There’s something magical about combining two classic desserts into one unforgettable treat. Our Cherry Pie Ice Cream Recipe captures the rich, buttery crust and sweet-tart cherry filling of a traditional cherry pie, all swirled into creamy homemade ice cream. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of summer any time of year.
Ingredients
To craft our Cherry Pie Ice Cream, we start with essential components that capture the essence of a classic cherry pie alongside a creamy ice cream base. Below, we list everything we need to achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
For the Cherry Pie Filling
We prepare a luscious cherry pie filling that brings the sweet-tart cherry flavor and the buttery richness of pie crust into every bite.
- 2 cups fresh or frozen tart cherries, pitted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (to enhance the cherry’s brightness)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (for authentic cherry pie aroma)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warm spice notes)
For the Ice Cream Base
Our homemade ice cream base is rich, creamy, and perfectly sweetened to complement the cherry filling.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy cream | 2 cups | For rich, creamy texture |
| Whole milk | 1 cup | Balances creaminess |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup | Sweetens the ice cream |
| Egg yolks | 4 large | Adds richness and smoothness |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Enhances flavor complexity |
Additional Mix-Ins
To mimic the classic buttery pie crust, we add a crunchy pie crust crumble throughout the ice cream.
- 1 cup pie crust pieces, baked and crumbled (use refrigerated pie crust or homemade)
- 1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries (for bursts of sweet flavor)
Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in melding the nostalgic taste of cherry pie into a luscious, easy-to-enjoy ice cream.
Equipment Needed
To create the perfect Cherry Pie Ice Cream, having the right equipment is essential. Each tool helps us achieve the ideal texture and flavor balance that makes this recipe stand out.
- Ice Cream Maker
We use an ice cream maker to churn the mixture evenly and incorporate air, resulting in a smooth, creamy consistency without ice crystals.
- Medium Saucepan
This is where we cook the cherry pie filling and prepare the ice cream custard base, ensuring the sugar dissolves fully and the custard thickens properly.
- Mixing Bowls
Several bowls are needed for whisking egg yolks, combining ingredients, and chilling the custard before freezing.
- Whisk
Essential for blending egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy, ensuring a smooth custard base.
- Fine Mesh Sieve
We strain the custard to remove any cooked egg bits for an ultra-smooth texture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurement is vital for balancing flavors, especially with sugar, cornstarch, and extracts.
- Rubber Spatula
Ideal for folding in the crumble and cherries gently without deflating the mixture.
- Freezer-Safe Container with Lid
After churning, we transfer the ice cream into this container for firm freezing and storage.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Ice Cream Maker | Churns and aerates ice cream base |
| Medium Saucepan | Cooks pie filling and custard base |
| Mixing Bowls | Combines and chills ingredients |
| Whisk | Blends egg yolks and sugar smoothly |
| Fine Mesh Sieve | Strains custard for smooth texture |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | Ensures precise ingredient measurements |
| Rubber Spatula | Folds in mix-ins without deflating |
| Freezer-Safe Container | Stores and freezes finished ice cream securely |
Using these tools carefully ensures our Cherry Pie Ice Cream develops the rich flavor and creamy texture reminiscent of the classic cherry pie experience in every scoop.
Instructions
Follow these clear steps to craft our indulgent Cherry Pie Ice Cream. Each phase highlights key techniques to blend classic cherry pie flavors with a luxuriously creamy texture.
Prep: Preparing the Cherry Pie Filling
- In a medium saucepan, combine the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tart cherries | 3 cups | Pitted |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup | |
| Cornstarch | 2 tbsp | For thickening |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 tbsp | Adds brightness |
| Almond extract | ½ tsp | Enhances flavor |
| Ground cinnamon | ¼ tsp (optional) | Adds warmth |
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and becomes glossy — about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove from heat, let cool completely, then refrigerate to chill while preparing the custard.
Making the Ice Cream Base
- In a medium saucepan, combine:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole milk | 2 cups | |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | |
| Granulated sugar | ⅔ cup | Can adjust to taste |
| Egg yolks | 5 large | For creamy custard |
- Heat milk and cream over medium heat until it just begins to steam. Do not boil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar until pale and thick.
- Slowly pour half of the warm milk mixture into the yolks while whisking vigorously to temper the eggs.
- Gradually add the tempered yolks back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spatula (about 170°F or 77°C). Do not boil.
- Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to ensure a silky smooth base.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Cover and chill the custard thoroughly in the refrigerator until cold, at least 4 hours or overnight.
Churning the Ice Cream
- Pour the chilled custard base into your ice cream maker.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency—usually 20 to 25 minutes.
- While churning, prepare pie crust crumble and chop maraschino cherries for mix-ins.
Combining the Cherry Pie Filling with Ice Cream
- When the ice cream is almost done churning, gently fold in:
| Mix-In | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chilled cherry pie filling | 1 ½ cups | Sweet, tart flavor pockets |
| Pie crust crumble | 1 cup | Adds buttery crunch |
| Chopped maraschino cherries | ½ cup | Sweet bursts, classic note |
- Use a rubber spatula to fold these ingredients evenly without deflating the ice cream’s airiness.
Freezing and Setting
- Transfer the combined Cherry Pie Ice Cream into a freezer-safe container.
- Cover with a lid or plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent ice crystals.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up and allow flavors to meld perfectly.
- Remove from freezer 5 to 10 minutes before serving for easier scooping.
By following these steps precisely, we achieve an irresistible Cherry Pie Ice Cream that captures the quintessential flavors and textures of a classic cherry pie in every creamy spoonful.
