Creamy Black Cherry Ice Cream | Homemade Fruity Dessert

Sweet, tart, and irresistibly creamy — black cherries are the perfect fruit to elevate homemade ice cream into a decadent treat. Creamy Black Cherry Ice Cream combines the luscious flavor of ripe cherries with a smooth, velvety base, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of fruity tang and creamy richness, making it a favorite for summer gatherings, family dinners, or a quiet evening treat at home.

Making black cherry ice cream at home not only allows you to control the sweetness and texture but also gives you the satisfaction of using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The vibrant color, natural cherry flavor, and creamy texture make this dessert stand out from anything store-bought. From blending fresh cherries to swirling them into a luscious custard base, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet ice cream experience.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredient	Quantity	Calories (Approx.)
Fresh or frozen black cherries (pitted)	2 cups	180
Granulated Sugar	¾ cup	580
Heavy Cream	2 cups	820
Whole Milk	1 cup	150
Egg Yolks	4 large	220
Vanilla Extract	2 tsp	25
Lemon Juice	1 tsp	4
Salt	⅛ tsp	0

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1: Prepare the Cherry Puree

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine black cherries, ½ cup sugar, and lemon juice.
• Cook until cherries release their juices and soften, about 8–10 minutes.
• Use a blender or immersion blender to puree until smooth. Set aside to cool.

2: Make the Ice Cream Base

• In a medium saucepan, combine milk, heavy cream, and remaining sugar. Heat over medium-low until warm.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until pale. Gradually add a bit of the warm milk mixture to the yolks to temper them.
• Return the yolk mixture to the saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (around 170°F / 77°C).

3: Combine and Chill

• Remove the custard from heat, stir in vanilla extract and salt.
• Let it cool slightly, then stir in the cherry puree.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

4: Churn the Ice Cream

• Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions (usually 20–25 minutes).

5: Freeze and Serve

• Transfer ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up.
• Serve in bowls, cones, or as a topping for cakes and desserts.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

• Chunky Version: Leave some cherries in small pieces for a textured bite instead of pureeing them completely.
• Boozy Twist: Add 1–2 tablespoons of cherry liqueur or brandy for an adult version.
• Vegan Option: Use coconut cream and almond or oat milk instead of dairy.
• Swirls: Mix in chocolate chunks, caramel, or cherry syrup for layered flavors.
• Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust sugar depending on cherry sweetness.

Nutritional Information (Per ½-Cup Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~260 kcal
Carbohydrates	28 g
Protein	4 g
Fat	17 g
Saturated Fat	11 g
Sugar	22 g
Sodium	35 mg
Fiber	2 g

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in waffle cones or dessert bowls with a few fresh cherries on top.
• Pair with chocolate sauce, brownie chunks, or a slice of pound cake.
• Blend into milkshakes or floats for a refreshing summer treat.
• Top with toasted almonds or coconut for extra crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen black cherries for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen black cherries work perfectly. Thaw them slightly before cooking, and drain any excess juice if they’re very watery to maintain a creamy texture.

2. How do I prevent ice crystals in homemade ice cream?

Chill the custard thoroughly before churning and store in an airtight container. Placing a piece of plastic wrap directly on the ice cream’s surface before sealing helps keep it smooth.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and milk with almond, oat, or soy milk. Use a plant-based sweetener if desired.

4. Can I add whole cherries instead of pureeing them?

Yes! Leaving some cherries in small chunks gives a textured, fruity bite. You can also do a combination of puree and chunks for the best of both worlds.

5. How long does homemade Creamy Black Cherry Ice Cream last?

When stored in a freezer-safe, airtight container, it stays fresh for up to 2 weeks. For best flavor and texture, serve within this time.

6. Can I add alcohol to the ice cream?

Yes, adding 1–2 tablespoons of cherry liqueur, brandy, or rum enhances flavor and slightly softens the ice cream. Avoid adding too much, as it may prevent the ice cream from freezing properly.

Conclusion

Homemade Creamy Black Cherry Ice Cream captures the perfect balance of fruity sweetness and creamy indulgence. Using fresh cherries and a custard base ensures a rich, velvety texture and vibrant flavor that store-bought ice creams can’t match. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a decadent dessert, this ice cream is a delightful way to celebrate the luscious taste of black cherries any time of year.