Call me a dreamer but I think that, if there’s one thing that can bring us together, it’s ice cream. And what better than a Cherry Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream (without sugar, dairy, or anything else to upset our tummies) to do just that?

Summertime is the BEST time for frozen treats but, because the cherry season is so short (or if you find you fancy this dessert in the winter), you could always use the frozen kind – and save the task of pitting.

Either way, I just know you’re going to love, love LOVE this fantabulously healthy-delicious dessert.

Here are ALL the reasons why you’ll want to add this to your summer eating list.

What makes this Cherry Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream so delicious?

It’s the Cherries, of course!

Whether you’re using fresh or frozen, ripe and delicious cherries always feel decadent to me. Making sure you cook them down until they’re starting to get jammy will REALLY make this ice cream sing!

Vegan & Paleo

It’s Pegan! (Yes, that’s a thing.) Because the chocolate ice cream is made with only a few real ingredients (and no refined sugar), it’s Paleo-tastic. Plus, using coconut cream and milk makes it purely vegan. So, you CAN have your treats AND a happy tummy!

Smooth and Creamy

Vegan ice cream has come a long way, baby. I struggled for YEARS to get mine just right – silky smooth and creamy without being a big blog of ice. The secret to that last part is the tablespoon of booze. It keeps the mixture from completely freezing so it’s perfect to scoop!

Icy Cold for those Hot Summer Nights

What’s better on a hot summer’s night (or day, for that matter) than a nice cold ice cream dessert? Add in some fruity, boozy deliciousness and you’re SET!

Tips for Making Cherry Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream

Get an ice cream maker. Not your parents’ crank with rock salt kind, silly! The countertop electric kind. Seriously, a Cuisinart is like $30.
No time for pitting? No problem! Just heat up some frozen cherries and call it a day. Easy-peasy.
Don’t forget the booze! Although you could make this without the bourbon and just have a cherry-vanilla version, the bourbon really gives it that extra-special flavor. Don’t worry – there’s only 2 TB for the whole batch so no one’s gonna get sloshed!

Cherry Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream (Vegan & Paleo)

Print Recipe

I’m sorry…are we talking cherries AND bourbon-vanilla?! That’s a definite “YES!” in my book. Plus, when it’s Vegan and Paleo, you can enjoy this decadence guilt-free! Just be sure to make extra ‘cuz it will go fast.

Total Time: 2-5 hours
Yield: 16- 20 scoops 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Cherry Mixture Ingredients

1 ½ cups pitted cherries, halved
2 TB pure maple syrup
1 TB water
Pinch salt
1 TB Bourbon
1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Ice Cream Ingredients

1 13.5-oz Can Full Fat Coconut Milk (about 1 3/4 cups)
1 13.5-oz Can Coconut Cream (about 1 3/4 cups)
3/4 Cup 100% Pure Maple Syrup
1 TB Vanilla Extract
1 TB Bourbon
1 Pinch Salt

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Instructions

Directions

Be sure to start with a chilled insert for your ice cream maker, if using (see Note 1).
Combine cherries, maple syrup, water, and salt in a medium sized pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil and then simmer and cover, stirring occasionally until syrupy and cherries are breaking down, around 12-15 minutes. Stir in 1 TB Bourbon and 1 tsp vanilla extract and set aside to cool.
Meanwhile, combine all ice cream base ingredients (coconut milk through salt) in a blender and blend until well combined and smooth.
Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until well-chilled (1-2 hours).
Pour into ice cream maker and churn until a frozen yogurt texture (be sure to follow instructions on your ice cream maker).
Once it’s at the desired texture, pour into a freezer-proof container and fold in cherry mixture. Allow to further chill until it reaches the desired texture (about 4-5 hours).

Notes

Note 1: You can make this without an ice cream maker, just know that the ice cream will be a little more icy than creamy.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2-5 hours
Category: Dessert
Diet: Vegan