Serving Suggestions
To enhance the Cherry Pie Ice Cream experience, we recommend trying these serving ideas that highlight its rich flavors and textures.
Classic Scoop Presentation
Serve a generous scoop of Cherry Pie Ice Cream in a chilled bowl or waffle cone. The creamy texture paired with bursts of tart cherries and buttery pie crust crumble creates a perfect balance. For added visual appeal, garnish each scoop with a fresh maraschino cherry or a sprig of mint.
Dessert Pairings
Pair the ice cream with warm desserts to contrast the cold creaminess with warmth and enhance the cherry pie flavor:
- Warm apple or berry crisp
- Freshly baked cherry pie slice
- Chocolate brownies or skillet cookies
A drizzle of warm chocolate or caramel sauce over the ice cream also amplifies the indulgence.
Creative Serving Ideas
Explore these creative ways to serve our Cherry Pie Ice Cream:
| Serving Style | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Cream Sandwich | Sandwiched between buttery sugar cookies to echo pie crust | Slightly soften ice cream for easy assembly |
| Float | Scoop into sparkling cherry soda or lemon-lime soda | Garnish with fresh cherries and a straw |
| Sundae | Layer with whipped cream, chopped nuts, and cherry pie filling | Use a clear glass to showcase the layers |
Festive Presentation
For gatherings or seasonal celebrations, serve the ice cream in mini pie crust shells. Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg to mirror traditional cherry pie spices.
“The key to highlighting the essence of our Cherry Pie Ice Cream is balancing its rich creamy base with bursts of tart cherry and crumbly crust in every bite.”
By incorporating these serving suggestions, we elevate the delightfulness of this nostalgic dessert, making it a crowd-pleaser any time of year.
Storage Instructions
To keep our Cherry Pie Ice Cream at its finest texture and flavor, proper storage is essential. Follow these steps to ensure the ice cream remains rich, creamy, and bursting with that classic cherry pie essence.
1. Use an airtight container
Transfer the ice cream into a freezer-safe airtight container immediately after churning and folding in all mix-ins. This prevents ice crystals from forming and protects against freezer odors.
2. Smooth the surface
Before sealing, use a rubber spatula to smooth the surface of the ice cream. This minimizes air pockets which can cause freezer burn.
3. Press a layer of plastic wrap
For extra protection, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream, then close the lid tightly.
4. Label and date
Label the container with the date of preparation using a waterproof marker. For best quality, consume within 2 to 3 weeks.
5. Store at consistent freezer temperature
Keep the ice cream at a stable temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or colder. Avoid frequent temperature fluctuations which degrade texture.
Recommended Storage Timeline
| Storage Duration | Quality Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 Week | Peak freshness and creaminess | Optimal for best flavor |
| 2 to 3 Weeks | Good quality, slight texture change | Still delicious |
| Over 3 Weeks | Noticeable ice crystals develop | Flavor and texture diminish |
Tips for Serving After Storage
- Remove the ice cream from the freezer 5 to 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easy scooping.
- Stir gently if any separation occurs to reincorporate mix-ins.
- Avoid refreezing ice cream after it has softened to maintain texture integrity.
By following these storage instructions, we ensure that every scoop of our Cherry Pie Ice Cream delivers that perfect balance of creamy custard, vibrant cherry filling, and buttery pie crust crumble—just like fresh from the churn.
Conclusion
Cherry Pie Ice Cream brings a timeless dessert into a new, refreshing form that’s perfect for any season. With its creamy custard, vibrant cherry filling, and buttery crust crumble, it’s a treat that satisfies both nostalgia and cravings.
By mastering this recipe and following the tips for preparation, serving, and storage, we can enjoy this delicious fusion whenever we want. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate classic flavors with a cool twist that everyone will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed to make Cherry Pie Ice Cream?
You’ll need tart cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract, cinnamon (optional), heavy cream, whole milk, egg yolks, vanilla extract, maraschino cherries, and pie crust crumble to make Cherry Pie Ice Cream.
Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?
Yes, an ice cream maker is essential for churning the mixture evenly and incorporating air, which helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
How do I prepare the cherry pie filling for the ice cream?
Cook tart cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract, and optional cinnamon until the mixture thickens into a luscious filling.
Can I make the ice cream base without eggs?
No, eggs are needed to create a custard base, which gives the ice cream its rich and creamy texture.
How should I store homemade Cherry Pie Ice Cream?
Store it in an airtight container in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or colder. Smooth the surface, press plastic wrap on top, and consume within 2 to 3 weeks for best quality.
What are some good ways to serve Cherry Pie Ice Cream?
Serve it in a chilled bowl or waffle cone with a maraschino cherry or mint, pair it with warm desserts like crisps or brownies, or use it in sundaes, floats, or mini pie crust shells.
Can I prepare the cherry pie filling and ice cream base ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cherry pie filling and custard base in advance. Just chill both thoroughly before churning in the ice cream maker.
How do I prevent ice crystals from forming in the ice cream?
Use airtight containers, smooth the surface before freezing, press plastic wrap directly on the ice cream, and keep the freezer temperature stable to minimize ice crystal formation.
Is it possible to customize the recipe for dietary restrictions?
You can experiment by using dairy substitutes or egg replacers, but note that texture and flavor may differ from the original classic recipe.
How long should the ice cream chill before churning?
Chill the custard base completely in the refrigerator, usually for at least 4 hours or overnight, to ensure proper thickening and smooth churning.