Cherry cordial ice cream is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of chocolate-covered cherry candies. Its creamy base, studded with maraschino cherries and rich chocolate, offers a nostalgic yet indulgent experience. This treat is perfect for summer gatherings or cozy nights in.
The combination of sweet cherries, dark chocolate, and a hint of almond or vanilla creates a balanced flavor profile. Home cooks love making it with ice cream machines or no-churn methods for ease. Its versatility and crowd-pleasing taste make it a favorite across all ages.
This article dives into cherry cordial ice cream, sharing a simple recipe, recent reviews, and tips for perfection. From ingredient choices to serving ideas, we’ll explore why this dessert is a must-try. Let’s get started on crafting this sweet masterpiece at home.
The Appeal of Cherry Cordial Ice Cream
Cherry cordial ice cream mimics the classic candy with its blend of cherries and chocolate. The creamy texture contrasts with the chewy cherries and crunchy chocolate bits. This creates a sensory experience that feels both familiar and luxurious.
Many recipes use an almond extract to echo the amaretto flavor in cordials. This adds a subtle nutty depth that elevates the dessert. Reviewers often describe it as a “grown-up” treat with kid-friendly appeal.
Its vibrant red cherries and rich chocolate swirls make it visually stunning. Whether churned in a machine or made no-churn, it’s a dessert that impresses. Fans love its versatility for sundaes, cones, or standalone scoops.
Essential Ingredients for Success
A great cherry cordial ice cream starts with quality ingredients. Heavy cream and whole milk form a rich, creamy base, typically in a 2:1 ratio. Sweetened condensed milk is key for no-churn recipes, adding sweetness and texture.
Maraschino cherries, drained and chopped, provide bursts of sweet-tart flavor. Dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped or in chips, adds richness. Almond extract or vanilla enhances the cordial-like taste.
Use high-quality chocolate for the best results, as it impacts flavor significantly. A pinch of salt balances sweetness, ensuring a well-rounded dessert. Fresh dairy prevents icy textures for a smooth scoop.
Equipment You’ll Need
An ice cream machine, like the Cuisinart ICE-21 or KitchenAid attachment, ensures a creamy texture. These churn the mixture to prevent ice crystals, taking about 20–30 minutes. No-churn methods require only a loaf pan and freezer.
You’ll need a saucepan, whisk, and mixing bowl for custard-based recipes. A fine mesh strainer removes any cooked egg bits for smoothness. Freezer-safe containers, like pint jars, keep the ice cream fresh.
A spatula helps transfer the churned ice cream. For no-churn recipes, a hand mixer or stand mixer whips the cream. These tools make the process simple and effective.
Cherry Cordial Ice Cream: A Simple Recipe
This section provides a classic cherry cordial ice cream recipe for an ice cream machine, yielding about 1.5 quarts. It’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. Follow these steps for a delicious result.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- ¾ cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until pale and smooth.
- Heat cream, milk, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming, not boiling.
- Slowly pour the warm mixture into the yolks, whisking to temper the eggs.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan, cooking on low until it reaches 170°F, about 5–7 minutes.
- Strain the custard into a bowl, stir in almond extract, and chill for 4–6 hours.
- Pour the chilled custard into a pre-frozen ice cream machine bowl.
- Churn for 20–30 minutes until soft-serve consistency, adding cherries and chocolate in the last 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2–4 hours for a firmer texture.
This recipe delivers a creamy, cherry-chocolate dessert with a cordial-inspired flavor. Adjust cherries or chocolate to your taste for a personalized touch.
Recent Reviews of Cherry Cordial Ice Cream Recipes
Recent reviews of cherry cordial ice cream recipes highlight its decadent appeal. A 2023 Allrecipes review gave a no-churn version 4.5 stars, praising its “sinfully rich” taste with cherries and chocolate. Users loved the creamy texture but suggested adding more cherries for balance.
A 2024 YouTube review by Chef Richard’s Kitchen called a machine-churned version “creamy and delicious,” earning positive comments. Some noted the almond extract’s amaretto-like flavor as a highlight.
A Savory Sweet and Satisfying blog post from 2025 described it as “exactly what I hoped for,” with perfect cherry-chocolate balance. Minor critiques include the need for high-quality chocolate to avoid a waxy texture. The recipe’s simplicity and flavor keep fans raving.
Tips for Perfect Texture
Chill the custard base thoroughly before churning, ideally to 40°F or below. This speeds up freezing and prevents ice crystals for a smoother texture. A cold freezer bowl is crucial for machine recipes.
