Indulge Guilt-Free: Delicious Dairy-Free Cherry Almond Coconut Ice Cream

There’s an undeniable magic to ice cream, a universal comfort food that transcends seasons and moods. For me, it’s more than just a treat; it’s a constant companion. My freezer is rarely without at least a handful of flavors, a testament to my unwavering devotion. Whether the summer sun is blazing or winter winds are howling, a scoop (or two!) of creamy delight always hits the spot. I buy it, I make it, and I seek out the best artisanal parlors wherever I travel – I even keep a torn-out magazine article detailing the top twelve ice cream spots in Pennsylvania, having already enjoyed two of them!

Yet, life is a delicate balancing act. While my love for ice cream remains fervent, my commitment to a healthier lifestyle has grown equally strong. I’ve been consciously incorporating more vibrant fruits and vegetables into my daily meals and embracing afternoon walks whenever I can. The challenge then becomes: how do I reconcile my passion for ice cream with my pursuit of wellness? The answer lies in crafting healthier versions that don’t compromise on flavor or that beloved creamy texture. This is precisely what inspired my irresistible Cherry Almond Coconut Ice Cream – a dairy-free dream that proves you can have your ice cream and eat it too, healthily!

Embracing Dairy-Free Deliciousness with Almond Coconut Milk

The journey to this particular recipe began with a simple craving and a newfound curiosity. After making my Coconut Hot Chocolate, I realized how perfectly almond milk would complement the rich notes of coconut and chocolate, much like that iconic candy bar we all adore. This sparked an idea: why not extend this delightful pairing to ice cream? Given my well-documented obsession with coconut milk, it was only natural that a dairy-free ice cream became my next culinary adventure.

Traditional ice cream recipes often rely heavily on whole milk and heavy cream to achieve their signature richness. For this healthier, dairy-free alternative, I ingeniously swapped whole milk for a blend of almond and coconut milk. This combination provides a fantastic creamy base without the dairy, offering a lighter yet incredibly flavorful foundation. But what about the lush, decadent texture that heavy cream usually delivers? That’s where canned coconut milk steps in, providing the necessary fat content and velvety mouthfeel without any animal products. The result is an ice cream that’s surprisingly indulgent and satisfying, defying the common misconception that dairy-free means sacrificing richness.

The Secret to Creamy, Not Icy, Dairy-Free Ice Cream

One of the biggest challenges in crafting dairy-free ice cream is achieving that perfect scoopable, creamy consistency. Without the higher fat content of traditional dairy, homemade versions can sometimes turn out a bit icy, lacking the desired smoothness. I learned this the hard way with my first batch! To counteract the lower saturated fat content of the almond and coconut milk blend, I incorporated two egg yolks into the recipe. This might seem counterintuitive for a “healthier” recipe, but these yolks are crucial. They act as an emulsifier and contribute to the rich, smooth texture, preventing the formation of large ice crystals that lead to an unpleasantly icy dessert. The overall fat content of this ice cream remains significantly lower than regular ice cream, but with the added benefit of that luxurious, creamy texture we all crave.

The choice of cherries for this recipe was no accident. As they came into season, their vibrant sweetness and beautiful color made them an obvious candidate. Beyond seasonality, almonds and cherries are a classic flavor pairing, a match made in culinary heaven. Have you ever noticed that almond extract often carries a subtle aroma reminiscent of maraschino cherries? This natural synergy is why these two ingredients complement each other so beautifully. I opted for sweet Washington cherries, which lent a gorgeous purple hue to the finished ice cream – a deeper, more sophisticated shade than the bright pink often associated with cherry desserts. While any variety of cherry will work wonderfully, keep in mind that the color and sweetness of your ice cream may vary accordingly. For me, the absolute best part of this dessert was discovering delightful little bits of real cherry dispersed throughout each creamy spoonful, offering bursts of fresh fruit flavor and satisfying texture.

Mastering Your Homemade Dairy-Free Ice Cream: Tips for Success

Making homemade ice cream, especially a dairy-free version, is a rewarding experience. Here are a few tips to ensure your Cherry Almond Coconut Ice Cream turns out perfectly:

• Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh, ripe sweet cherries for the best flavor. For the canned coconut milk, opt for full-fat varieties, which will provide the necessary richness for a creamy texture.
• Tempering the Egg Yolks: This is a critical step. When adding the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks, do so slowly, whisking continuously. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a smooth, custard-like base.
• Straining is Key: Don’t skip the mesh strainer! It removes any small bits of scrambled egg (should any occur) and ensures a wonderfully smooth base for your ice cream.
• Proper Chilling: Chilling the base completely in the refrigerator before churning is essential. A well-chilled base freezes faster and results in a smoother, creamier ice cream texture. An ice bath speeds up the initial cooling process.
• Ice Cream Maker Directions: Always follow your ice cream maker’s specific instructions for churning. Machines vary, and adhering to their guidelines will yield the best results.
• Adding Whole Cherries: Incorporating the remaining chopped cherries during the last few minutes of churning ensures they are evenly distributed and retain their texture without being overly broken down.
• Storage: Transfer the freshly churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4-6 hours (or overnight) to allow it to firm up to the perfect scoopable consistency.
• Variations: If cherries aren’t in season, you can try other fruits like raspberries or blueberries, or even a mix! Adjust sugar to taste depending on the sweetness of your fruit. You could also add a touch of vanilla extract alongside the almond for an extra layer of flavor.

