Bitter cherry and caramel ice cream

Bitter cherry ice cream with salted caramel

The summer heat urges us to cool off with something truly delicious, and bitter cherry ice cream with salted caramel is the perfect choice! This recipe will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but will also provide an explosion of flavors that will turn every spoonful into a true culinary experience. Before we start preparing, let's take a little stroll through the history of this delicacy that has won the hearts of many.

Ice cream, a dessert that had humble origins, has evolved over time to become a star at summer tables. The combination of bitter cherries with salted caramel is a perfect example of the blend of sweet and salty flavors, offering an intensity of taste that makes every serving a treat. Now, let's get to work!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Freezing time: 4 hours
Total: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:

*For the salted caramel:*
- 175 g fine white sugar
- 150 ml heavy cooking cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 100 g butter (80% fat)

*For the ice cream:*
- 350 g pitted bitter cherries
- 350 ml heavy cooking cream
- 200 ml whipping cream
- 175 g caramel (prepared earlier)
- 80 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar

Preparation:

1. Preparing the salted caramel:
Start by putting the sugar and water in a non-stick skillet or wok. Use low heat to allow the sugar to melt gradually. You will notice the sugar turning liquid, and when it starts to boil, increase the heat. Watch the color: when the caramel turns golden, quickly remove it from the heat! Add the cream, sea salt, and stir vigorously to prevent the caramel from hardening. Finally, add the diced butter and mix until smooth. Let the caramel cool to room temperature.

2. Preparing the ice cream:
In a blender, puree the bitter cherries until you get a mixture with small fruit pieces. In a separate bowl, mix the heavy cooking cream and whipping cream, beating them for a minute. Add the sugar and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a fluffy mixture, but not completely stiff.

3. Combining the ingredients:
Carefully fold the cherry puree into the cream mixture. Then, add the cooled caramel and mix everything together with a spatula. Make sure everything is well combined but without losing the air in the mixture to achieve a creamy ice cream.

4. Freezing:
Prepare a mold (or more) for the freezer and pour the ice cream mixture into it. Place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours. In the first two hours, take the ice cream out of the freezer and mix it with a mixer to break the ice crystals, making it creamier.

5. Serving:
Once the ice cream is completely frozen, take it out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Serve with great appetite! You can garnish it with some fresh cherries or a drizzle of salted caramel on top for an even more appealing look.

Practical tips:
- Buy fresh cherries, preferably organic, to enjoy an intense and natural taste.
- If you like more complex flavors, you can add a teaspoon of almond extract to the ice cream mixture.
- A delicious option would be to serve the ice cream with a warm chocolate sauce or a vanilla puree.

Nutritional benefits:
This ice cream is an excellent source of vitamins from cherries, rich in antioxidants that help combat inflammation. The cream and butter provide a dose of calcium and healthy fats, but it is good to know that portions should be moderate, considering the sugar and fat content.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen cherries? Yes, but make sure to thaw them well and drain any excess water before pureeing.
- How can I make the ice cream less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe, but keep in mind that the bitterness of the cherries plays an important role in balancing the flavor.
- Can it be made without cream? A healthier option would be to replace the cream with Greek yogurt, but the texture will not be as creamy.

Bitter cherry ice cream with salted caramel is a refined dessert, perfect for hot summer days, but also for moments when you want to treat yourself. So, do not hesitate to try this recipe and share the joy with your loved ones! In every spoonful, you will discover not only the intense taste of cherries but also the warmth of a recipe made with love. Enjoy!