Cherry Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream
Ever since getting my ice cream maker last year, Ive been hesitant to make the custard based ice cream. You know, the one that requires mixing of eggs to make the base for the ice cream. Also known as French style ice cream. I don’t know why I was intimidated by it. Truly. I kept taking the easy way out making Philadelphia ice cream instead… a non-custard based ice cream. I loved how easy it was but everywhere I looked, people raved about the custard based style. Now I know why…
It’s amazing! So creamy. It hardens but not nearly to the same point it’s non-egg cousin does. The flavor is out of this world. And honestly, it’s not that hard at all. Sure, it takes a little more work to create but the end result is completely worth it. I highly doubt I’ll ever go back to the non-egg version again. Okay, don’t quote me on that because I didn’t promise but truly it’s just 1000x better with that creamy custard base.
This ice cream, though the name is different, is based off of that famous Ben n Jerry’s flavor. The recipe in their book calls for uncooked yolks being mixed into the ice cream base. I wasn’t thrilled with that idea, so much so that I spent some time trying to research if it was really okay to do or not. During my search I found this. That made the decision for me.
So I took the idea of that famous ice cream and combined it with David Lebovitz’s vanilla ice cream, with some slight alterations. I don’t have vanilla beans so my method changed ever so slightly from the original. I’d love to know how beans would change the flavor, more intense perhaps?
This is an amazingly creamy vanilla ice cream with dark chocolate chunks and ripe bing cherries throughout. Incredible. And since cherries are in season, you should make this. Immediately.
Cherry Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 C whole milk
- 3/4 C granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 C heavy cream
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 vanilla bean or 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1/2 C cherries stemmed, pitted and chopped
- 4 oz dark chocolate
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, 1 cup of cream, 3/4 cup of sugar, salt and 1/4 tsp vanilla. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Cover and remove from heat. Let sit for 30 minutes.
- Beat egg yolks in a medium bowl. Slowly drizzle cream mixture into beaten yolks, whisking constantly. Pour roughly 1/3 of your hot liquid into the eggs. Transfer egg mixture back to the saucepan. Return to medium heat, cooking until thickened and lightly coats a a spatula.
- Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a medium bowl. Stir in remaining cream and vanilla. Stir over an ice bath until cool.
- Cover and chill overnight.
- When you are ready to continue, chop room temperature dark chocolate.
- Remove cherry pits and quarter. Toss cherries with 2 1/2 tbsp sugar. Chill, stirring every 10 minutes or so.
- Begin churning your ice cream. Add egg and cream mixture to your frozen mixer bowl. Mix according to manufacturer's directions. Continue churning until ice cream has thickened significantly.
- Stir in chopped chocolate and cherries, discarding cherry liquid.
- Transfer to a freezer safe container. Freeze overnight for best results. Allow to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes prior to scooping.
WOW – this ice cream really looks good! I love Davids book – I dont own it yet, but all his ice ice creams are really tempting – esp his caramel one! I think my fav ice cream is just a vanilla with caramel swirled in and maybe some brownies – althou this changes almost every day :)
Cherry garcia is my favorite treat all year round!
It’s so fun using fresh cherries, isn’t it? This looks like a seriously delicious summer treat!!
I adore dark chocolate gelato!
Subscribed by e-mail.
Pistachio, hands down, is my very favorite flavor!
I also subscribed via RSS
Awesome ice cream, choc and cherries is always a winner!!
Cool ;)
Liked you on FB!
My favorite ice cream is banana oreo!!!!! mmmm yummy!!
Following on Twitter :)
shared via facebook, too!!!
AND I subscribed via e-mail!!!!! come on, baby! mama needs a new ice-cream maker!!!
tweeted the giveaway :)
Butter pecan is my favorite ice cream.
I liked Baked by Rachel on facebook
coffee or banana pudding flavors
My favorite ice cream flavor is pralines and cream. I love a caramel swirl in there, too. I follow you on Facebook and Twitter. I also tweeted about your contest. Thanks!
I swear I’m not sucking up, but… dark sweet cherries with dark chocolate & pecans is my absolute ice cream favorite. Can’t get enough. After that, I love a tart lemon sorbet.
It’s a toss up between Mango swirl and a deep Dark Chocolate!
Liked on FB!
My favorite ice cream is by far Mackinac Island fudge, because it’s so specific to the region I’m from and so delicious! I’ve been wanting an ice cream maker for years, what a delicious treat for this hot summer!
Follow on Facebook. Love butter pecan !
Banana ice cream! Always my fave.
Now follow you on Facebook, too, and tweeted.
Birthday cake all the way!
Chocolate Chip its a classic :)
green tea with raspberry tisane swirl