Luscious Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream Recipe

Sweet memories swirl around this brandied cherry-and-chocolate chunk ice cream that promises pure indulgence.

Cherries soaked in smooth brandy create magical flavor notes dancing through creamy chocolate landscape.

Rich dark chocolate pieces promise unexpected bursts of intense pleasure.

Velvety textures merge elegantly with complex alcohol-infused fruit undertones.

Summer afternoons feel instantly more luxurious when you scoop this decadent dessert.

Chilled perfection awaits in every spoonful of this sophisticated treat.

One taste will transport you to culinary bliss.

Why Brandied Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Is a Showstopper

• Crafting this luxurious ice cream requires minimal kitchen skills, making it perfect for both novice and experienced dessert lovers who want to impress without complicated techniques.
• The combination of rich dark chocolate chunks and boozy brandied cherries creates a sophisticated taste profile that elevates this dessert from ordinary to extraordinary, promising a gourmet experience in every spoonful.
• With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe transforms into a decadent treat that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end dessert shop, yet can be easily prepared in your own kitchen.
• Versatile enough for summer gatherings, romantic dinners, or a personal indulgence, this ice cream delivers a show-stopping dessert that will delight chocolate and cherry lovers alike.

What Goes in Brandied Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Magic

• Heavy Cream: Provides rich, creamy texture for the ice cream.
• Whole Milk: Adds smoothness and helps create a luxurious base.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its sweet, aromatic profile.

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create smooth ice cream consistency.

• Brandied Cherries, Dark Chocolate Chunks: Deliver bursts of fruity and chocolatey flavor throughout the ice cream.

Making Brandied Cherry & Chocolate Ice Cream, Step-by-Step

Step 1: Blend Creamy Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar completely melts and the mixture becomes smooth and silky.

Step 2: Chill the Mixture

Cover the creamy concoction with plastic wrap and slide it into the refrigerator.

Let it cool and develop its flavor for at least one hour, allowing the ingredients to mingle and get to know each other.

Step 3: Fold in Delightful Mix-Ins

After chilling, gently fold in the brandied cherries and dark chocolate chunks.

Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base, creating pockets of boozy fruit and rich chocolate in every bite.

Step 4: Churn to Perfection

Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

This typically takes 20-25 minutes, transforming the liquid into a dreamy, soft-serve consistency.

Step 5: Freeze and Set

Transfer the freshly churned ice cream to an airtight container.

Pop it in the freezer and let it firm up for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing it to reach that perfect, scoopable texture.

Step 6: Serve and Indulge

Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones.

For an extra touch of decadence, sprinkle with additional brandied cherries or chocolate shavings.

Enjoy your homemade frozen masterpiece!

Tips for Luscious Brandied Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream

• Refrigerate the base mixture for at least 1 hour to develop deeper, richer flavors and ensure a smoother ice cream texture.
• Gently fold brandied cherries and chocolate chunks to prevent sinking, creating a balanced bite in every spoonful.
• Use high-quality dark chocolate and premium brandy-soaked cherries for an luxurious, restaurant-worthy dessert.
• Allow the ice cream to set for 4-6 hours or overnight for the perfect scoopable consistency that holds its shape.
• Cover the ice cream surface with plastic wrap directly touching the mixture to minimize ice crystal formation and maintain creamy smoothness.

Freezing & Serving Brandied Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream

• Store leftovers in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid for up to 5 days. Press plastic wrap directly onto the ice cream surface to prevent freezer burn.
• Seal in a freezer-safe container for maximum 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness and prevent forgotten batches.
• Remove ice cream from freezer 5-10 minutes before serving. Let sit at room temperature to reach scoopable consistency without melting completely.
• Always use a clean, dry scoop. Minimize air exposure by smoothing the surface and covering tightly each time you return the container to the freezer.

Tasty Pairings for Brandied Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream

• Pair Creamy Indulgence with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or rich Port wine to complement the deep chocolate and brandied cherry flavors, enhancing the dessert's luxurious profile.
• Elevate with Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers or crushed hazelnuts on top to add textural contrast and a complementary nuttiness that balances the ice cream's creamy sweetness.
• Create Sophisticated Cocktail Companion: Mix a classic Old Fashioned cocktail with bourbon and bitters, which mirrors the brandied cherry notes and provides a sophisticated adult pairing experience.
• Serve with Espresso Finale: Brew a strong espresso or dark roast coffee to cut through the richness and highlight the dessert's complex flavor layers, offering a traditional Italian-style dessert conclusion.

Cherry & Chocolate Ice Cream Variations to Try

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
• Alcohol-Free Option: Substitute brandied cherries with fresh or dried cherries soaked in cherry juice for a family-friendly alternative.
• Low-Sugar Variation: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener and dark chocolate with higher cocoa content to reduce overall sugar intake.
• Nutty Chocolate Cherry Remix: Add chopped almonds or hazelnuts to enhance crunch and introduce additional flavor complexity to the original recipe.

FAQs

• What type of brandied cherries work best for this recipe?

Homemade or high-quality store-bought brandied cherries are ideal. Dark, rich cherries soaked in brandy provide the most intense flavor and complement the chocolate chunks perfectly.

• Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?

While an ice cream maker ensures a smooth texture, you can use the no-churn method by whipping the cream first and folding in ingredients. However, the texture might be slightly less creamy and more icy.

• How long will the brandied cherries maintain their flavor in the ice cream?

The brandied cherries will keep their rich, boozy taste throughout the ice cream’s freezing period. The alcohol helps prevent complete freezing and maintains the cherries’ soft, flavorful texture.

• Is it possible to reduce the alcohol content in this recipe?

You can lightly drain the brandied cherries or use less brandy-soaked cherries to minimize alcohol. Alternatively, replace with regular fresh cherries, though the deep flavor profile will be slightly different.

Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Indulgent brandied cherry-and-chocolate chunk ice cream marries rich cocoa with boozy cherries in a luxurious frozen dessert. Creamy, complex flavors dance across your palate, promising a sophisticated sweet escape that elevates classic summer treats.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (237 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (150 g) dark chocolate chunks (60% cacao)
• 1 cup (150 g) brandied cherries, chopped

Sweeteners:

• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Create a smooth, homogeneous base by thoroughly whisking heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until sugar completely dissolves.
2. Refrigerate the liquid mixture for a minimum of 1 hour to ensure optimal temperature and flavor integration.
3. Gently incorporate brandied cherries and dark chocolate chunks, ensuring even distribution throughout the cream mixture.
4. Transfer the infused base to an ice cream maker and churn at medium speed for approximately 20-25 minutes, watching for a soft, creamy consistency.
5. Carefully spoon the churned ice cream into an airtight freezer-safe container, smoothing the surface to prevent ice crystal formation.
6. Allow the ice cream to solidify in the freezer for 4-6 hours or preferably overnight, enabling a rich, dense texture.
7. When ready to serve, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes to soften slightly, making scooping easier.
8. Plate the ice cream in chilled serving bowls or crisp waffle cones, optionally garnishing with additional brandied cherries or delicate dark chocolate shavings for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Adjust sugar levels to match your preferred sweetness, using alternatives like honey or maple syrup for natural sweetening.
• Soak cherries longer in brandy for deeper, more intense flavor infusion if you enjoy stronger alcohol notes.
• Ensure chocolate chunks are chopped into similar sizes for consistent texture throughout the ice cream.
• Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for richer, more complex flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Churning
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 388
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg