Cherry ice cream

Vanilla Ice Cream with Cherries – a sweet and refreshing indulgence

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Freezing time: 3 hours
Total: 3 hours and 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

Vanilla ice cream with cherries is a creamy delicacy, perfect for hot summer days or as a dessert to delight the taste buds on a family evening. This recipe combines tradition with a fresh twist, offering a perfect blend of intense vanilla flavor and the sweet-tart taste of cherries. Let's venture into the sweet world of making vanilla ice cream with cherries, step by step!

Ingredients

- 3 egg yolks
- 100 g sugar
- 500 ml milk
- 250 ml heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Approximately 400 g fresh cherries

A bit of history

Ice cream, a dessert that has captured the hearts of many cultures throughout history, has its origins in ancient recipes. From mixtures of ice and milk to modern ice cream, each culture has added a unique touch to this dessert. The addition of cherries, a seasonal fruit, transforms this ice cream into an unforgettable experience, combining the warmth of vanilla with the freshness of the fruit.

Step by step for perfect ice cream

1. Preparing the ice cream base:
In a medium bowl, add the 3 egg yolks and sugar. Using a whisk, beat the mixture until it becomes a frothy cream of intense yellow. It is important for the sugar to dissolve completely for a smooth texture.

2. Boiling the milk:
In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat. Wait for it to reach the boiling point, then gradually pour it over the egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly. This step is essential to prevent the eggs from cooking abruptly.

3. Thickening the mixture:
Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and place it over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Remember to be patient, as this process will add a delicious creaminess to the ice cream.

4. Cooling the mixture:
Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, gently mixing to combine the ingredients.

5. Freezing the ice cream:
Pour the mixture into the container where you will freeze the ice cream. Place it in the freezer for about 1 hour. This first freezing step will help achieve a finer texture.

6. Mixing and adding the cherries:
After an hour, take the mixture out of the freezer and blend it well with an electric mixer to break the ice crystals. Then, add the fresh cherries, diced into small cubes. It is essential to cut them just before adding, as cherries oxidize quickly, affecting their color and taste.

7. Final freezing:
Put the container back in the freezer and let it freeze completely for about 2-3 hours.

Useful tips

- Choosing cherries: Buy fresh, ripe cherries, but not too soft. The intense red color will add an appealing look to the ice cream.
- Customizing the recipe: Add other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or blackberries, to create a mixed-flavor ice cream.
- Serving: The ice cream is delicious served plain or with a warm chocolate sauce on top. You can also accompany it with crunchy cookies or a glass of prosecco for an elegant dessert.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This vanilla ice cream with cherries has about 250 calories per serving, making it a healthier choice compared to other store-bought desserts. Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, contributing to a stronger immune system. Additionally, homemade ice cream contains no preservatives or additives, making it a better choice for the whole family.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of milk? Yes, you can use almond milk or coconut milk for a vegan option.
- What should I do if the ice cream is too hard? Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften it a bit.
- How can I tell when the ice cream is ready? The ice cream is ready when it has a creamy texture and can easily be scooped onto a spoon.

With this vanilla ice cream with cherries recipe, you'll bring a touch of happiness to every serving! Whether you enjoy it alone or share it with loved ones, each bite will be an explosion of flavors and joy. Don't forget to experiment and let your imagination soar in the kitchen!