How to Make Delicious Homemade Cherry Gelato
Love gelato and fresh cherries? You’re in luck! Today, I’ll share a simple and tasty recipe to make cherry gelato at home. This dessert is perfect for hot days and combines the natural sweetness of cherries with an impossibly smooth, creamy texture that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why Make Homemade Gelato?
Unlike traditional ice cream, gelato contains less fat, is served at a slightly colder temperature, and boasts a silkier, denser consistency. Plus, making it at home means you can control the ingredients and tailor the flavor exactly to your liking.
Ingredients Needed
For about 4-6 servings of cherry gelato, you will need:
- 2 cups of fresh cherries, pitted
- ¾ cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cherries
Wash the cherries thoroughly and remove the pits. Cut them in halves to make blending easier. In a bowl, combine the cherries with ¼ cup of sugar and the lemon juice. Let sit for about 20 minutes, allowing the cherries to release their juices.
2. Make the Gelato Base
In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Add the remaining ½ cup of sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Blend the Cherries and Mix
Once the cherries have released their juices, blend them until smooth. Mix the cherry purée with the milk, heavy cream, and vanilla (if using) in a large bowl.
4. Chill the Mixture
For the best results, refrigerate the mixture for several hours or overnight until fully cooled.
5. Freeze the Gelato
If you have an ice cream maker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn the mixture until it reaches a creamy, soft-serve consistency.
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Every 30 minutes, stir vigorously with a fork or whisk to break up ice crystals until the gelato is smooth and firm.
Enjoy Your Homemade Cherry Gelato!
Serve in bowls or cones, and enjoy this delicious, naturally fruity treat. For a fancy touch, garnish with fresh cherries or a drizzle of chocolate.