This Cherry Almond Coconut Ice Cream recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy a classic treat while adhering to dietary preferences. It’s proof that healthier eating doesn’t mean sacrificing the joy of indulgent desserts. The combination of sweet cherries, nutty almond, and creamy coconut creates a symphony of flavors that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying. It’s a perfect dessert for a hot summer day, a comforting treat during cooler months, or simply when you’re craving something sweet and wholesome.

If you’re looking for more delicious dairy-free ice cream options, you might also enjoy this Vegan Mango Ice Cream from Clean Eating Kitchen, another fantastic way to enjoy a guilt-free frozen dessert!

Cherry Almond Coconut Ice Cream

Yield:
1 pint

Cherry Almond Coconut Ice Cream is a dairy-free dessert made healthier with a blend of almond coconut milk and fresh, sweet cherries, offering a deliciously creamy texture without dairy.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup sweet cherries, pitted and chopped
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup almond coconut milk*
• 1 cup canned coconut milk (full-fat)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

1. In a blender, puree 3/4 cup of the chopped cherries until smooth. Set aside.
2. In one small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. In a separate small bowl, combine the cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons of cold water or almond coconut milk to form a smooth slurry.
3. In a large saucepan, whisk together both the almond coconut milk, canned coconut milk, and granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once hot, carefully whisk a small amount (about 1/4 cup) of the hot milk mixture into the beaten egg yolks to temper them. Then, whisk another small amount into the cornstarch slurry until smooth. Add both the tempered egg yolk mixture and the cornstarch slurry back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture.
4. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, for another 3-5 minutes, or until the custard base thickens slightly to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat and stir in the almond extract and the pureed cherries. Immediately pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl that is nestled inside a larger bowl filled with ice water (an ice bath). This helps to stop the cooking process and cool the base quickly. Stir occasionally until it reaches room temperature, then cover and chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely cold.
5. Once the base is thoroughly chilled, freeze the ice cream according to your ice cream maker’s specific directions. During the last 2-3 minutes of churning, add the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped cherries to incorporate them evenly into the ice cream.

Notes

*If you have difficulty finding the almond coconut milk blend, you can substitute it with regular unsweetened almond milk for a similar, though slightly less coconut-forward, flavor profile.

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More Cherry-Inspired Frozen Treats to Keep You Cool

If this Cherry Almond Coconut Ice Cream has awakened your love for cherry-flavored frozen desserts, then you’re in luck! I have a host of other delightful recipes that feature this incredible fruit, perfect for cooling down on a warm day or satisfying a sweet craving any time of year. Explore these tempting options:

One Serving Cherry Pie Ice Cream Sundae

Craving pie and ice cream but don’t want a whole dessert? This single-serving sundae combines the best of both worlds with a cherry pie twist!

Candied Cherry and Bacon Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

For the adventurous palate, this unique ice cream blends sweet candied cherries with savory bacon and classic chocolate chips for an unforgettable flavor experience.

Dark Truffle, Candied Cherry, and Toasted Almond Ice Cream

Indulge in a sophisticated blend of rich dark chocolate truffle, sweet candied cherries, and crunchy toasted almonds in this luxurious ice cream recipe.

Strawberry Lemonade Ice Cream (can substitute cherries)

A refreshing and tangy delight! While this recipe features strawberry, it’s incredibly versatile and equally delicious if you substitute fresh cherries for a tart and sweet cherry lemonade twist.

Fruit Popsicles (can use cherries)

Simple, refreshing, and naturally sweet, these homemade fruit popsicles are perfect for a quick, healthy treat. Use a medley of fruits or make them entirely with pureed cherries for a burst of fruity flavor.

Passion Fruit and Coconut Milk Pops (can substitute cherries)

These creamy and tropical popsicles are typically made with passion fruit and coconut milk, but for a unique twist, try substituting pureed cherries to create a delightful cherry and coconut frozen treat!

Making healthier choices doesn’t mean giving up on the foods you love. This Cherry Almond Coconut Ice Cream is a perfect example of how thoughtful ingredient swaps can transform a classic indulgence into a guilt-free pleasure, brimming with fresh flavors and a delightfully creamy texture. Give it a try, and let this dairy-free dessert become a new favorite in your home!