Do you remember yard darts? It was a game where you toss a large dart and try to have it land inside of a small plastic circle. It is similar to horseshoes except about a hundred times more dangerous because of those metal tips. My dad and uncle played it many times in the summer. Afterwards they would get out the ice cream maker and take turns hand cranking it until it was ready. I thought of those days long past when I was making cherry cream cheese ice cream.
Can you imagine hand cranking ice cream these days? I can’t, although it would be a great arm exercise. The invention of the electric churn was certainly a good one. Those old ones were so loud though. We would have to run it outside and go out to check on it occasionally. You had to be careful to make sure the drain hole didn’t get clogged. If the salt water got too high it would seep into the container and ruin the batch.
Cherry cream cheese ice cream is old-fashioned. The base of half-and-half, sugar, and egg yolks is cooked then poured over cream cheese and vanilla. The hot base melts the cream cheese and is stirred together and cooled. It chills in the fridge overnight and then churned. Cherries are stirred in and the final step is to patiently wait while it firms up in the freezer. Oh and I used my homemade cherries in syrup that made it extra scrumptious. You could use any jarred or canned ones; maraschino, sweet, or tart. I have not tried using fresh cherries.
How do you cool down on a hot summer day? Eating homemade ice cream is one way for me. It also brings back those wonderful family memories. There are lots of other foods to cool off with too. Scroll down to find a big list of recipes by Sunday Supper contributors. We are Summer Chillin’ and our host is the wonderful Alaiyo of Pescetarian Journal.

Cherry Cream Cheese Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese cubed and at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups half-and-half
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 cup chopped cherries canned, jarred, or homemade cherries in syrup, drained
Instructions
-
Place the cream cheese cubes and vanilla in a large bowl.
-
Whisk together half-and-half, sugar, and egg yolks in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture reaches 175 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
-
Pour heated mixture through a strainer into the bowl with the cream cheese. Whisk until combined and smooth.
-
Place plastic wrap directly on surface to prevent a skin from forming. Cool to room temperature then chill overnight.
-
Pour mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions.
-
Stir in chopped cherries. Transfer ice cream to a freezer safe container. Freeze for at least one hour before serving.
Recipe Notes
Time stated does not include cooling and chilling mixture overnight.
Do you need to cool down on a hot summer day? Take a look at these Summer Chillin’ recipes by Sunday Supper contributors:
Brisk Beverages
- Blackberry and Peach Sparkling {Camping} Sangria from Simply Healthy Family
- Mocha Madness Milkshake from Desserts Required
- Savory Salted Cumin Mint Lassi With Greek Yogurt from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- Skinny Watermelon Mojito from Peanut Butter & Peppers
- Southern Sweet Tea from Gluten Free Crumbley
- Strawberry Mango White Sangria from The Texan New Yorker
- The Polar Cap Drink from Seduction in the Kitchen
- Vanilla Root Beer Cream Soda from Feed Me, Seymour
Chilled Starters
- Avocado Hummus Dip from Shockingly Delicious
- Bak Kwa (Grilled Chili Pork Jerky) from Food Lust People Love
- Cucumber-Watercress Soup – Gazpacho Style from The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Gazpacho from Jelly Toast
- Green Gazpacho from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
- Rabarbersuppe Med Vin (Danish Rhubarb Wine Soup from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Mexican Flag Guacamole from What Smells So Good?
- Polish Chilled Beet Soup (Chlodnik) from Curious Cuisiniere
- Tuna Tartare from Kimchi Mom
- White Gazpacho from The Little Ferraro Kitchen
Snappy Salads and Sides
- Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad from Neighborfood
- Broccoli Salad from Flavor Mosaic
- Cantaloupe Risotto from Confessions of A Culinary Diva
- Cold Peanut Noodles from girlichef
- Korean Salad from Noshing With The Nolands
- Layered Salad with Green Goddess Dressing from Delaware Girl Eats
- Pesto Pasta Salad from Supper for a Steal
- Picnic Orzo Salad from A Mama, Baby & Shar-pei in the Kitchen
- Spinach Salad with Curried Apple and Cashew Dressing from Peaceful Cooking
- Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad from Serena Bakes Simply from Scratch
- Tuna and Potato Salad from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Quinoa Fruit Salad with a Creamy Yogurt Dressing from Simply Gourmet
- Watermelon, Mango and Arugula Salad from Take a Bite Out of Boca
Refreshing Main Dishes
- Buffalo and Blue Cheese Chicken Salad from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad from Cookin’ Mimi
- Jalapeno Ham Salad from Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- Shrimp Ceviche from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
- Surimi Salad from Pescetarian Journal
- Zucchini Lasagna from Nosh My Way
Cool Confections
- Berry Ice Cream Bomb from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
- Cherry Cream Cheese Ice Cream from Magnolia Days
- Lemon Curd Parfait from Life Tastes Good
- Lemon Thyme Ice Pops from Country Girl in the Village
- Mocha Latte Ice Cream from The Foodie Army Wife
- No Maker Required Berry Ice Cream from Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
- No-Bake Penuche Drop Cookies from Killer Bunnies, Inc.
