cherry ice-cream. I've been enjoying baking with cherries these last couple of weeks. Wouldn't mind a scoop of your ice-cream tonight:)

    reply to this comment >
  12. Blond Duck says

    August 1, 2012 at 10:07 pm

    What a delicious summer combo!

    reply to this comment >
  13. Kari Lindsay says

    August 1, 2012 at 4:00 pm

    5 stars
    LOVE the ice cream, my favorite blizzard is choco-cherry-love, they add cherry topping and the dipping chocolate (which hardens into yummy chocolate bites) into the soft serve. Your ice cream like the grown up

    reply to this comment >
  14. Mary says

    July 31, 2012 at 5:26 pm

    Tricia, this sounds so refreshing. I love its color and it is really a perfect summer treat. I really enjoyed my visit here. I like your blog. Have a great day. Blessings…Mary

    reply to this comment >
  15. Angie's Recipes says

    July 31, 2012 at 4:08 pm

    How gorgeous these ice cream look! Chocolate and cherry are such a killer combo!

    reply to this comment >
  16. Tanna at The Brick Street Bungalow says

    July 31, 2012 at 2:40 am

    Ha! If they had cooking wonderful food as an event in the Olympics, you'd be there!!! 😉 blessings ~ tanna

    reply to this comment >
  17. Jessica | Cajunlicious says

    July 30, 2012 at 7:48 pm

    Tricia this looks so satisfying! I had some diet cherry coke over the weekend this combined with that would make a killer float!

    reply to this comment >
  18. Chatty Crone says

    July 30, 2012 at 12:52 pm

    Those look good – I have never made ice cream before. Sandie

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia says

      July 30, 2012 at 3:06 pm

      Hey Sandie – be careful if you start making ice cream – you won't want to stop! Way to easy and delicious. I didn't know they were doing karate – can't wait to see that! Have a great week.

      reply to this comment >
  19. Sue/the view from great island says

    July 30, 2012 at 2:30 pm

    I'm amazed that the ice cream took on that beautiful color from the chopped cherries! I'm very impressed with this! My favorite all time flavor was/is Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia, which sounds a lot like yours.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia says

      July 30, 2012 at 3:20 pm

      Hi Sue – soaking the cherries in warm milk and cream, then blending gives it that lovely pink color. Such fun when things turn out good. Have a great week!

      reply to this comment >
  20. The Slow Roasted Italian says

    July 30, 2012 at 1:59 pm

    OK, not sure if you will get this twice. I know I was just here and left a comment, but hmmmm… Not here.<br /><br />Anyway, your ice cream looks amazing. Spoon?

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia says

      July 30, 2012 at 3:19 pm

      Well Donna you can post as many comments as you want! 2, 3 I don't mind! I have an extra spoon when you're ready. I don't know why we haven't had more visitors being so close to DC, with an extra room for guests, etc. Come see us!

      reply to this comment >
  21. Mary says

    July 30, 2012 at 1:41 pm

    Morning, Tricia! This looks sooooooo delicious! I adore chocolate and cherries, so this is a given for me. Of course, I might be guilty of drizzling some dark chocolate sauce right over the top as well. Tell me again why we can't be neighbors? Oh, that's right, I'm so stalker-like it would scare you. 😉

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia says

      July 30, 2012 at 3:07 pm

      Mary – I thought about putting chocolate syrup on top too. It was hard but I was strong! I wish we were neighbors too – we could have such fun sharing and taste testing!

      reply to this comment >

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15.2K shares