Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: Creamy, Fruity, and Decadent

Ice cream has a special way of turning any ordinary day into a celebration. Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream combines the sweet-tart flavor of ripe cherries with rich, melty chocolate chips and a creamy, velvety base that melts in your mouth. Each spoonful is a symphony of flavors: the cherries provide a juicy pop, the chocolate chips add a satisfying crunch, and the creamy custard ties everything together into a dreamy dessert experience.

Perfect for summer afternoons, birthday parties, or as a decadent treat after dinner, this homemade ice cream is surprisingly easy to make. With the right balance of sweetness and texture, it’s a dessert that delights kids and adults alike. You can enjoy it straight from the freezer, in a waffle cone, or alongside warm desserts like brownies or cobblers. Making ice cream at home allows you to control the sweetness, the size of the chocolate chunks, and even incorporate other mix-ins to personalize your frozen treat.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a detailed list of ingredients with approximate calorie counts per serving:

Ingredient	Quantity	Calories (approx.)
Heavy cream	2 cups	1600
Whole milk	1 cup	150
Granulated sugar	¾ cup	600
Egg yolks	4 large	220
Vanilla extract	1 tsp	12
Fresh or frozen cherries, pitted	1 ½ cups	100
Semi-sweet chocolate chips	¾ cup	600
Lemon juice	1 tsp	1

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the cherry mixture:
   In a small saucepan, combine pitted cherries with 1–2 tablespoons sugar and a splash of lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly softened. Let cool.
2. Make the custard base:
   In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream, milk, and remaining sugar over medium heat until it begins to steam. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually pour the hot cream mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
3. Cook the custard:
   Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 170–175°F or 77–80°C).
4. Add vanilla and chill:
   Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Cool the custard at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully chilled.
5. Churn the ice cream:
   Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer instructions. During the last few minutes of churning, add the cooked cherries and chocolate chips.
6. Freeze:
   Transfer the ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

• Fruit variations: Swap cherries for raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for different flavors.
• Chocolate options: Use dark chocolate chunks, milk chocolate, or white chocolate chips.
• Add-ins: Toasted nuts, crushed cookies, or swirls of fudge or caramel make it extra special.
• Non-dairy version: Substitute coconut milk and coconut cream for a dairy-free ice cream.
• Boozy twist: Add a splash of cherry liqueur or rum for an adult-friendly dessert.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~346
Carbohydrates	32g
Protein	4g
Fat	23g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	40mg

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in a waffle cone or a classic bowl with fresh cherries on top.
• Pair with warm desserts such as chocolate cake, brownies, or fruit cobbler.
• Top with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, or crushed nuts for added texture.
• Use as a filling for ice cream sandwiches with chocolate chip cookies.

FAQs

1. Can I make Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream without an ice cream maker?

Yes! You can pour the custard into a freezer-safe container, stir every 30 minutes for the first 2–3 hours to break up ice crystals, then freeze until firm.

2. How long does homemade ice cream last in the freezer?

Properly stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to 2 weeks for best flavor and texture.

3. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Just thaw and drain them before adding to the ice cream to avoid excess liquid.

4. How do I prevent ice crystals from forming?

Chilling the custard completely before churning and storing the ice cream in an airtight container helps minimize ice crystals.

5. Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! Use coconut milk and coconut cream instead of dairy cream and milk. Sweeten with sugar or maple syrup as needed.

Conclusion

Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream is a delightful homemade treat that balances fruity tartness with rich, creamy indulgence. It’s a perfect dessert for hot summer days, special occasions, or anytime you crave a homemade ice cream experience. With a simple custard base, sweet-tart cherries, and melty chocolate chips, this ice cream will become a favorite for family and friends. Making it from scratch allows for endless customization, making each batch uniquely yours.