Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and revolutionize your dessert game! This isn't just another ice cream recipe - it's a decadent symphony of roasted cherries, creamy cheesecake, and luxurious almond undertones that will transport you to dessert heaven. Imagine the perfect blend of caramelized cherries, silky cream cheese, and a hint of almond extract, all churned into a frozen masterpiece that will make your friends and family beg for seconds.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp almond extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread pitted and halved cherries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of granulated sugar over the cherries and roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring once midway. The cherries should become soft and slightly caramelized. Remove and let cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer.
- Add powdered sugar and almond extract to the cream cheese, mixing until fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, and remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar until sugar dissolves.
- Gradually combine the cream mixture with the cream cheese mixture, stirring until smooth and well blended.
- Fold in the roasted cherries, reserving a few for garnish.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer's instructions, typically 20-25 minutes.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, garnish with reserved roasted cherries.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the ice cream to set completely before serving.
Tips
- Choose ripe, fresh cherries for the most intense flavor and natural sweetness.
- When roasting cherries, watch them carefully to prevent burning - they should be soft and slightly caramelized.
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check cream mixture temperature for optimal blending.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract alongside the almond extract.
- If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture and manually stir every hour to break up ice crystals.
- Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for the best scooping consistency.
- For a gourmet touch, garnish with toasted almond slivers or a drizzle of dark chocolate.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 75mg
