Description
This Dark Chocolate Chunk Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream is a luscious homemade treat boasting creamy vanilla ice cream loaded with fresh or thawed sweet cherries and generous chunks of high-quality dark chocolate. Perfect for a refreshing and indulgent summer dessert or anytime you crave a rich, fruity, and chocolaty frozen delight.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Add-ins
- 1½ cups sweet cherries, pitted and chopped (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, roughly chopped into chunks
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, to brighten the cherries)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ice Cream Base: In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sugar is completely dissolved, creating a smooth and sweet base for your ice cream.
- Add Cherries and Lemon Juice: Stir in the chopped sweet cherries along with optional lemon juice if desired. The lemon juice will enhance and brighten the flavor of the cherries.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate the ice cream base for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled to ensure proper churning.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the cold mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Add Dark Chocolate Chunks: During the last 5 minutes of churning, gradually add the roughly chopped dark chocolate chunks so they distribute evenly throughout the ice cream.
- Freeze Until Firm: Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container, smooth the surface, and freeze for 3 to 4 hours until firm enough to scoop.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping to soften slightly, then serve and enjoy your rich, creamy homemade ice cream loaded with cherries and chocolate.
Notes
- Use high-quality dark chocolate with 60–70% cacao content for the best rich and slightly bitter chocolate flavor.
- Frozen cherries work well when fresh are out of season; make sure they’re thawed and drained.
- Allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping for easier serving.
- Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks for best quality.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
