Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream – a delightful no-churn homemade ice cream recipe crafted with a simple two-ingredient vanilla base, vibrant cherry preserves swirl, and generous chunks of rich dark chocolate. Experience the ultimate frozen dessert without an ice cream maker!
The culinary world has been captivated by the ingenious two-ingredient no-churn ice cream method, and for good reason! This revolutionary approach to homemade ice cream simplifies the process dramatically, making it accessible to anyone, regardless of whether they own an expensive ice cream machine. The magic truly lies in combining just two staple ingredients – heavy whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk – to create a base that transforms into an unbelievably creamy, perfectly scoopable frozen dessert. It’s a revelation for dessert lovers and a testament to how simple ingredients can yield extraordinary results.
For years, the idea of making homemade ice cream often conjured images of cumbersome machines, rock salt, and lengthy churning times. However, the no-churn method completely bypasses these traditional hurdles, offering a quick and effortless path to delectable frozen treats. By simply whipping cream to fluffy peaks and folding in sweetened condensed milk, you create a rich, airy foundation that freezes beautifully, mimicking the texture of professionally made ice cream. This simplicity is not just convenient; it opens up a world of flavor possibilities for home cooks to explore and experiment with.
My own journey with no-churn ice cream began some time ago, exploring various combinations and perfecting the base recipe. You might recall my earlier Whipped Milk Ice Cream recipe, which laid the groundwork for countless delicious experiments. Each season brings new inspirations, and this year, I was particularly drawn to the classic pairing of cherries and chocolate. The anticipation of summer fruits, especially plump, juicy cherries, always sparks a craving for fresh, vibrant flavors in my kitchen. While I patiently await the peak cherry season, using quality cherry preserves provides an excellent alternative, allowing us to indulge in this beloved flavor profile year-round.
The Secret to Super Creamy No-Churn Ice Cream: The Two-Ingredient Base
At the heart of this incredible recipe lies the two-ingredient ice cream base: heavy whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk. These two ingredients, when combined correctly, create a smooth, rich, and incredibly creamy ice cream without the need for an ice cream maker. The science is simple yet brilliant:
- Heavy Whipping Cream: When whipped, heavy cream incorporates air, forming stiff peaks. This aerated cream provides the light, fluffy texture that gives no-churn ice cream its signature mouthfeel, preventing it from freezing into a solid block of ice.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This thick, sweet milk serves multiple purposes. It sweetens the ice cream, eliminating the need for granulated sugar. More importantly, its high sugar and fat content lowers the freezing point of the mixture, inhibiting the formation of large ice crystals. This is key to achieving that wonderfully smooth, scoopable consistency typically found in churned ice cream.
Together, they create a harmonious base that is not only foolproof but also incredibly versatile, ready to be infused with a myriad of flavors and mix-ins.
Celebrating Summer Flavors: Cherries and Dark Chocolate
My adoration for summer fruits is undeniable, with peaches often topping the list. However, cherries hold a special place in my heart, especially when paired with the deep, complex notes of dark chocolate. The combination is simply divine – a dance between sweet, tart, and intensely rich flavors that is utterly irresistible. For this recipe, I opted for a high-quality cherry preserve, specifically one known for containing generous chunks of fruit. This choice was deliberate, as these fruit pieces add an extra layer of texture and bursts of authentic cherry flavor with every spoonful, elevating the entire experience.
The addition of dark chocolate chunks was the natural next step in perfecting this decadent treat. The slight bitterness of dark chocolate beautifully complements the sweetness and tartness of the cherries, creating a balanced and sophisticated flavor profile. Each spoonful offers a delightful surprise – the creamy vanilla base, the sweet and tangy cherry preserves swirl, and the satisfying crunch of rich dark chocolate. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you utterly obsessed. This simple, four-ingredient masterpiece is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience.
Tips for Crafting Your Perfect Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream
While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few key tips will ensure your no-churn Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream turns out perfectly:
- Chill Your Ingredients and Equipment: For the best results when whipping cream, ensure your heavy whipping cream, mixing bowl, and even the whisk attachment are thoroughly chilled. This helps the cream whip up faster and achieve stiffer peaks, leading to a lighter, airier ice cream.
- Whip to Stiff Peaks: Don’t skimp on whipping the cream. It should hold stiff peaks, meaning when you lift the whisk, the peak stands up firmly without collapsing. This aeration is crucial for the light texture of your no-churn ice cream.
