Cherry Garcia Ice Cream (Homemade & No-Stress!)

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Fresh cherries, dark chocolate, and a creamy base — this is your new favorite summer scoop.

If you’re a fan of Ben & Jerry’s iconic flavor, you’re going to fall in love with this homemade Cherry Garcia Ice Cream. It’s creamy, sweet, and packed with juicy cherries and dark chocolate chunks. The best part? You don’t need anything fancy beyond an ice cream maker and a little patience.

Whether you’re cooling off on a hot day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just craving something indulgent, this is a must-make recipe.

🧾 Ingredients

To make about 1 quart of creamy homemade Cherry Garcia Ice Cream, you’ll need:

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped

  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate)

🍫 Pro Tip: Use high-quality chocolate and ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Ice Cream Base

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:

  • Heavy cream

  • Whole milk

  • Sugar

  • Vanilla extract

Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture.

💡 You can chill the mixture for 30–60 minutes to make churning faster, but it’s not required.

2. Churn the Ice Cream

Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes 20–25 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

3. Add the Good Stuff

Once the ice cream thickens:

  • Gently fold in the chopped cherries and dark chocolate chips.

You want the mix-ins well distributed, but avoid overmixing or the fruit may break down.

4. Freeze Until Firm

Transfer the churned mixture to a freezer-safe container (like a loaf pan or airtight tub). Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the texture is scoopable.

5. Scoop & Enjoy!

Once frozen, serve in bowls or cones — and savor the burst of real cherry and chocolate in every bite.

🍒 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Inspired by a classic — A homemade take on Ben & Jerry’s most beloved flavor.
✔️ Simple ingredients — No stabilizers, artificial flavors, or weird additives.
✔️ Customizable — Swap cherries for strawberries, chocolate chips for chunks, or add a swirl of fudge.
✔️ Make-ahead friendly — Perfect for prepping before guests arrive or storing for those late-night cravings.

🍨 Tips for Ice Cream Success

  • Use ripe cherries: The sweeter the fruit, the better the flavor.

  • Pit carefully: A cherry pitter saves time and mess.

  • Chop mix-ins finely: Big chunks can interrupt the creamy texture.

  • Don’t skip the freeze: After churning, freezing for 4+ hours is essential to get that true scoopable texture.

🛠 No ice cream maker? Freeze the base in a shallow dish, stirring every 30 minutes for 2–3 hours until creamy.

🥄 Storage & Serving

  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

  • Serving: Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping for smoother servings.

  • Topping ideas: Try whipped cream, crushed almonds, or even a cherry on top for fun presentation.

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