- No-Bake Raspberry and Japanese Yuzu Citrus Bars from NinjaBaking.com
- No Churn Lemon Ice Cream {Dairy Free} from Healthy. Delicious.
- Nutella and Pistachio Gelato from La Bella Vita Cucina
- Olive Oil Gelato from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Pluot Ice Cream from Crazy Foodie Stunts
- Raspberries and Cream Panna Cotta from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Salted Caramel Gelato from Manu’s Menu
- Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Pie from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Sandwiches from The Redhead Baker
- Trio of Fruity Ice Cream Toppings from Foxes Love Lemons
- Vanilla Bean Chia Seed Pudding from Pies and Plots
- White Chocolate Fruit Dip from Hezzi D’s Book and Cooks
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.
The Ninja Baker says
Sooo glad somebody else remembers cranking ice cream machines…My grandmother had one. Lovely isn’t it how fond memories of people are tied to fabulous foods. Bet your father was smiling as you made this version of cherry cream ice cream =)
Renee says
I’d like to believe that my dad was looking down and smiling at me making this ice cream and thinking of him.
Manu says
Cherry Cream Ice cream?? Oh yummmm! I bet you would taste amazing! Bookmarking this recipe for our summer time!
Renee says
Thank you Manu
Liz says
What a delicious way to show case sweet summer cherries! Such a terrific ice cream, Renee!
Renee says
Thanks a bunch Liz!
Michele @ Flavor Mosaic says
That ice cream looks fantastic! That is perfect for a hot, summer day.
Renee says
It sure is Michele. Thanks!
Susan says
I know people that still have that hand cranked machine and prefer it. I say they are nuts! Either way you make this, this ice cream looks delicious!
Renee says
Thanks Susan
Marlene @Nosh My Way says
The one thing I don’t own is an ice cream maker. I love ice cream and your cherry cream cheese ice cream looks so enticing. Which is exactly the reason why I don’t own an Ice Cream Maker.
Renee says
Yea well, you still should get an ice cream maker. You just have to watch how often you use it (or eat the ice cream). I so much prefer homemade ice cream over store bought.
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says
Renee, this ice cream is perfection!!! delicious!
Renee says
Thanks Alice
Roz says
Oh Yummy!!! Love this ice cream and how the heck did you photograph it so well? Mine started to melt! I could eat a bowl of your ice cream right now for breakfast!
Renee says
I do test photos with wadded up napkins then pull out the ice cream from the freezer right before taking the photos with it. Plus freezing the bowl helps too.
Stacy says
Those old hand crank machines were wonderful although a lot a work because they made much more ice cream than the little modern ones do. Very important if you had a crowd at the family reunion. 🙂 I love your cherry cream cheese ice cream, Renee! And now I am dreaming of other combinations using your method of melting the cream cheese with the hot base. So smart!
Renee says
Thanks Stacy and I can’t wait to see your combinations with the cream cheese base. There really are lots of possibilities.
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says
So many fond Summer memories of my dad hand cranking ice cream. I wish I had that old ice cream maker, simply because my modern electric doesn’t make a large batch if you’re feeding a crowd. Your ice cream looks delicious!
Renee says
Yes, those old ones made a larger batch. I forgot about that. I’m so used to the new ones that make a quart.
Sarah says
Oh lawn darts… so fun yet so dangerous!! I would kill to have a big ol’ bowl of this ice cream too!
Renee says
Ah, so you remember lawn darts too. Too bad they were so dangerous because they were fun to play.
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
My parents actually still have a small hand churned ice cream machine that we break out on occasion. It’s always wonderfully nostalgic, though it is hard work! This combo is calling my name, especially since I have cherries in the fridge right now!
Renee says
Oh interesting that your family still hand cranks ice cream occasionally. Definitely hard work but I’m sure there are lots of laughs and fun in the process.
Shannon @VillageGirlBlog says
Great ice cream! Ice cream is my one, can not refuse, ever, dish. This looks fantastic!
