Homemade Cherry Pie Ice Cream: The Ultimate No-Bake Summer Dessert
Sometimes, the summer sun simply makes the thought of turning on the oven unbearable. When the heat is relentless, and you crave a comforting classic, what’s a pie lover to do? The answer is simple and delightfully refreshing: enjoy your pie in ice cream form! This Cherry Pie Ice Cream offers all the nostalgic flavors of a classic cherry pie, but in a cool, creamy, and utterly irresistible scoop. Made with a luscious homemade cherry pie filling, it’s the perfect no-bake dessert to beat the heat.
This summer has been a testament to unpredictable weather in Pennsylvania. While friends on the west coast grapple with severe drought, here on the east, it feels like the rain simply won’t cease. We’ve seen an endless cycle of thunderstorms, flash floods, and even tornado warnings. It’s hard not to wish for a way to distribute the weather more evenly, bringing relief to dry regions and a much-needed break of sunshine to us.
This persistent rainy weather has impacted everything, from cancelling my usual evening walks in the park to making photography a nightmare (I almost exclusively shoot with natural light, after all!). More importantly, when the air is thick with humidity and the skies are grey, the last thing anyone wants to do is preheat an oven for a traditional baked good. This is precisely when the magic of a no-bake dessert truly shines.
The Inspiration: A Bounty of Fresh Cherries
Speaking of rain, it didn’t deter me from one of my favorite summer traditions: picking cherries a few weeks ago, even if it meant doing so under a drizzle. I came home with a glorious bounty, enough to inspire a flurry of cherry-themed creations. After delighting in a hearty cherry crumble pie for Father’s Day, crafting an adorable mini cherry pie, and enjoying some flaky cherry turnovers, I still had just enough of those beautiful cherries left. It’s amazing how quickly four pounds of cherries disappear when you’re deep into baking, especially since a single regular pie can easily call for five cups!
With the remaining cherries and the sweltering weather, a new idea began to blossom. I yearned for a way to savor the vibrant taste of cherry pie without the heat and effort of baking. That’s when inspiration struck: why not combine my homemade cherry pie filling with a rich, creamy vanilla ice cream? The result? Cherry pie served on a cone (or in a bowl), completely oven-free. Now that, to me, is the epitome of a perfect summer dessert.
Crafting the Perfect Homemade Cherry Pie Filling
The secret to truly exceptional Cherry Pie Ice Cream lies in the filling, and making it from scratch offers unparalleled flavor and control. For this recipe, I exclusively use tart cherries, also known as sour cherries. Their bright, piquant flavor is simply superior for baking and dessert fillings, providing a wonderful counterpoint to sweetness that sweet cherries often lack when cooked. This distinct tartness is what gives classic cherry pie its beloved character.
Sourcing Your Tart Cherries
While fresh tart cherries are a seasonal delight, they can sometimes be a challenge to find. Most conventional grocery stores tend to stock sweet cherries, so your best bet for fresh tart varieties is often a local farmer’s market during their peak season. If fresh isn’t an option, don’t despair! Canned tart cherries (make sure they’re water-packed, not already in pie filling) are a fantastic alternative. I haven’t personally used them for this recipe, but many home bakers find them to be a convenient and flavorful substitute. Simply drain them well before using. Frozen tart cherries are another excellent choice; just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before proceeding with the recipe.
The Optional Secret Ingredient: Vodka for Texture
One clever trick to enhance the texture of your cherry pie filling within the ice cream is to add a small amount of vodka. Fruit, by nature, tends to freeze quite hard, which can sometimes result in icy bits in your otherwise creamy dessert. Alcohol, having a lower freezing point than water, helps to keep the cherries softer and more pliable even when frozen solid within the ice cream base. This ensures that every bite offers a delightful burst of cherry without an overly hard, icy texture. However, if you prefer to avoid alcohol or simply don’t have any on hand, rest assured that it is entirely optional. The cherries will still be delicious and enjoyable without it, perhaps just a touch firmer.
Want to add chocolate to your cherries? Explore the delightful combination with Black Forest Ice Cream from Good Things Baking Co., for another amazing cherry-infused treat!
Cherry Pie Ice Cream
1 pint
15 minutes
20 minutes
4 hours
4 hours 35 minutes
Sometimes it’s just too hot to bake a cherry pie. Eat your pie in ice cream form with this Cherry Pie Ice Cream made with homemade cherry pie filling.
Ingredients
Cherry Pie Filling
- 3 tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vodka (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 2-3 drops red food coloring
- 1 cup pitted tart cherries
Ice Cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the pie filling first: In a medium saucepan, bring the water, sugar, cornstarch, and vodka to a boil, whisking often. Boil for 1-3 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in almond extract and food coloring then stir in the cherries. Cool to room temperature.
