When the summer sun casts its warm glow and the evenings stretch longer, there’s nothing quite like the indulgence of homemade ice cream. I discovered this recipe for Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream during a leisurely Sunday in my kitchen, inspired by the mountain of ripe cherries just waiting to be transformed into a treat. The moment I took that first bite—creamy, rich, and bursting with tangy-sweet cherries and decadent chocolate—I knew I had struck dessert gold.

This isn’t just any ice cream; it’s an experience. With the warm notes of brandy intermingling with luscious chunks of semisweet chocolate, every scoop is a delightful dance of flavors that will impress your guests or elevate your quiet nights in. So, if you’re ready to swap out fast food for something truly special, let’s dive into this luscious ice cream that seamlessly combines indulgence with the charm of homemade goodness.

Why is Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream irresistible?

Decadent indulgence: This ice cream is a luxurious treat, blending sweet cherries and rich chocolate for an unforgettable experience.
Creamy texture: The custard base creates a smooth, velvety mouthfeel that melts in your mouth.
Simple process: With just a few steps, you can create this gourmet dessert in your own kitchen.
Unique flavor profile: The addition of brandy elevates this ice cream, making it perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests.
Versatile serving: Pair it with brownies or enjoy it on its own for a delightful dessert that resonates with both casual and sophisticated palates.
Dive into homemade joy and delight your taste buds with this creamy creation!

Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream Ingredients

For the Cherry Mixture
Fresh Sweet Cherries – Ripe cherries contribute a balance of natural sweetness and tartness, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite.
Sugar – This sweetener enhances the flavor of the cherries and helps develop the creamy texture; adjust based on sweetness preference.
Brandy – Adds warmth and depth, but feel free to substitute with cherry or vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic option.
For the Custard Base
Heavy Cream – This rich ingredient is essential for achieving that creamy texture we all crave; coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative.
Whole Milk – Balances the richness of cream; low-fat milk can be used but may affect the creaminess.
Kosher Salt – A pinch elevates all flavors—regular salt can be used if needed, but adjust accordingly.
Large Egg Yolks – Creates a custard base that’s rich and smooth; make sure to whisk them well for the best consistency.
For the Chocolate
Semisweet Chocolate Chunks – These delicious morsels provide bursts of chocolatey goodness throughout the ice cream; dark or milk chocolate can be used based on preference.

This Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream is an indulgent dessert that perfectly combines luscious flavors in each scoop!

How to Make Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

Prepare the Cherries: Pit and roughly chop the fresh cherries. In a mixing bowl, combine the cherries with sugar and brandy, then let them macerate for a few hours to enhance their flavor and sweetness.
Make the Custard Base: In a saucepan, whisk the egg yolks until light and creamy. Gradually mix in the cooked sugar mixture, then place over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Chill and Mix: Once the custard has thickened, allow it to cool. Fold in the heavy cream and whole milk until combined. Stir in the prepared cherries and chocolate chunks, ensuring an even distribution.
Churn: Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for at least one day. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and achieves the perfect creamy texture.

Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips

Egg Safety: Ensure the egg yolks are fully cooked to prevent any food safety issues; undercooked yolks can pose health risks.
Smoother Texture: For an ultra-smooth consistency, strain the custard mixture before cooling to remove any unwanted lumps.
Optimal Scooping: Allow your Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes prior to serving; this makes for easier scooping.
Cherry Quality: Choose ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor; underripe cherries can result in a tart ice cream that doesn’t balance well with the chocolate.
Experiment Wisely: Feel free to substitute the semisweet chocolate chunks with dark or milk chocolate based on your preference, but keep the ratios for consistency.

Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream Variations

Ready to take your dessert experience to the next level? Let’s explore delightful twists that can personalize this indulgent treat!