Renee says
I have a hard time refusing ice cream too.
Hezzi-D says
I bought cherries this weekend just so I could make this! I can’t wait to try it today!
Renee says
Oh awesome! And I see you made it and enjoyed it too. You made my day!
[email protected] Tastes Good says
What great memories! I cannot imagine hand churning – what a workout! Renee, this ice cream sounds delightful! and your pictures are beautiful as always 🙂
Renee says
It sure is a workout. Thanks a bunch Marion and I really appreciate the compliment on my photos.
Betsy @ Desserts Required says
Thank you for sharing your fabulous childhood memory of your dad and uncle playing darts and churning the ice cream. It’s very sweet! Kind of like your delicious ice cream!!
Renee says
Thanks Betsy. I enjoy preserving family moments here on the blog.
dina says
i love cream cheese based ice cream and cherry is one of my favorites. yum!
Renee says
Thanks Dina and cherry is definitely one of my favorites too.
Shannon R says
It looks so creamy! And cheesecake? Yum!
Renee says
Well, more cream cheese and cheesecake. Although it does have most of the flavor components of cheesecake.
Laura Dembowski says
I think it would be fun to try to hand crank ice cream. Of course, I’m sure I say that because I don’t have to! This ice cream looks so creamy and yummy!
Renee says
The fun of hand cranking dwindles real quick. It is something you probably would try once and then be glad there are machine ones now.
Simply Gourmet says
Amazing! I love how your scoops are just perfect! I have yet to make any ice cream this summer as it is just now getting hot in Maryland.
Renee says
I had to do a bunch of scoops to get the right ones for the photos. Oh what us food bloggers do for those photos.
Alaiyo Kiasi-Barnes says
I’m refreshed just looking at your ice cream. It’s just a beautiful scoop of heaven. Thanks for your kind assistance with my #SundaySupper hosting!
Renee says
Thanks Alaiyo and it was a pleasure to help.
Tara says
Great, great ice cream recipe, love the cherry/cream cheese combo!!!
Renee says
Thanks Tara
Julie @ Texan New Yorker says
I would have so much trouble not eating the entire batch myself in one sitting. Super cute ice cream scoop too!
Renee says
It is hard to restrain from eating the whole batch. I found that ice cream scoop at one of those close-out stores a year or so ago.
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
I’ll leave the churning to the ice cream machine 🙂 Total lazy but, I am. This ice cream looks amazing. I love the addition of the cream cheese. Pass me a bowl and a spoon.
Renee says
Not lazy, just using all that effort on other things. Yes, let the machine do that work.
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
Your cherry cream cheese ice cream looks like perfection, Renee!
Renee says
Thank you very much Renee
Shaina says
I’ve been on a cherry kick lately, especially now that I finally have a cherry pitter. This sounds so yummy!
Renee says
And the cherries are so good this year too.
Anita at Hungry Couple says
Between the photo, the idea and your descriptions, I’m sending you a bill for a new keyboard. Mine got shorted out with drool!
Renee says
I am not responsible for drool damaged keyboards (hee hee). Thanks Anita.
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch says
I could use a scoop of this right about now! How delicious!
Renee says
Thanks Serena
Alice says
nothing like using up your own summer flavors to make a lovely ice cream! I always enjoyed the idea of hand-cranking your own ice cream, but in this heat? no way! : ) Have a great week Renee and thanks for sharing plus all your tips and help for my first SS post!
Renee says
Thanks Alice and it was a pleasure to help a Sunday Supper newbie. I’m glad you joined in the fun.
Carla says
My coworker actually brought in his hand-crank ice cream machine, and we would literally hand crank it during lunch then eat ice cream afterwards. If that isn’t country living, then I don’t know what is! lol This ice cream sounds delicious, almost like cherry cheesecake.
Renee says
What a fun (and country) thing to do for a work lunch.
Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen says
I had just seen a recipe for a cream cheese ice cream and was intrigued. Then I saw this and told my bf I am going to go buy and ice cream maker ASAP!! I am sharing this on my Favorite Things post tomorrow 🙂
Renee says
I can’t imagine not having an ice cream maker. You will really enjoy having one. Thanks for sharing my ice cream on your Favorite Things post too.
Christy @ Confessions of a Culinary Diva says
I remember hand churning the ice cream – it was always so exciting! I love this recipe, can’t wait to try it when I get home next week. PS, gorgeous photos!
Renee says
Thanks Christy and I appreciate the compliment on my photos.