Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream is a sophisticated and indulgent dessert that combines the sweetness of cherries, the richness of chocolate, and the warmth of brandy. Perfect for summer gatherings or an elegant dinner party, this homemade treat offers a delightful blend of creamy, boozy, and chocolatey flavors in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Sophisticated flavor: The brandied cherries add a touch of luxury to this dessert.
  • Rich and creamy: Made with a custard base, this ice cream is ultra-smooth and decadent.
  • Customizable: You can adjust the flavors and mix-ins to suit your preferences.
  • Great for entertaining: Impress your guests with this unique, homemade ice cream.
  • Perfect balance: The sweetness of the cherries and the bitterness of the chocolate complement the creamy base beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
  • Brandy
  • Granulated sugar
  • Heavy cream
  • Whole milk
  • Egg yolks
  • Vanilla extract
  • Dark chocolate chunks

Directions

  1. Prepare the brandied cherries:
    • In a small saucepan, combine the cherries, brandy, and 2 tablespoons of sugar.
    • Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries are softened and the liquid is slightly reduced.
    • Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
  2. Make the custard base:
    • In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and cream over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and remaining sugar until pale and thick.
    • Slowly add the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
    • Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
    • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. Chill the base: Pour the custard base into a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
  4. Churn the ice cream:
    • Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
    • During the last few minutes of churning, fold in the brandied cherries and their syrup, along with the chocolate chunks.
  5. Freeze and serve: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up. Scoop and serve as desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Approximately 6–8 servings
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 4–6 hours
  • Total Time: Approximately 6.5 hours

Variations

  • Alcohol-free option: Skip the brandy and use cherry juice or a non-alcoholic alternative.
  • Different fruits: Swap cherries for raspberries or blackberries for a unique twist.
  • Milk chocolate chunks: Use milk chocolate instead of dark for a sweeter flavor.
  • Vegan version: Use coconut milk, plant-based cream, and a vegan egg substitute for a dairy-free option.
  • Nutty addition: Add toasted almonds or pistachios for extra crunch.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
  • Freezing tip: Press a piece of parchment paper onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming.
  • Reheating: Ice cream is served frozen and does not require reheating. Allow to soften slightly at room temperature for easy scooping.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned cherries?

Yes, but make sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before simmering with brandy.

2. What type of chocolate works best?

Dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content provides the perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness.

3. Can I skip the ice cream maker?

Yes, pour the custard into a shallow dish and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals, until fully set.

4. Is it safe to eat raw eggs in ice cream?

The eggs in this recipe are cooked in the custard, making it safe to consume.

5. Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, but reducing the sugar may affect the texture of the ice cream.

6. How do I prevent the ice cream from getting too hard?

Adding a small amount of alcohol (like brandy) helps keep the ice cream scoopable.

7. Can I use milk chocolate for a sweeter taste?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate adds a milder flavor to the ice cream.

8. How long should I churn the ice cream?

Follow your ice cream maker’s instructions, typically 20–25 minutes.

9. What’s the best way to serve this ice cream?

Serve in bowls or cones, or use it as a topping for brownies or waffles.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but ensure your ice cream maker has enough capacity to churn a larger batch.

Conclusion

Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream is a luxurious treat that’s perfect for special occasions or a decadent everyday dessert. The combination of creamy custard, boozy cherries, and bittersweet chocolate chunks creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this ice cream is sure to delight!

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Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Chill Time: 4 hours
  • Cook Time: 2-4 hours
  • Total Time: 6-8 hours
  • Yield: 1 quart 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Churning
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream combines creamy vanilla ice cream with boozy brandied cherries and decadent chunks of chocolate. It’s a sophisticated twist on a classic dessert, perfect for dinner parties or a special indulgence.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Brandied Cherries:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brandy
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Ice Cream Base:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 large egg yolks

Mix-Ins:

  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks or chips

Instructions

1. Prepare the Brandied Cherries:

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, sugar, and brandy.
  2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
  3. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and let cool completely.

2. Make the Ice Cream Base:

  1. In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream, milk, and half the sugar over medium heat until steaming (do not boil).
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until pale and creamy.
  3. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
  4. Gradually add the tempered egg mixture back to the saucepan, stirring constantly.
  5. Cook over low heat, stirring, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 170-175°F or 77-80°C).
  6. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any cooked egg bits. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

3. Churn the Ice Cream:

  1. Once the custard is chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  2. During the last few minutes of churning, add the cooled brandied cherries (including their syrup) and chocolate chunks.

4. Freeze and Serve:

  1. Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for 2-4 hours, or until firm.
  2. Serve scoops of this luscious ice cream and enjoy!



Notes

  • Alcohol-Free Option: Substitute the brandy with cherry juice for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Storage: Store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
  • Chocolate Options: Use dark, milk, or white chocolate chunks based on your preference.

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