This lemon cherry ice cream is creamy, tangy, and bursting with fruity sweetness. With vibrant lemon zest and chewy dried cherries, it's a sunshine-filled frozen dessert that balances citrus brightness with cherry depth—perfect for summer.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Heat until warm and the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Do not boil.
Remove from heat and whisk in the lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until thoroughly chilled.
Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions, about 20–25 minutes.
During the last 5 minutes of churning, add chopped dried cherries and mix until evenly distributed.
Transfer to a freezer-safe container, smooth the top, and freeze for at least 2 hours. Let sit 5 minutes before scooping.
Swap orange zest and cranberries for a festive variation, or use Greek yogurt and honey for a lighter twist. Press parchment over the surface before freezing to avoid ice crystals, and let sit at room temp before scooping for best texture.