Light Cherry Amaretto Cheesecake Ice Cream
Indulge in the luxurious, guilt-free decadence of Light Cherry Amaretto Cheesecake Ice Cream—a perfect fusion of creamy cheesecake richness and vibrant cherry sweetness with a hint of almond liqueur. This no-bake ice cream recipe is made with fresh, juicy cherries that are cooked down to enhance their natural flavor, then swirled into a tangy cream cheese base mixed with Greek yogurt for a lighter, yet irresistibly smooth texture. The addition of amaretto liqueur lends a sophisticated depth, while optional crumbled graham crackers give a nostalgic cheesecake-like crunch. With only 25 minutes of prep time and a simple churn-and-freeze process, this elegant dessert is ideal for summer gatherings or a solo treat-yourself moment.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Plain Greek yogurt
- 0.5 cup Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Amaretto liqueur
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup Powdered sugar
- 0.5 cup Crumbled graham crackers (optional for garnish)
Instructions
In a small saucepan, combine the pitted and halved cherries with granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries release their juices and begin to soften, around 5-7 minutes.
Remove the cherry mixture from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, pulse the mixture in a blender to your desired consistency (smooth or slightly chunky). Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using a hand mixer or whisk.
Add the Greek yogurt, whole milk, heavy cream, amaretto liqueur, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar to the cream cheese. Mix until the ingredients are well-combined and smooth.
Gently fold the cherry mixture into the cream cheese base, creating swirls for a marbled effect or fully incorporating it for a uniform flavor, depending on your preference.
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, this will take 15-20 minutes until the ice cream thickens.
Transfer the churned ice cream into a lidded, freezer-safe container. Smooth the top, cover, and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Optional: Before serving, sprinkle individual servings with crumbled graham crackers for a cheesecake-like crunch.
Serve scoops of the Light Cherry Amaretto Cheesecake Ice Cream and enjoy this creamy, fruity, and slightly boozy treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3281 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 179.6 g | 230% | |
| Saturated Fat | 103.7 g | 518% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 530 mg | 177% | |
| Sodium | 1543 mg | 67% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 351.2 g | 128% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.8 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 275.4 g | ||
| Protein | 53.0 g | 106% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 741 mg | 57% | |
| Iron | 4.6 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 1556 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