- Make the ice cream: In a large saucepan, warm the milk, 1/2 cup cream, sugar, and salt.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the yolks until lightly beaten. Whisk in some of the warm milk mixture then pour it all back into the saucepan. Bring to a boil, whisking often, until thickened.
- Place the remaining 1/2 cup cream and vanilla in a heatproof bowl sitting in an ice bath and place a fine mesh strainer on top. Remove the ice cream from the heat and pour through the strainer, discarding anything left behind. Cool to room temperature then refrigerate for 1 hour or until cold.
- Once cold, churn the ice cream mixture according to your ice cream machine’s instructions. Once churned, fold in the cherry pie filling. Freeze until firm, preferably overnight.
Notes
Vodka is used to help soften the cherries after freezing. You can leave it out if you don’t want to use alcohol.
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Source: Ice cream base adapted from The Perfect Scoop
Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Cherry Dessert
This Cherry Pie Ice Cream isn’t just a dessert; it’s a summer savior. Here’s why it’s destined to become your new favorite:
- No Oven Required: Keep your kitchen cool! Enjoy the taste of pie without heating up your home, making it ideal for the hottest days.
- Rich, Creamy Texture: The homemade custard base ensures a smooth, luxurious ice cream that’s perfectly scoopable, far superior to many store-bought varieties.
- Bursting with Cherry Flavor: By making your own tart cherry pie filling, you control the quality and intensity of the cherry taste, ensuring a vibrant and authentic fruit experience in every spoonful.
- Versatile & Customizable: Whether you prefer it plain, in a cone, or dressed up with extra toppings, this ice cream is a fantastic canvas for your creativity.
- A Fun Summer Project: Making homemade ice cream is a rewarding culinary adventure, perfect for involving the family or simply enjoying the process yourself.
Tips for the Best Homemade Cherry Pie Ice Cream
- Chill Thoroughly: Ensure both the cherry pie filling and the ice cream base are completely chilled before churning. This is crucial for achieving the smoothest, creamiest texture.
- Use an Ice Cream Maker: While there are no-churn ice cream methods, an ice cream maker will give you the best results for a rich, custard-based ice cream like this.
- Don’t Over-Mix the Filling: Once the ice cream is churned, gently fold in the cherry pie filling. You want swirls of cherry, not a uniformly pink ice cream, to create that beautiful marbled effect.
- Freeze Overnight: For optimal firmness and flavor development, freeze the ice cream for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, after incorporating the filling.
- Serve Slightly Softened: For the best scooping experience and to fully appreciate the creamy texture, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations
While this Cherry Pie Ice Cream is absolutely divine on its own, there are many ways to elevate your dessert experience:
- Classic Cone or Bowl: Sometimes, simplicity is best. A scoop in a waffle cone or a chilled bowl allows the pure flavors to shine.
- Whipped Cream & Cherry Garnish: A dollop of fresh, lightly sweetened whipped cream and an extra fresh cherry on top instantly makes it more elegant.
- Crunchy Topping: For that “pie crust” feel, sprinkle crushed graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or even a handful of toasted almonds or pecans over your scoop.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of dark chocolate sauce creates a delightful “Black Forest” inspired flavor profile, complementing the tartness of the cherries beautifully.
- Mini Pie Crust Bits: Feeling ambitious? Bake a small amount of pie crust dough until golden, crumble it, and fold it into the churned ice cream along with the cherry filling for an extra layer of authentic pie texture.
More Cherry Recipes
If this Cherry Pie Ice Cream has ignited your passion for all things cherry, here are a few more delightful recipes to explore:
One Serving Cherry Pie Ice Cream Sundae
Cherry Cheesecake Stuffed Cupcakes
For an even wider array of cherry-infused delights, check out my comprehensive post on Cherry Pie Filling Desserts.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Summer Treat
So, when the summer heat makes the thought of turning on your oven unbearable, remember this incredible homemade Cherry Pie Ice Cream. It’s a testament to how creative you can get in the kitchen, transforming classic flavors into something entirely new and perfectly suited for the season. This dessert is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a refreshing escape, a burst of vibrant cherry flavor, and a comforting taste of home, all without a single moment of baking.
Dive into the delightful world of homemade Cherry Pie Ice Cream. It’s an easy, rewarding way to enjoy your favorite pie flavors and cool down during those long, hot summer days. Give this recipe a try, and let the sweet-tart goodness transport you to a state of pure, cool bliss!