Whip up Ben & Jerry’s iconic Cherry Garcia Ice Cream at home—no ice cream maker needed! 🍒🍫 This easy, no-churn recipe takes just 15 minutes to make and features a luscious cherry swirl with dark chocolate chunks. Get ready to enjoy a flavor that rivals the original! Who’s ready to try making this at home?

This recipe is sponsored by Sage Fruit.

The hardest part of this homemade Cherry Garcia ice cream recipe is waiting for the ice cream to harden in the freezer! It’s super creamy, with hints of cherries and chocolate in every single bite!

If you’re an ice cream fan, be sure to check out our Blueberry Ice Cream Bread and Strawberry Banana Ice Cream recipes too. They are equally delicious and the kids will love helping make them!

Related: How To Freeze Cherries

Tips and Tricks

• Use a Metal Loaf Pan: Opt for a metal loaf pan for quicker freezing and a more evenly set ice cream. Metal conducts cold better than glass or ceramic, speeding up the freezing process.
• Cherry Pitting Hack: No cherry pitter? No problem! Use a straw or a chopstick to easily pit cherries by pushing the stem end through the cherry to remove the pit.
• Chunky Chocolate Chunks: Freeze your chocolate bar before chopping it into chunks. Frozen chocolate is easier to chop and creates more uniform pieces.
• Whipping to Perfection: Ensure your heavy cream is very cold before whipping. This helps achieve the perfect peak faster and makes the ice cream texture smoother.
• Customize Your Creaminess: Adjust the freeze time accordingly if you prefer a softer, more scoopable ice cream. Checking the consistency at the 6-hour mark can give you a creamier texture if desired.
• Serving Tip: Dip your ice cream scoop in hot water before scooping. This little trick makes serving the ice cream much easier, especially when it’s fully frozen.

Ingredients

• Heavy cream
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Vanilla extract
• Sage Fruit Cherries
• Chocolate chunks
• Ice cream cones

How to Make No Churn Cherry Garcia Ice Cream

Chill a loaf pan in the freezer.

Next, prepare your cherries by washing and pitting them. Place cherries on a cutting board and chop. You’ll want about 2 cups of chopped cherries for this recipe. Save a handful to use as garnish on top of the ice cream prior to freezing if you choose!

Whip chilled heavy cream with an electric mixer until thick and peaks form.

Fold in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.

Gently mix in cherries and chocolate chunks, reserving some for garnish if desired.

Place the mixture into the chilled loaf pan and garnish with reserved cherries or chocolate chunks (or both).

Freeze for 6-8 hours until fully set. Serve in bowls or cones and enjoy.

Variations

For those looking to get creative with their homemade ice cream, the possibilities for variations are nearly endless. Here are a few ideas to get started:

• Mint Chocolate Chip: Swap out the cherries and chocolate chunks for crushed mint candies and mini chocolate chips. Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the mixture for that classic minty flavor.
• Coffee Toffee Crunch: Stir in some espresso powder and fold in chopped toffee pieces instead of cherries and chocolate chunks for a caffeinated kick.
• Berry Swirl: Before freezing, swirl in a homemade or store-bought berry compote into the ice cream mixture. This works exceptionally well with raspberries, blueberries, or a combination of your favorite berries.
• Cookie Monster Delight: For those who love their ice cream with a bit of crunch, mix in crushed Oreos, chocolate chip cookies, or even shortbread pieces for a delightful texture contrast.
• Peanut Butter Lovers: Mix in creamy or crunchy peanut butter into the base mixture and fold in peanut butter cups and chocolate chips for a decadent treat.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making homemade ice cream:

Q. How long does homemade ice cream last?

A. Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within two weeks of making it, assuming it’s stored in a well-sealed container in the deepest part of your freezer. Beyond this time, ice crystals may start to form, affecting the texture and flavor.

Q. Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

A. Yes, you can adjust the sugar level according to taste. However, be mindful that sugar also plays a role in the softness of the ice cream. Reducing it significantly may result in a harder texture.

Q. Why is my homemade ice cream too hard?

A. If your ice cream comes out harder than you’d like, it could be due to several factors—too long in the freezer, too little fat, or not enough sugar. All these elements help prevent ice crystals from forming too large.

Q. Can I make dairy-free ice cream?

A. Absolutely! Substitute the dairy with coconut milk, almond milk, or any plant-based milk. Just keep in mind that each type of milk may impact the flavor and texture differently.

Why We Love Sage Fruit Cherries

The Northwest Cherry Season lasts from early June until the end of August. During those summer months, Sage Fruit packs both Dark Sweet and Rainier cherries. The first bloom on cherry trees typically occurs in early spring, and the first fruit is harvested at the beginning of June.

The Sage Fruit growing regions are dispersed throughout Washington and Oregon. Small differences in microclimate allow cherries throughout those regions to ripen at different times during the season. This ensures that you can enjoy these tasty treats all summer long!

More Ways To Enjoy Cherries

• Cherry Limeade
• Sweet Cherry Vinaigrette
• Cherry and Lime Slushie
• Whipped Cherry Goat Cheese
• Cherry Danishes