Cherry Garcia Ice Cream – Homemade Creamy Cherry-Chocolate Delight
Inspired by the iconic flavor, this rich, velvety ice cream is bursting with fresh cherries and dark chocolate chunks—perfectly sweet, creamy, and indulgent.
🎉 Introduction
Bring the classic ice cream shop flavor home with this Cherry Garcia Ice Cream! Creamy custard-based ice cream swirled with sweet cherries and flecks of dark chocolate makes every bite a dreamy combination of fruity freshness and decadent chocolate. Whether served in a cone, a bowl, or straight from the container, it’s a nostalgic summer favorite you’ll love making yourself. 🍨✨
Equipment
- Ice cream maker (freezer bowl or compressor style)
- Medium and large saucepans
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Heatproof spatula
Ingredients
🍒 Fruit
- ½ cup Bing cherries pitted and chopped (fresh or canned, drained)
🍫 Chocolate
- ½ cup chopped Hershey’s Special Dark chocolate bar or preferred dark chocolate
🥚 Custard Base
- 4 large eggs
- 1½ cups granulated white sugar
🥛 Cream & Milk
- 4 cups heavy cream or whipping cream
- 2 cups whole milk
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Custard Base
- In a medium saucepan, whisk eggs and sugar together until smooth.
- Stir in milk over medium heat; cook until thickened slightly (170°F), stirring constantly—do not boil.
- Remove from heat and pour through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl to remove any curdled bits.
Step 2: Add Cream & Chill
- Stir in heavy cream until combined.
- Cover and refrigerate mixture at least 4 hours or overnight until very cold.
Step 3: Prepare Mix-Ins
- Chop cherries into small pieces; set aside.
- Chop chocolate into rough chunks; set aside.
Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream
- Pour chilled custard into your ice cream maker; churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- When ice cream reaches soft-serve consistency, fold in cherries and chocolate pieces.
Step 5: Freeze Until Firm
- Transfer ice cream to a freezer-safe container.
- Cover and freeze at least 4 hours until scoopable.
Notes
🥄 Variations
Vegan: Use coconut milk and dairy-free chocolate, skip eggs for a no-custard base Extra Cherry: Double the cherries for more fruity bites Nutty Crunch: Fold in toasted chopped almonds or pecans Boozy Twist: Add 1 tbsp Kirsch or cherry liqueur to custard 🧊 Storage & Serving
Freezer: Store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks Serving Tip: Let soften at room temperature 5 minutes before scooping for creamiest texture ❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes—thaw, drain, and chop before adding. Can I use a no-churn method?
For best results, an ice cream maker is recommended for creamy texture. Do I need an egg-based custard?
It gives a creamier texture, but you can skip for a Philadelphia-style ice cream. Can I use milk chocolate?
Sure—though dark balances cherry sweetness best. Do I have to strain the custard?
Yes—it removes cooked egg bits for smooth ice cream. Can I add cherry syrup?
Yes—swirl in a few tablespoons before freezing. Will canned cherries work?
Yes—just drain well and chop. How long does it last?
Best enjoyed within 2 weeks for freshest flavor. Can I make it sugar-free?
Use a sugar substitute compatible with ice cream. What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?
Freeze custard in a shallow pan, stirring every 30 minutes until firm. 🏁 Conclusion
This Cherry Garcia Ice Cream is the perfect homemade treat: creamy, fruity, chocolatey, and nostalgic. With fresh cherries and dark chocolate in every bite, it’s everything you love about the classic—made right in your kitchen. 🍒🍫🍨
Vegan: Use coconut milk and dairy-free chocolate, skip eggs for a no-custard base Extra Cherry: Double the cherries for more fruity bites Nutty Crunch: Fold in toasted chopped almonds or pecans Boozy Twist: Add 1 tbsp Kirsch or cherry liqueur to custard 🧊 Storage & Serving
Freezer: Store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks Serving Tip: Let soften at room temperature 5 minutes before scooping for creamiest texture ❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes—thaw, drain, and chop before adding. Can I use a no-churn method?
For best results, an ice cream maker is recommended for creamy texture. Do I need an egg-based custard?
It gives a creamier texture, but you can skip for a Philadelphia-style ice cream. Can I use milk chocolate?
Sure—though dark balances cherry sweetness best. Do I have to strain the custard?
Yes—it removes cooked egg bits for smooth ice cream. Can I add cherry syrup?
Yes—swirl in a few tablespoons before freezing. Will canned cherries work?
Yes—just drain well and chop. How long does it last?
Best enjoyed within 2 weeks for freshest flavor. Can I make it sugar-free?
Use a sugar substitute compatible with ice cream. What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?
Freeze custard in a shallow pan, stirring every 30 minutes until firm. 🏁 Conclusion
This Cherry Garcia Ice Cream is the perfect homemade treat: creamy, fruity, chocolatey, and nostalgic. With fresh cherries and dark chocolate in every bite, it’s everything you love about the classic—made right in your kitchen. 🍒🍫🍨