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Bourbon Cherry Ice Cream

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Looking for a delicious homemade ice cream that will take ice cream to the next level? This cherry ice cream that is made with bourbon is perfect for hosting an adult ice cream party. Chock-full of ripe cherries and a splash of bourbon, this ice cream is the perfect summertime treat.

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Delicious Cherry Bourbon Ice Cream

You know what I love about the summer? Besides the warm, long days of course, I love the fact that it’s totally acceptable to treat yourself to some ice cream each night to cool off. It makes summer even that much more enjoyable!  So when Four Roses Bourbon asked me to create a bourbon dessert for National Barbecue Month, I knew ice cream was on the menu!

The cherry mixture for this recipe requires a bit of work, with the pitting and the cooking and all, but trust me…it is SOOOO worth it. Especially is you’re a huge cherry fan like me!

A bowl of cherry ice cream with bourbon accents sitting on a wooden table with vibrant colored napkin under bowl

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. If you’ve never made ice cream from scratch you’re seriously missing out! Ever since I bought an ice cream maker a few years ago, we usually have a constant supply of homemade ice cream in the freezer. We’ve tried tons of recipes (mostly based off of my favorite Graeter’s Ice Cream flavors) and I don’t plan to stop anytime soon!

How to host an adult ice cream party

Hosting an adult ice cream party is a fun way to get your friends together on a hot summer day. Having out, enjoying ice cream together and some good laughs are the perfect way to create memories. If you are having an adult ice cream party, you will want to make this cherry ice cream with bourbon as well as other boozy ice creams. You can also make adult brownies or cupcakes and use them to make your ice cream sundae.

Best ice cream toppings for black cherry ice cream

When it comes to topping for black cherry is cream I like to use whipped cream, cherries and sprinkles. Hot fudge is always good when it comes to ice cream. With just about any types of toppings, it will go fantastic with this black cherry ice cream.

Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream machine

While this ice cream is made best using an ice cream machine, it can be made without one. If you are making it without an ice cream maker, you will pour into a container and freeze the mixture. Once it is frozen you can scarp it to make the ice cream. While it can be made this way, it loses some of the creaminess that the ice cream machine gives it.

How to Store Homemade Cherry Ice Cream

After you have made this cherry ice cream, if you are looking for a way to keep it stored fresh, you will want to store the ice cream in an airtight container. This protects the ice cream from getting freezer burn. Make sure to put the ice cream back into the freezer after you have scooped what you are serving into bowls. The ice cream will last up to 3 months in the freezer as long as it is stored properly.

easy cherry ice cream in a white bowl with cherries on the table and a colorful napkin

Ingredients for cherry easy ice cream recipe

How to make cherry ice cream with bourbon

Step 1. In a small saucepan, stir together the cherries and 3 tablespoons the sugar. Simmer over medium heat about 6-8 minutes or until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly. Transfer to a small bowl and cool to room temperature, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until cold.

Step 2. Meanwhile, set a fine mesh strainer over a medium sized bowl and set the bowl over a large container of ice water.

Step 3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the cream, milk, and the vanilla seeds and pod and 1/4 cup sugar stirring occasionally, until steam appears and the liquid is hot (175 degrees) about 5 minutes.

Step 4. When the milk mixture is cooking, in a separate bowl, whisk the yolks and 1/4 cup of sugar together until smooth. Slowly whisk about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks to temper them. Then slowly whisk the tempered yolk mixture back into the remaining hot milk mixture. Continue to cook the custard mixture over medium heat until it is very hot but not simmering (180-185 degrees).

Step 5. Pour the custard mixture into the strainer bowl set in the ice bath and let cool, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Remove the custard mixture from the ice bath, stir in vanilla extract, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until very cold (40 degrees), about 3 hours.

Step 6. Right before you are ready to churn the ice cream, remove and discard the vanilla pod, pour mixture into a blender, add half of the cherry mixture and purée.

Step 7. Pour the mixture into the ice cream canister and churn following the manufacturer’s instructions until the mixture resembles the consistency of thick whipped cream. Add bourbon, remaining cherry mixture and continue churning until the mixture resembles soft served ice cream.

Step 8. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container. Cover the container and freeze the ice cream until it is firm, about 3 hours.

cherry ice cream being scooped out of a plastic container

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Cherry Bourbon Ice Cream

Cook Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 1 quart
Looking for a delicious homemade ice cream that will take ice cream to the next level? This cherry ice cream that is made with bourbon is perfect for hosting an adult ice cream party. Chock-full of ripe cherries and a splash of bourbon, this ice cream is the perfect summertime treat.
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Ingredients 

  • 3/4 pound fresh cherries, about 2 cups, pitted, quartered
  • 3/4 cup sugar, plus 3 tablespoons, divided
  • 1 1/3 cups heavy cream
  • 1 1/4 cups whole milk
  • 2 inch piece vanilla bean, slit lengthwise and seeds removed, pod reserved
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 3 tablespoons Four Roses Bourbon

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Instructions

  • In a small saucepan, stir together the cherries and 3 tablespoons the sugar. Simmer over medium heat about 6-8 minutes or until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly. Transfer to a small bowl and cool to room temperature, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until cold.
  • Meanwhile, set a fine mesh strainer over a medium sized bowl and set the bowl over a large container of ice water.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the cream, milk, and the vanilla seeds and pod and 1/4 cup sugar stirring occasionally, until steam appears and the liquid is hot (175 degrees) about 5 minutes.
  • When the milk mixture is cooking, in a separate bowl, whisk the yolks and 1/4 cup of sugar together until smooth. Slowly whisk about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks to temper them. Then slowly whisk the tempered yolk mixture back into the remaining hot milk mixture. Continue to cook the custard mixture over medium heat until it is very hot but not simmering (180-185 degrees).
  • Pour the custard mixture into the strainer bowl set in the ice bath and let cool, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Remove the custard mixture from the ice bath, stir in vanilla extract, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until very cold (40 degrees), about 3 hours.
  • Right before you are ready to churn the ice cream, remove and discard the vanilla pod, pour mixture into a blender, add half of the cherry mixture and purée.
  • Pour the mixture into the ice cream canister and churn following the manufacturer’s instructions until the mixture resembles the consistency of thick whipped cream. Add bourbon, remaining cherry mixture and continue churning until the mixture resembles soft served ice cream.
  • Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container. Cover the container and freeze the ice cream until it is firm, about 3 hours.

Notes

Recipe Note: If necessary, one teaspoon of vanilla extract may be substituted for the vanilla bean.
Author: Laura

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Want More Homemade Ice Cream Recipe

If you love making homemade ice cream, you are going to want to try these other homemade ice cream recipes. Sweet, creamy and delicious, you are going to love these rich and creamy ice creams.

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smores ice cream in a white bowl

Red Velvet Ice Cream – Red velvet cake that is blended into a cheesecake ice cream has to be one of the very best ice creams imaginable. Homemade ice cream doesn’t get much better than this amazing ice cream recipe.

Sea Salt Caramel Truffle Ice Cream – Stop what you are doing. You have to make this Sea Salt Caramel Truffle Ice Cream. I don’t know if you can find a better combination of Milk chocolate caramel chunks folded into salted caramel ice cream.

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