Rum Swap: Replace brandy with dark rum for a tropical flair that complements the cherries beautifully.
White Chocolate: Substitute semisweet chocolate chunks with white chocolate to create a sweeter, creamier ice cream that still lingers on the palate.
Berry Medley: Mix in other fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a vibrant mixed berry ice cream bursting with summer flavors.
Nutty Additions: Swirl in toasted pecans or almonds for an added crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture.
Spicy Kick: Introduce a hint of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to elevate warmth in those cozy evenings.
Coffee Infusion: Add a tablespoon of coffee or espresso powder to the custard base for a delightful mocha experience that pairs excellently with chocolate.

Feel free to explore all these variations to craft an ice cream that speaks to your taste buds, bringing new life to this creamy classic!

What to Serve with Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream?

Indulging in a scoop of creamy homemade ice cream deserves to be complemented by delightful pairings that amplify the experience.

Warm Brownies: Their fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor create a heavenly contrast that harmonizes with the ice cream’s fruity notes.
Buttery Shortbread Cookies: These crisp, crumbly cookies are a classic complement, making each bite a luxurious delight that balances sweetness with buttery richness.
Fresh Berries: A medley of raspberries and blueberries adds a refreshing, tart element that beautifully contrasts the creaminess, bringing a burst of freshness to each scoop.
Chocolate Syrup Drizzle: An extra drizzle over each bowl adds an indulgent touch, elevating the chocolatey experience and inviting a sweet temptation.
Espresso or Coffee: A rich cup of coffee acts as a perfect palate cleanser and enhances the chocolate notes, making it an excellent pairing for dessert lovers.
Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats bring a unique texture and subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the rich ice cream and cherry flavor.
Caramel Sauce: A smooth caramel drizzle adds a decadent richness that aligns with the flavors of both the cherries and the chocolate, making every bite irresistible.

Enjoy experimenting with these pairings to create a memorable dessert experience!

How to Store and Freeze Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

Fridge: Store leftover ice cream in the fridge for up to 3 days if you plan to enjoy it soon, but be aware it may harden significantly.

Freezer: Keep your Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. For optimal flavor and texture, consume it within a week.

Wrapping: Ensure the surface of the ice cream is tightly covered with plastic wrap before sealing the container to minimize ice crystal formation.

Reheating: If your ice cream becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping to make serving easier.

Make Ahead Options

These Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cherry mixture—pitting, chopping, and macerating the cherries with sugar and brandy—up to 24 hours in advance. Just store the mixture in the refrigerator to keep the cherries fresh and flavorful. Additionally, you can make the custard base and chill it up to 3 days ahead; simply fold in the heavy cream, whole milk, cherries, and chocolate chunks when you’re ready to churn. This way, you’ll have a decadent dessert with minimal effort, ensuring every scoop is just as delicious and delightful as when made fresh!

Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream Recipe FAQs

What type of cherries should I use for the ice cream?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, choose ripe sweet cherries that are firm and brightly colored. Look for cherries that have a sweet aroma and avoid those with dark spots or excessive blemishes.

How should I store my leftover Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream?
You can keep your ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. For the best quality, I recommend consuming it within a week to fully enjoy its rich flavors and creamy texture. Ensure that the surface is covered with plastic wrap to help prevent ice crystals from forming.

Can I freeze Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream?
Yes, indeed! After churning, transfer your ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least one day. This allows the flavors to meld and results in a beautifully smooth texture. If you’d like to keep it longer, it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, but be sure to consume it within a week or two for the best-tasting experience.

What if my custard mixture is lumpy?
No worries! If you notice that your custard mixture has lumps, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before cooling. This step ensures a luxuriously smooth texture in your final ice cream. Simply place the sieve over a bowl and ladle the mixture in, using a spatula to push it through.

Is this ice cream safe for my pets to consume?
I recommend keeping this Brandied Cherry-and-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream out of reach of pets. The brandy and chocolate are both harmful to animals, so it’s best to enjoy this delicious treat yourself and offer them a pet-friendly ice cream alternative instead.

How can I adjust the sweetness of my ice cream?
Very easily! To adjust the sweetness, you can modify the amount of sugar you add to the cherry mixture based on the tartness of your cherries. Start with the recommended amount and taste as you go; you can always add a little extra sugar if needed! Additionally, using sweeter chocolate chunks will also enhance the overall sweetness.