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+ servings
Creamy lemon cherry ice cream with zesty lemon and sweet dried cherries, churned to perfection for a refreshing homemade treat.

Lemon Cherry Ice Cream

Author: Ellie James
310kcal
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 0 minutes
Total 10 minutes
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.
Servings 6 scoops
Course Dessert
Cuisine American-Inspired

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 0.25 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup chopped dried cherries
  • 0.25 tsp kosher salt

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • ice cream maker
  • freezer-safe container

Method

  1. 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.
  2. Remove from heat and whisk in the lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
  3. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until thoroughly chilled.
  4. Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions, about 20–25 minutes.
  5. During the last 5 minutes of churning, add chopped dried cherries and mix until evenly distributed.
  6. Transfer to a freezer-safe container, smooth the top, and freeze for at least 2 hours. Let sit 5 minutes before scooping.

Nutrition

Calories310kcalCarbohydrates27gProtein3gFat22gSaturated Fat14gPolyunsaturated Fat1.1gMonounsaturated Fat5gTrans Fat0.4gCholesterol70mgSodium90mgPotassium180mgFiber1gSugar23gVitamin A900IUVitamin C6mgCalcium110mgIron0.3mg

Notes

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.

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