Thick and Creamy Cherry Almond Ice Cream Recipe

If you’re yearning for a dreamy, Thick and Creamy Cherry Almond Ice Cream bursting with the sweet-tart flavor of cherries and the deeply nutty essence of roasted almonds, you’ve landed on the right recipe. This ice cream is everything I crave in summer—velvety, luxurious, studded with juicy cherries, and kissed with almond flavor. Honestly, it’s the kind of homemade treat that never lasts long in my freezer!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This homemade twist on Thick and Creamy Cherry Almond Ice Cream calls for a handful of essentials you may already keep on hand. Each one has a starring role, from plump, juicy cherries to roasted almonds that build the base’s flavor—let’s break down why every ingredient matters and how they create magic together!

• Cherries: You’ll want fresh (or frozen, pitted) cherries here—when poached, they become intensely jammy and add the most gorgeous pop of color.
• Sugar: Used in both the cherry syrup and the base, it sweetens and balances every bite.
• Whole Raw Almonds: Roasting these beauties delivers deep nuttiness and a signature flavor foundation for the ice cream.
• Heavy Cream: Cream brings the thick, luscious body that makes this dessert so irresistible and scoopable.
• Milk (1% or 2%): Lightens the base just enough—use your favorite, but don’t skip it!
• Kosher Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the natural cherry and almond flavors—never bland here.
• Egg Yolks: The secret to that custard-rich, unforgettable creamy texture you love in premium ice cream.
• Leftover Cherry Syrup (optional): Save it for cocktails, sodas, or a decadent drizzle—nothing goes to waste.

Variations

This Thick and Creamy Cherry Almond Ice Cream is a brilliant canvas for your own creativity—don’t hesitate to swap in ingredients, adjust flavors, or rethink the mix-ins. Here are some simple and delicious ways to make it truly your own.

• Nut-Free Option: Leave out the almonds and use a splash of pure almond extract or vanilla bean for a beautiful, allergen-friendly twist.
• Boozy Cherry: Stir a tablespoon or two of cherry liqueur (like Kirsch) into the churned ice cream for extra grown-up depth and a softer scoop.
• Chocolate Lovers: Fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate when you add the cherries—black forest vibes galore!
• Stone Fruit Medley: Add diced apricots or peaches to the cherry mixture for a sun-kissed blend of flavors in every bite.

How to Make Thick and Creamy Cherry Almond Ice Cream

Step 1: Poach the Cherries

Start with the cherries—the jewel of this recipe! Simmer them gently in sugar and water until soft and syrupy, releasing all their natural tartness and color. Once cooled completely in their syrup, simply remove the pits, dice the fruit, and pop them in the fridge until you’re ready to swirl them into your ice cream. Bonus: the leftover syrup is heavenly drizzled over pancakes or blended into drinks.

Step 2: Toast and Grind the Almonds

For robust almond flavor, toast your nuts in the oven until golden and aromatic. Cool completely, then pulse with sugar in a food processor—they should resemble fine sand, not paste. This step builds irresistible aroma and ensures the nuts incorporate seamlessly into the ice cream base.

Step 3: Steep Almonds in Creamy Milk

Combine the almond-sugar blend with heavy cream, milk, and salt in a saucepan. Heat just until tiny bubbles form around the edge, then let it steep off the heat for about 20 minutes. The milk’s warmth unlocks a deep, natural almond essence—the backbone of fabled Thick and Creamy Cherry Almond Ice Cream!

Step 4: Make the Custard Base

Whisk your egg yolks in a bowl, then temper with a little hot cream. Gradually add more, whisking well, before returning everything to the pan. Slowly cook, stirring nonstop, until the mixture thickens enough to coat your spatula. A quick strain ensures ultra-smoothness. Cool in an ice bath, then refrigerate for a heavenly infusion.

Step 5: Freeze and Swirl

Once your base is chilled, churn it in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For ultimate creamy texture, fold in the chopped cherries at the end, or swirl them in by hand. Enjoy it soft-serve style straight away—or for firmer scoops, transfer to a pre-chilled container and freeze until set.

How to Serve Thick and Creamy Cherry Almond Ice Cream

Garnishes

A little flourish goes a long way! Try topping your Thick and Creamy Cherry Almond Ice Cream with extra toasted almond slivers, a scattering of chopped bittersweet chocolate, or a generous drizzle of that leftover cherry syrup for a truly eye-catching (and mouth-watering) presentation.

Side Dishes

This indulgent ice cream shines brightest all on its own, but it also plays fabulously alongside crisp almond biscotti, buttery shortbread cookies, or even sandwiched between two soft chocolate wafers for a take on a grown-up ice cream sandwich.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop your cherry almond dreams into pretty glass coupe bowls with a cherry on top, or serve sundae-style in tall glasses layered with whipped cream and more cherry syrup. For parties, freeze mini scoops and serve atop warm brownies for a dessert that tastes as incredible as it looks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Homemade Thick and Creamy Cherry Almond Ice Cream keeps well in an airtight container in your freezer for up to two weeks—if it lasts that long! Press a piece of parchment or wax paper against the surface to ward off icy crystals and keep every bite luscious.

Freezing

Properly stored, this ice cream freezes beautifully. Always let it firm up for at least 4 hours before serving for classic, scoopable cones. Avoid storing in the freezer door; keep it deep in the freezer to maintain that thick and creamy texture.

Reheating

While ice cream isn’t reheated in the traditional sense, let your frozen batch sit out at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before scooping. It will soften up to that perfect, creamy consistency you fell in love with!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something joyous about crafting your own Thick and Creamy Cherry Almond Ice Cream from scratch—every step is worth it! I hope you’ll treat yourself (and maybe someone you love) to this sensational, summery creation soon. Happy scooping—your taste buds are in for a dreamy, nutty, cherry-studded ride!

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