Marbled ice cream with cherries and chocolate pieces

Marbled cherry and chocolate chip ice cream

Who doesn't love to cool off with a delicious ice cream on hot summer days? This marbled cherry and chocolate chip ice cream recipe is not just a simple dessert, but an explosion of flavors and textures that will make you fall in love with every spoonful. It’s a perfect combination of the sweetness of cherries, the bitterness of chocolate, and the creaminess of yogurt, with a fresh hint of orange that gives it a unique character.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Freezing time: 4 hours
Total: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Your magical ingredients:

- 6 egg yolks
- 150 g sugar (110 g for the cream and 40 g for the cherries)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 500 ml milk
- 500 ml full-fat yogurt (4.1%)
- 300 g fresh, ripe cherries
- 1 tablespoon water
- 4 pieces of dark chocolate (approximately 100 g)
- Zest of one orange

Preparing the marbled ice cream:

1. Preparing the ice cream base: Start by heating the milk in a saucepan, but do not let it boil. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 110 g of sugar until the mixture becomes light in color and creamy. Gradually add the flour, being careful not to form lumps. Now, add the warm milk, homogenizing everything.

2. Thickening the cream: Place the mixture in a bowl over a double boiler. Stir constantly with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon until the cream thickens and becomes velvety. This process may take about 10-15 minutes. Once the cream is ready, let it cool completely.

3. Preparing the caramelized cherries: Meanwhile, wash the cherries, remove the pits, and place them in a small saucepan along with 40 g of sugar and 1 tablespoon of water. Cook them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and their juice partially evaporates, forming a sauce. This will add an intense note to your ice cream!

4. Combining the ingredients: After the cream has cooled, add the yogurt and orange zest, mixing well to combine the flavors. This is the stage where your ice cream will acquire a creamy texture and a fresh taste.

5. Marbling the ice cream: Pour the mixture into freezer containers. After about 1 hour, take the containers out and add the caramelized cherries in various places. Use a knife to create a marbled effect by gently swirling.

6. Final freezing: Put the containers back in the freezer for a few hours, ideally between 4-6 hours, or until the ice cream is completely firm.

7. Mixing for a perfect texture: Hourly, take the containers out and stir the ice cream a little to break any ice crystals. This step is essential for achieving a creamy ice cream.

8. Serving: 15 minutes before serving, take the containers out of the freezer and let the ice cream soften a bit. This will make serving easier. You can serve it in cups, topped with crushed chocolate pieces on top and perhaps even a mint leaf for an extra splash of color.

Helpful tips:

- Buy ripe cherries, as they will add a sweet and flavorful taste to your dessert.
- If you want an even more decadent version, you can add some roasted nuts for texture.
- Use chocolate with a higher cocoa content for a more pronounced contrast with the sweetness of the cherries.

Nutritional benefits:

This ice cream is not only delicious but also nutritious! Yogurt provides beneficial probiotics for digestion, and cherries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins. Additionally, using egg yolks adds a boost of protein and healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! You can replace cherries with raspberries, peaches, or even strawberries.
- Can the ice cream be made without eggs? Yes! You can omit the egg yolks and use only yogurt and milk, resulting in a lighter version.
- How do I store the ice cream? It is best to store it in airtight containers to prevent ice crystals from forming.

This marbled cherry and chocolate ice cream will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones and turn any summer day into a celebration of flavor. Make it and enjoy every spoonful!