Description
This Cherry Cola Ice Cream recipe combines fresh cherries with the unique flavor of coke syrup to create a creamy, refreshing dessert. Perfect for those looking to enjoy a nostalgic twist on classic ice cream, it uses a custard base for a rich and smooth texture, enhanced by the subtle fizz and sweetness of cola.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 1 lb cherries, pitted and quartered
Dairy
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 4 egg yolks
Sweeteners & Flavorings
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp coke syrup
Other
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare cherries: Wash the cherries thoroughly, remove the pits, and quarter them into smaller pieces for blending.
- Heat dairy mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warmed just before it starts to bubble, about 10 minutes.
- Whisk eggs: In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks until fully combined and smooth.
- Temper eggs: Slowly add a quarter cup of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking steadily to avoid curdling.
- Combine custard: Gradually pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Stir continuously and heat gently until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Add coke syrup: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the coke syrup evenly throughout the custard.
- Cool mixture: Refrigerate the ice cream base for about 2 hours until fully cooled to prepare for blending.
- Blend cherries: Pour the chilled mixture into a blender, add the quartered cherries, and pulse twice carefully to incorporate the fruit without puréeing it.
- Churn ice cream: Transfer the blended mixture into an ice cream machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze or serve: For a soft-serve experience, serve immediately. Otherwise, transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container, cover it, and freeze for an additional 8 hours for a firmer texture.
Notes
- Ensure to temper the egg yolks carefully to prevent scrambling.
- Do not over-blend cherries to maintain texture and chunks.
- If you don’t have coke syrup, you can substitute with a small amount of cola-flavored extract or use a reduced cola reduction for flavor.
- Chill the ice cream mixture thoroughly before churning for better texture.
- Use an ice cream maker for best results; no-bake freezing methods won’t produce the same creamy texture.