- Gentle Folding is Key: When incorporating the sweetened condensed milk and other mix-ins, use a spatula and fold gently. This technique prevents deflating the whipped cream, preserving all that wonderful air you just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a denser, less desirable texture.
- Quality Preserves Matter: Opt for high-quality cherry preserves, preferably those with actual fruit pieces. This will significantly enhance the flavor and texture of your ice cream, providing authentic bursts of cherry goodness.
- Don’t Forget the Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract might seem like a small addition, but it amplifies the flavors of both the cream base and the cherries, tying everything together beautifully.
- Patience During Freezing: While the prep time is minimal, allow adequate time for freezing (4-6 hours, or ideally overnight) to ensure the ice cream sets completely and achieves its perfect scoopable consistency.
- Proper Storage: Store your homemade ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain its creamy texture for longer. A loaf pan covered tightly with plastic wrap works wonderfully.
Variations to Inspire Your Creativity
The beauty of this no-churn base is its adaptability. Once you’ve mastered the Chocolate Cherry version, feel free to unleash your creativity with endless variations:
- Different Fruit Swirls: Experiment with other fruit preserves like raspberry, strawberry, or even peach for a different fruity twist.
- Chocolate Choices: Instead of dark chocolate, try milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or a mix of different chocolates for varying levels of sweetness.
- Nutty Additions: Introduce chopped nuts like pistachios, almonds, or walnuts for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
- Cookie or Brownie Crumble: Swirl in crushed cookies (like Oreos or graham crackers) or brownie crumbles for a more decadent, dessert-like experience.
- Citrus Zest: A hint of orange or lemon zest can brighten up the cherry flavor, adding a refreshing note.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom could add warmth and depth, especially if using a berry preserve.
The possibilities are truly limitless, making this no-churn recipe a fantastic foundation for all your ice cream dreams.
Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream
Anna
Pin Recipe
10 minutes
10 minutes
Dessert
American
6
servings
634
kcal
Ingredients
-
2
cups
heavy whipping cream
(well chilled) -
14
oz can
sweetened condensed milk
(chilled) -
1
teaspoon
pure vanilla extract -
¾
cup
cherry preserves -
1
dark chocolate bar
(chopped into chunks)
Instructions
- Place the well-chilled heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream on high speed until stiff peaks form. The cream should be thick and hold its shape.
- Add ¼ cup of the chilled sweetened condensed milk to the whipped cream. Gently fold it in with a spatula, being careful not to deflate the air from the cream.
- Pour in half of the remaining sweetened condensed milk and gently fold again until just combined. Then, add the rest of the condensed milk along with the pure vanilla extract and continue to fold until no streaks of milk are visible and the mixture is uniformly combined.
- Carefully pour the creamy ice cream mixture into a 9″x 5″ loaf pan or a freezer-safe container. Drop generous tablespoons of cherry preserves evenly over the top, then scatter all of the dark chocolate chunks. Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the preserves and chocolate into the ice cream base to create beautiful ribbons of flavor.
- Cover the loaf pan tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming. Place the covered pan into the freezer.
- Freeze for a minimum of 4 to 6 hours, or ideally overnight, until the ice cream is firm and perfectly scoopable.
- Once frozen, scoop generous portions into bowls or cones and enjoy this incredibly easy and decadent homemade treat!
Nutrition
Calories:
634
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
69
g
|
Protein:
7
g
|
Fat:
37
g
|
Saturated Fat:
23
g
|
Cholesterol:
131
mg
|
Sodium:
128
mg
|
Potassium:
371
mg
|
Sugar:
57
g
|
Vitamin A:
1345
IU
|
Vitamin C:
5.9
mg
|
Calcium:
251
mg
|
Iron:
0.9
mg
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There you have it – a truly decadent, yet incredibly simple, homemade Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream that requires no special equipment beyond an electric mixer. This recipe is perfect for those spontaneous dessert cravings, last-minute gatherings, or simply treating yourself to something sweet and satisfying. Imagine the smiles when you present this stunning creation at your next potluck, get-together, or picnic. Be prepared for a flood of recipe requests because this easy no-churn ice cream is an absolute crowd-pleaser.
So, don’t hesitate. Gather your few simple ingredients, follow these straightforward steps, and embark on a delicious journey into the world of homemade no-churn ice cream. This Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream isn’t just a dessert; it’s a testament to the joy of simple pleasures and the magic that can happen in your own kitchen.