Description

A homemade twist on the beloved ice cream flavor, this rich Cherry Garcia combines creamy vanilla custard with energetic bursts of dark chocolate and fresh cherries—perfect for summer afternoons or any time you crave a luscious frozen treat.

Ingredients

¼ cup shaved or chopped dark chocolate

¼ cup fresh Bing cherries, halved and pitted

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1 cup 2% or whole milk

¾ cup granulated white sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Place shaved chocolate and halved cherries in separate bowls, cover, and refrigerate until needed.
In a saucepan, combine cream, milk, and sugar. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture is hot (not boiling). Remove from heat.
In a bowl, whisk eggs until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla and salt.
Slowly whisk 1 cup of hot cream mixture into eggs to temper.
Return egg-cream mix to the saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened enough to coat a spoon (10–15 minutes). Do not boil.
Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate loosely covered until fully chilled (preferably overnight).
Churn the chilled custard in your ice cream maker as per the manufacturer’s directions.
In the final minute of churning, add chocolate and cherries to mix in gently.
Transfer soft ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2–4 hours until firm.
Soften slightly before scooping. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Use frozen cherries if fresh aren’t available—just thaw and drain.
Try different chocolates or flavored varieties for added fun.
Add toasted nuts or a swirl of cherry compote or fudge after churning.
For dairy-free, use coconut cream and vegan egg substitutes.
Store tightly sealed in freezer for up to 1 month; best texture within 2–3 weeks.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Churned
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 290
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 55mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg