Black Cherry Vegan Ice Cream with Amaretto and Coconut Cream Recipe

If you adore luscious, fruity desserts that feel indulgent yet plant-based, then you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Black Cherry Vegan Ice Cream with Amaretto and Coconut Cream Recipe. This dreamy treat marries the deep, juicy flavor of black cherries with the warm, nutty notes of amaretto, all enveloped in the velvety richness of coconut cream. It is the perfect way to brighten any day with a scoop (or two) of silky smooth, vegan-friendly heaven. Whether you’re craving something refreshing on a summer afternoon or a comforting dessert for cozy nights, this ice cream delivers every time with its wonderful balance of sweet, tart, and boozy warmth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a handful of simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients that come together beautifully to create the perfect texture, flavor, and color. Each component plays an essential role in building the creamy body and complex taste profile of this ice cream.

• Black cherries (400 g): The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and that vibrant ruby color.
• Unsweetened oat milk (460 ml): Adds a subtle creaminess and acts as a smooth dairy-free base.
• Cornstarch (45 g): Thickens the ice cream base to achieve that luscious custard-like texture.
• Vegan condensed milk (250 g + 70 g): Imparts sweetness and richness without dairy, ensuring a smooth, dreamy mouthfeel.
• Vanilla bean paste (2 teaspoons): Enhances depth with fragrant sweetness.
• Almond extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle nutty undertone that complements the amaretto beautifully.
• Sea salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
• Amaretto (3 tablespoons): Infuses warmth and a delicate almond liqueur essence.
• Full-fat canned coconut milk (440 g, chilled): Provides the creamy fat content necessary for that indulgent texture.
• Additional black cherries (150 g): Used for the luscious cherry sauce that swirls throughout the ice cream.

How to Make Black Cherry Vegan Ice Cream with Amaretto and Coconut Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Ice Cream Bowl

Before you dive into the creamy goodness, be sure to freeze the ice cream bowl from your machine at least 12 to 24 hours in advance. This step is crucial because it ensures the ice cream churns up perfectly smooth and thick without any icy crystals.

Step 2: Blend the Base

Start by combining the black cherries, oat milk, cornstarch, and vegan condensed milk in a high-speed blender. Blitz everything until you get a perfectly smooth mixture. Then, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a saucepan. This extra step guarantees the silkiest texture by removing any bits of skin or pulp.

Step 3: Cook to Thicken

Place the cherry mixture over low to medium heat, whisking constantly to avoid burning. Alternate between whisking and using a spatula to be gentle on the mixture. Cook until it thickly coats the back of your spoon—this custard-like consistency will become the luscious base for your ice cream. Then remove it from the heat.

Step 4: Flavor and Cool the Base

Whisk in the sea salt, vanilla bean paste, almond extract, and amaretto. These additions bring warmth and complexity that deepen with chilling. Let the mixture cool to room temperature – a quick ice bath can speed this up, just be sure to keep water away from the custard.

Step 5: Make the Cherry Sauce

Next, blend 150 g of black cherries with 70 g of vegan condensed milk until smooth, and cook this sauce over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in 1 tablespoon of amaretto. Set this intensely flavorful sauce aside to cool.

Step 6: Whip the Coconut Cream

Whisk the chilled full-fat canned coconut milk until it becomes light and fluffy. This mimics the richness of dairy cream and adds beautiful body to your ice cream. Folding the cooled cherry sauce into this whipped cream base is where the magic of taste and texture happens.

Step 7: Churn the Ice Cream

Pour your luscious mixture into the frozen bowl of your ice cream maker, then churn according to your machine’s instructions—usually between 25 and 40 minutes. Your ice cream is ready when it thickly coats the paddle or arm of your machine and holds its shape beautifully.

Step 8: Freeze and Swirl

Transfer the churned ice cream to a loaf pan or sealable container. Swirl the cooled cherry sauce through the ice cream using a spatula to create gorgeous ribbons of fruity goodness. Cover the surface tightly with parchment paper and freeze for at least 3 to 4 hours until firm. If you want a soft serve treat, dig in right out of the machine!

Step 9: Ready to Enjoy

Your Black Cherry Vegan Ice Cream with Amaretto and Coconut Cream Recipe is now ready to delight your taste buds. Remember to bring it out of the freezer 10 minutes before scooping to achieve the perfect creamy texture.

How to Serve Black Cherry Vegan Ice Cream with Amaretto and Coconut Cream Recipe

Garnishes

Keep it simple yet elegant by topping your ice cream with a handful of fresh black cherries for that burst of freshness. A sprinkle of toasted almond slices or a light dusting of cocoa powder adds texture and visual appeal. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a drizzle of vegan chocolate sauce pairs beautifully with the almond and cherry notes.

Side Dishes

This ice cream is a perfect partner to warm desserts like vegan chocolate brownies, almond biscotti, or a slice of homemade vegan pound cake. It also shines when served alongside fruit tarts or drizzled over grilled stone fruits for a fresh summer treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, try serving scoops in clear dessert glasses layered with maraschino cherries or crushed vegan amaretti cookies. Another fun idea is to make ice cream sandwiches using vegan cookies or to fill crêpes with a scoop of this ice cream and fresh berries for a show-stopping brunch dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your ice cream in an airtight container or covered loaf pan tightly sealed with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and ice crystals. This will preserve its luscious texture and intense flavor for up to 2 to 3 weeks.

Freezing

The Black Cherry Vegan Ice Cream with Amaretto and Coconut Cream Recipe freezes well without losing its creamy nature. Just ensure it’s well-covered and don’t store near strongly scented foods. When ready to serve, allow it to thaw for about 10 minutes at room temperature for the perfect scoopability.

Reheating

This ice cream is meant to be enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. However, if the texture is too firm after freezing, simply letting it sit at room temperature briefly is the best way to soften it naturally and enjoy the full flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries are a great substitute and can even enhance the flavor since they’re picked at peak ripeness. Just thaw them slightly before blending to make the process smoother.

Is there an alternative for oat milk?

Definitely. While oat milk gives great creaminess and mild sweetness, you can use unsweetened almond milk or soy milk if preferred, but avoid anything too watery as it may affect texture.

Can I make this recipe alcohol-free?

Yes! You can omit the amaretto or replace it with a few drops of almond extract and a splash of cherry juice to maintain the nutty and fruity notes without the alcohol.

Do I need an ice cream machine?

While an ice cream maker produces the best texture, you can try freezing the mixture in a container and stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals, though it may be less smooth.

Is this recipe nut-free?

This recipe contains almond extract and amaretto, which are almond-flavored. If you’re allergic, you can omit or replace these with vanilla extract and a splash of cherry juice to keep it safe.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Black Cherry Vegan Ice Cream with Amaretto and Coconut Cream Recipe. It’s a dessert that’s both refreshing and sophisticated, with layers of flavor that make every bite a delight. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making this at home—you’ll find it an irresistible way to celebrate the richness of cherries and the comforting creaminess of coconut, all while keeping it vegan and wonderfully simple.

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