Roasted Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

This Roasted Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream recipe combines the sweet, caramelized flavor of roasted cherries with decadent chocolate chips in a creamy vanilla base. It’s the perfect homemade dessert for summer or any special occasion. Easy to make yet sophisticated in flavor, this ice cream will become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor: Roasting cherries enhances their natural sweetness and adds a deep, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

• Creamy and Rich: The creamy, smooth texture makes this ice cream indulgent and satisfying.

• Homemade Quality: Made with fresh ingredients, this homemade ice cream has no artificial additives.

• Perfect for Entertaining: An elegant dessert suitable for dinner parties, family gatherings, or simply enjoying at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh cherries

• Granulated sugar

• Heavy cream

• Whole milk

• Vanilla extract

• Egg yolks

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips

• Salt

Directions

1. Roast the Cherries: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pit the cherries and toss with sugar. Roast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 20 minutes, until soft and caramelized. Let cool completely, then roughly chop.

2. Prepare Ice Cream Base: In a saucepan, heat heavy cream, milk, and vanilla extract until just simmering. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar until pale. Slowly whisk hot cream mixture into egg yolks to temper, then return the mixture to the saucepan.

3. Cook Custard: Stir custard continuously over medium heat until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and strain into a bowl. Let the custard cool, then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 4 hours or overnight.

4. Churn Ice Cream: Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips: During the last few minutes of churning, add roasted cherries and chocolate chips. Transfer ice cream to a freezer-safe container, cover, and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours or overnight.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8 servings

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes

• Roasting Time: 20 minutes

• Chilling and Freezing Time: At least 8 hours or overnight

• Total Time: Approximately 9 hours (including chilling and freezing)

Variations

• White Chocolate Version: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier variation.

• Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped roasted almonds or pistachios for added texture and flavor.

• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk and coconut cream instead of milk and heavy cream for a dairy-free twist.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Place a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent freezer burn.

• Serving from Frozen: For easier scooping, allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. Do not microwave, as it will negatively affect texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but ensure they are thawed and drained before roasting.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half or coconut cream, but the texture will be slightly lighter and less creamy.

Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Yes, you can freeze the mixture in a shallow pan, stirring vigorously every 30 minutes until frozen to achieve a creamy texture.

How long does homemade ice cream last in the freezer?

Homemade ice cream stays fresh for up to 2 weeks if stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I skip roasting the cherries?

Roasting enhances flavor significantly, but you can use fresh cherries directly if you prefer a lighter, fresher flavor.

How can I prevent ice crystals from forming in homemade ice cream?

Minimize air exposure by pressing plastic wrap directly onto the ice cream surface and sealing tightly before freezing.

What type of chocolate is best for this recipe?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate provides a nice balance, but milk chocolate chips can also be used if you prefer sweeter ice cream.

How long do cherries need to roast?

Roast cherries at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until they soften and caramelize slightly.

Can this ice cream be made vegan?

Yes, use coconut milk and cream, dairy-free chocolate chips, and skip the egg yolks to make it vegan-friendly.

Can I add alcohol to this ice cream?

A tablespoon of cherry brandy or amaretto can enhance flavor and maintain a softer consistency in the freezer.

Conclusion

This Roasted Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream is an indulgent treat that perfectly balances sweetness, fruitiness, and rich chocolate. Ideal for any dessert lover, it’s a gourmet yet approachable homemade ice cream that’s sure to impress family and friends

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