Dreamy Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream Recipe

Sweet memories often revolve around this decadent brandied cherry-and-chocolate chunk ice cream that sparks pure joy.

Childhood summers blend seamlessly with grown-up indulgence through each creamy spoonful.

Rich chocolate chunks nestle alongside plump, boozy cherries in a dessert that defies simple description.

Sophisticated yet playful, this frozen treat promises an elegant twist on classic comfort.

Dark chocolate provides sharp contrast against smooth, silky ice cream base.

Cherries soaked in brandy add unexpected depth and complexity to every bite.

You’ll find yourself transported to a luxurious dessert experience that feels both nostalgic and modern.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible frozen delicacy that begs for a second scoop.

How to Make Brandied Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream

Step 1: Prepare Boozy Cherry Mixture

Toss cherries, sugar, and brandy into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar melts and mixture thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes). Pull pan off heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool completely.

Step 2: Create Creamy Custard Base

• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Half the sugar

Heat until steaming, avoiding boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with remaining sugar until pale and creamy. Gradually pour about half a cup of hot cream mixture into egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling.

Step 3: Develop Custard Texture

Slowly reintroduce tempered egg mixture back into saucepan, stirring continuously. Cook on low heat until mixture thickens and coats spoon’s back (around 170-175°F). Remove from heat, incorporate vanilla extract. Strain through fine-mesh sieve to catch any cooked egg bits.

Step 4: Chill Custard

Cool custard to room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Churn Ice Cream

• Cooled brandied cherries
• Chocolate chunks

Step 6: Freeze and Serve

Transfer churned mixture to airtight container. Freeze 2-4 hours until firm. Scoop and savor this luxurious frozen treat!

Tips for Boozy Ice Cream Success

• Prevent Curdling: Temper egg yolks slowly by adding hot cream gradually while whisking constantly to avoid scrambling.
• Flavor Boost: Let brandied cherries cool completely before adding to ice cream base for intensified brandy and cherry essence.
• Texture Trick: Strain custard through fine-mesh sieve to remove any potential egg bits, ensuring silky smooth ice cream.
• Chill for Success: Refrigerate custard for at least 4 hours or overnight to develop deeper, richer flavor profile.
• Storage Wisdom: Freeze churned ice cream in an airtight container for 2-4 hours to achieve perfect scoopable consistency.

Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream with a Boozy Touch

• A sophisticated dessert that transforms simple ingredients into an elegant, restaurant-quality treat.
• Despite multiple steps, this recipe requires basic kitchen skills and standard equipment, making it accessible for home cooks with intermediate culinary confidence.
• Brandied cherries and rich chocolate chunks create a decadent combination that elevates traditional ice cream into a gourmet experience, perfect for special occasions or impressive dinner parties.
• The recipe allows significant preparation in advance, with custard chilling overnight and ice cream freezing for several hours, enabling stress-free entertaining and convenient dessert planning.

Ingredients That Create This Ice Cream Dream

• Cherries: Sweet and tangy fruit that adds natural flavor and texture to the ice cream.
• Brandy: Rich alcohol that enhances the cherry flavor and adds depth to the dessert.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic flavor and complements the chocolate and cherry notes.

• Heavy Cream: Creates rich, smooth texture and provides luxurious mouthfeel.
• Milk: Helps balance the cream's richness and contributes to smooth consistency.
• Egg Yolks: Helps create a silky, custard-like base and adds richness to the ice cream.

• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create smooth, soft ice cream texture.
• Chocolate Chunks: Adds rich chocolate flavor and delightful texture throughout the dessert.

Storing and Serving Homemade Ice Cream

• Store the ice cream in an airtight container, placing a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming.
• Keep the container in the coldest part of the freezer, maintaining a consistent temperature to preserve texture and flavor.
• Remove the ice cream from the freezer 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly for easier scooping.
• Enjoy the ice cream within 1-2 weeks for the best taste and quality, as the texture may change with prolonged freezing.

Pairing Tips for This Rich, Dessert

• Select a luscious port wine with deep berry notes to complement the brandied cherries and chocolate chunks, enhancing the ice cream's complex flavor profile.
• Sprinkle toasted almond slivers or crushed hazelnut praline over each scoop to add delightful crunch and nutty depth that harmonizes with the creamy texture.
• Serve the ice cream alongside a warm dark chocolate brownie or molten chocolate cake, creating a delicious temperature and textural contrast that amplifies the dessert's richness.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a subtle rosemary sprig to introduce a bright, aromatic element that cuts through the dessert's intense sweetness and adds sophisticated complexity.

Ice Cream Add-Ons You’ll Want to Try

• Dairy-Free Dream: Replace heavy cream and milk with coconut milk and coconut cream for a rich, vegan-friendly version that maintains the creamy texture.
• Low-Sugar Delight: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the indulgent flavor profile.
• Alcohol-Free Version: Swap brandy with cherry juice or non-alcoholic cherry extract, making the recipe kid-friendly and suitable for those avoiding alcohol.
• Nutty Chocolate Cherry: Add chopped toasted almonds or pecans during the last minutes of churning for extra crunch and nutty depth to the ice cream base.

Brandied Ice Cream Questions Answered

• What makes this ice cream unique?

The combination of brandied cherries and chocolate chunks creates a sophisticated, grown-up dessert with complex flavor layers that elevate traditional ice cream.

• Can I substitute the brandy?

Yes, you can use kirsch, rum, or bourbon as alternative spirits. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the cherries and ice cream.

• Do I need special equipment to make this recipe?

An ice cream maker is essential for creating the smooth, creamy texture. Without it, the ice cream might become icy and less enjoyable.

• How do I know when the custard is properly thickened?

The custard is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and you can draw a line with your finger that holds its shape, typically around 170-175°F (77-80°C).

Brandied Cherry-And-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cool summer nights melt into pure bliss with brandied cherry-and-chocolate chunk ice cream, a luxurious dessert marrying rich cocoa and boozy cherries. Sweet memories flow as smooth, creamy scoops promise delectable indulgence you’ll savor slowly.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
• ½ cup dark chocolate chunks or chips

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

• ¼ cup brandy
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Macerate cherries in a small saucepan with sugar and brandy, gently simmering until liquid transforms into a syrupy consistency, stirring periodically to prevent scorching.
2. Remove cherry mixture from heat, incorporate vanilla extract, and allow to cool completely to room temperature.
3. Warm cream, milk, and half the sugar in a medium saucepan until steaming, avoiding boiling.
4. Whisk egg yolks with remaining sugar until the mixture becomes pale and develops a creamy texture.
5. Gradually introduce approximately half a cup of hot cream into egg yolks, continuously whisking to prevent curdling.
6. Reintegrate the tempered egg mixture into the saucepan, stirring consistently over low heat until the custard thickens and coats a spoon’s back.
7. Remove custard from heat, mix in vanilla extract, and strain through a fine-mesh sieve to eliminate potential egg fragments.
8. Cool custard to room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight to develop deeper flavors.
9. Pour chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s guidelines.
10. During final churning moments, fold in brandied cherries with their syrup and chocolate chunks for even distribution.
11. Transfer freshly churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for 2-4 hours until it reaches desired firmness.
12. Scoop and savor the decadent brandied cherry-chocolate ice cream.

Notes

• Ensure cherries are pitted and chopped for even distribution and easier eating throughout the ice cream.
• Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a rich, intense flavor that complements the brandied cherries.
• Control the brandy intensity by adjusting the amount added during cherry preparation to suit your taste preferences.
• For a non-alcoholic version, replace brandy with pure cherry juice or grape juice to maintain the fruity depth.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-4 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 359
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 143 mg