Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Dark Chocolate Cherry Merlot Ice Cream, a delightful dessert that combines the decadence of dark chocolate with the fruity essence of cherries and a hint of Merlot wine.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
- ½ cup Merlot wine
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks or chips
- Extra fresh cherries (optional)
- Hot fudge drizzle
Instructions
- Make the Cherry Merlot Compote: In a saucepan, combine cherries, Merlot, sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer over medium heat for 10–12 minutes until thickened and syrupy. Remove from heat and cool completely.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ice Cream Base: In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt until sugar dissolves. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour chilled chocolate base into an ice cream maker and churn until soft-serve consistency (20–25 minutes).
- Swirl in the Cherry Merlot: Transfer half the ice cream into a container. Spoon cherry Merlot compote over it and swirl lightly with a knife. Add chocolate chunks. Repeat with the remaining ice cream and compote.
- Freeze & Serve: Freeze for 4–6 hours until firm. Serve scoops topped with extra cherries, dark chocolate chunks, and hot fudge drizzle.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate.
- Ensure the cherries are pitted before cooking.
- Adjust the sweetness of the compote according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg