Imagine a dessert that's not just a treat, but a sensory explosion of creamy, fruity, and nutty goodness! Our Cherry Pistachio Ice Cream is the secret weapon that will transform your ordinary dessert experience into an extraordinary culinary journey. With a perfect balance of sweet cherries, crunchy pistachios, and silky-smooth cream, this Italian-inspired recipe is about to become your new obsession. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a homemade ice cream that looks and tastes like it was crafted by a professional pastry chef!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped cherries
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Whisk thoroughly until sugar completely dissolves, ensuring a smooth base mixture.
- Add vanilla extract to the cream mixture and stir gently to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the liquid.
- Prepare the cherries by washing, removing stems, and chopping them into small, bite-sized pieces. Set aside in a separate bowl.
- Roughly chop the pistachios into coarse pieces, maintaining some texture for added crunch in the ice cream.
- Pour the cream mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically 20-25 minutes until the mixture reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- During the last 5 minutes of churning, gradually fold in the chopped cherries and pistachios, allowing them to distribute evenly throughout the ice cream.
- Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Cover the container with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the ice cream to firm up completely.
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.
Tips
- Use fresh, ripe cherries for the most vibrant flavor. If fresh aren't available, high-quality frozen cherries work well too.
- Toast the pistachios lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the ice cream.
- Ensure your ice cream maker is thoroughly chilled before churning to help achieve a smoother texture.
- For an extra creamy consistency, let your base mixture chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before churning.
- If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can use the no-churn method by whipping the cream and folding in the ingredients before freezing.
- Store the ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming and maintain its creamy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 90mg
