4-Ingredient No-Churn Cherry Ripple Ice Cream
On a bright, sunny day, is there anything more nostalgic than a scoop of good ice cream? It instantly takes you back — to beachside holidays, salty air, sticky fingers, and the joy of choosing a flavour with the sun on your face.
This cherry ripple version is just like that — playful, creamy, and far simpler than it seems. No ice cream maker, no fuss. Just four ingredients, a few easy steps, and the freezer does the rest. One of those simple little pleasures that always feels like a treat.
My kids absolutely love it. And for the grown-ups, there’s the option to swirl in a splash of something spirited — a quiet nod to slow evenings and sunshine shared.
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4-Ingredient No-Churn Cherry Ice Cream
You’ll need:
• 600ml cold heavy whipping cream
• 1 x 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 bag frozen cherries, pitted and halved
• 50g sugar
Optional (for the adults):
• A splash of cherry liqueur, amaretto, or kirsch — just enough to bring a little warmth to the flavour
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Method
1. Gently cook the cherries
Place the cherries and sugar in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, until soft and syrupy. Lightly mash them for a mix of textures, then set aside to cool completely.
2. Whip the cream
In a large bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form — thick enough to hold shape, but still light and billowy.
3. Combine
Gently fold the condensed milk into the whipped cream, keeping the mixture airy. Swirl in the cooled cherry mixture. If using liqueur, add it here.
4. Freeze
Spoon the mixture into a loaf tin or freezer-safe container. Smooth the top, cover well, and freeze for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until set.
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To serve
Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping. The texture should be soft, creamy, and perfect for warm afternoons.
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A note from me
This ice cream is sunshine in a bowl. It’s the kind of easy treat that makes an ordinary day feel a little more special — something I love making for the kids, but also a quiet little indulgence for us grown-ups too.
I hope it brings a touch of joy to your summer days — whether you’re pottering in the garden, coming home from a long day, or simply craving a sweet pause.
With love,
Cristy x
