Creamy, tangy, and bursting with fruity brightness, this lemon cherry gelato combines silky dairy richness with sweet dried cherries and vibrant lemon zest. A refreshing summer dessert made to savor slowly.
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, about 3–4 minutes. Do not let it boil.
Remove from heat and whisk in the lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, about 20–25 minutes, until thick and creamy.
Fold in the chopped dried cherries during the last 2 minutes of churning to distribute them evenly.
Transfer the gelato to a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm. Let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping.
For a lighter version, use coconut milk. Add chia seeds for fiber or monk fruit sweetener for a lower glycemic load. Press parchment on top before freezing to prevent ice crystals. Let sit at room temp 10 min before scooping.