Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream
Indulge in this rich chocolate cherry ice cream, where smooth cocoa and sweet maraschino cherries blend with toasted almonds for a delightful treat. Perfect for dessert lovers and special occasions, its creamy texture and vibrant flavors make it a favorite for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, stir together sugar and cocoa.
- Stir in beaten egg yolks with 2 cups of light cream.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until very hot but do not boil.
- Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
- Stir in remaining light cream, almond extract, and vanilla extract.
- Refrigerate for 6 hours.
- Freeze according to ice cream freezer instructions.
- Immediately fold in chopped maraschino cherries and toasted, chopped slivered almonds.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa instead of regular cocoa powder. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half of the light cream with whole milk. Make sure to stir constantly while cooking to prevent the egg yolks from scrambling. Chopping the maraschino cherries finely ensures they distribute evenly throughout the ice cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream in bowls or cones, and consider topping it with extra slivered almonds for added crunch. It pairs beautifully with a slice of Extract Pound Cake for a delightful dessert experience. For a fun twist, drizzle some hot fudge sauce on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain its texture. To soften the ice cream for easier scooping, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help restore its creamy consistency without melting too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream contains roughly 1288 calories, with 24g protein, 188g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and protein (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but make sure to pit and chop them first. Fresh cherries will give a different flavor and texture, so adjust the sweetness of your recipe accordingly since they are less sweet than maraschino cherries.
What ice cream maker do you recommend for this recipe?
Any standard ice cream maker should work well for this recipe. Look for one with a good freezing bowl and a reliable churn mechanism. If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can still make it by periodically stirring the mixture every 30 minutes as it freezes to help create a creamy texture.
How long can I keep this ice cream in the freezer?
Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks. Over time, it may develop ice crystals, so be sure to keep it in an airtight container to minimize exposure to air and maintain its smooth texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).