For no-churn recipes, whip the cream to stiff peaks before folding in ingredients. This adds air for a lighter texture, mimicking churned ice cream. Drain cherries well to avoid excess liquid, which can make the ice cream icy.
Store in an airtight container with parchment pressed against the surface to prevent freezer burn. Let it soften for 5–10 minutes before scooping for easier serving. These steps ensure a professional-quality dessert.
Variations to Try
Experiment with cherry cordial ice cream by adding mix-ins like crushed almonds or toffee bits. Fold them in during the last few minutes of churning for even distribution. This adds crunch and complexity.
For a no-churn version, use sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream, as seen in a 2023 recipe from Ice Cream From Scratch. It’s quicker but just as creamy. Vegan recipes can swap dairy for coconut milk and agave.
Try using fresh cherries instead of maraschino for a less sweet, more natural flavor. Dark chocolate ganache swirls can replace chopped chocolate for extra decadence. These tweaks personalize the dessert to your taste.
Comparing Recipe Variations
Here’s a table comparing three cherry cordial ice cream recipe variations:
| Recipe Type | Key Ingredients | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Custard-Based | Egg yolks, heavy cream, almond extract | Rich, creamy texture, traditional flavor |
| No-Churn | Sweetened condensed milk, whipped cream | Quick prep, no machine needed |
| Vegan | Coconut milk, agave, almond extract | Dairy-free diets, tropical twist |
This table highlights options for different needs. Custard-based recipes offer classic richness, while no-churn is ideal for beginners. Vegan versions cater to plant-based eaters with creamy results.
Serving and Storing Ideas
Serve cherry cordial ice cream in chilled bowls or waffle cones for a fun presentation. Top with whipped cream, extra cherries, or chocolate drizzle for a sundae vibe. Pair with warm brownies for a decadent treat.
Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness for up to a month. Press parchment or wax paper against the surface before sealing to prevent ice crystals. Label with the date for easy tracking.
For parties, create ice cream sandwiches using chocolate cookies. Freeze them for a grab-and-go dessert. Milkshakes with this flavor blend smoothly with a splash of milk.
Why Use an Ice Cream Machine
Ice cream machines, like the Ninja Creami or Whynter ICM-201SB, churn mixtures for a smooth, airy texture. They prevent large ice crystals, unlike hand-mixing methods, ensuring professional results. Most models finish in 20–30 minutes.
Manual machines, like the Donvier, add a nostalgic touch but require more effort. Compressor models skip pre-freezing, saving time. Both deliver creamy cherry cordial ice cream with ease.
No-churn methods work well for this recipe, especially for beginners. However, machines offer consistency and speed, ideal for frequent dessert makers. The investment pays off in quality and fun.
Enhancing Your Cherry Cordial Ice Cream
Add a swirl of cherry jam for extra fruitiness, stirred in before freezing. This intensifies the cherry flavor without overpowering the chocolate. Crushed meringue pieces add a light, sweet crunch.
Infuse the custard with a splash of amaretto liqueur for an adult twist. Use sparingly to avoid overpowering the almond extract. This enhances the cordial-inspired taste.
Serve with a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast. Pair with chocolate cake or shortbread for a gourmet dessert. These touches elevate the ice cream to a showstopper.
Summary
Cherry cordial ice cream is a decadent dessert that blends creamy ice cream with maraschino cherries and rich chocolate, mimicking classic cordial candies. A simple recipe using heavy cream, egg yolks, and almond extract delivers smooth, flavorful results in 20–30 minutes with an ice cream machine. Recent reviews from 2023–2025 praise its creamy texture and balanced cherry-chocolate taste, averaging 4.5 stars. No-churn and vegan variations offer flexibility, while tips like chilling the base ensure perfection. Whether served in cones or sundaes, this treat is a nostalgic, indulgent delight for any occasion.
FAQ
What ingredients are key for cherry cordial ice cream?
Heavy cream, whole milk, maraschino cherries, dark chocolate, and almond extract are essential. Egg yolks create a custard-like texture in churned recipes. Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
How long does it take to make cherry cordial ice cream?
Churning takes 20–30 minutes in an ice cream machine, with 4–6 hours of chilling beforehand. No-churn versions freeze in 6 hours. Post-churning freezing (2–4 hours) firms it up.
Can I make cherry cordial ice cream without a machine?
Yes, no-churn recipes use sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream. Fold in cherries and chocolate, then freeze for 6 hours. It’s creamy and simple for beginners.
Why is my ice cream icy?
Icy textures result from insufficient chilling or a warm freezer bowl. Chill the custard to 40°F and freeze the bowl at 0°F. Drain cherries well to avoid excess liquid.