Cherry Italian Ice Recipe – The Ultimate Summer Refreshment
This cherry Italian ice recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors in a refreshing frozen treat. With just five simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert ready for those scorching summer days.
What makes this cherry Italian water ice recipe special:
- Uses common pantry ingredients
- No special equipment needed
- Customizable with different flavors
- Perfect make-ahead dessert
What You’ll Learn
Easy Cherry Italian Ice Recipe (No-Churn, 3 Ingredients)
Instructions
- Combine sugar, gelatin mix, and soft drink mix in a bowl. Pour in boiling water and stir until fully dissolved. Mix in cold water. Pour the mixture into 24 paper cups. Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Freeze until solid, approximately 6 hours.
Nutrition
Ingredients for Perfect Cherry Italian Ice
The magic of this ice recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what makes it work:
White sugar forms the base, while cherry gelatin and drink mix create that signature bold flavor. The combination of boiling and cold water ensures perfect texture.
For more frozen dessert inspiration, check out our complete guide to summer treats featuring dozens of refreshing recipes.
Making Your Cherry Italian Ice
Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:
Mixing the Base
Combine dry ingredients first to ensure even distribution. The boiling water dissolves everything completely, while the cold water brings it to the right temperature for freezing.
Freezing Technique
Paper cups make perfect single servings. Freeze until solid but still scoopable – about 6 hours does the trick.
Discover more easy frozen desserts that require minimal effort but deliver maximum refreshment.
Creative Flavor Twists
While this cherry Italian ice recipe is fantastic as-is, you can easily customize it:
- Try different gelatin flavors like strawberry or orange
- Mix two flavors for a swirled effect
- Add fresh fruit puree for natural sweetness
For more creative ice recipe ideas, follow us on Pinterest where we share weekly inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Take your cherry Italian water ice to the next level with these presentation ideas:
- Garnish with fresh cherries
- Serve in hollowed-out citrus halves
- Layer with whipped cream for a parfait effect
Looking for more ways to beat the heat? Our summer dessert collection has dozens of chilled treats perfect for warm weather.
Why This Recipe Works
The genius of this cherry Italian ice recipe lies in its perfect balance:
- Sweetness from sugar balances the tart drink mix
- Gelatin creates smooth texture without iciness
- Small portions freeze quickly and evenly
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without paper cups?
Absolutely! Use any freezer-safe container, then scoop servings as needed.
How long does it keep?
Store covered in freezer up to 2 weeks for best texture.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but texture may become icier. Try sugar substitutes made for freezing.
Final Thoughts
This cherry Italian ice recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. With its vibrant color and refreshing taste, it’s guaranteed to become your go-to summer dessert.
Ready to try more frozen treats? Pin this recipe and explore our other creations for your next summer gathering.
The Perfect Cherry Italian Ice Recipe
Nothing beats the refreshing taste of homemade cherry Italian ice on a hot summer day. This classic frozen treat is simple to make and requires just a few ingredients. Below, we’ll walk you through the best cherry Italian ice recipe, along with variations to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Cherry Italian Ice
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Syrup: In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Blend the Cherries: Add the cherries and lemon juice to a blender. Puree until smooth.
- Combine and Strain: Pour the cherry puree into the sugar syrup. Stir well, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp.
- Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to ensure it’s completely cold.
- Freeze: Transfer to a shallow dish and freeze. Scrape with a fork every 30 minutes for a fluffy texture.
Cherry Italian Water Ice Recipe (No Dairy Version)
If you prefer a lighter, dairy-free version, this cherry Italian water ice recipe is the way to go. It’s just as flavorful but with a smoother, icier consistency.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cherry juice (100% pure)
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ cup cold water
Instructions
- Dissolve Sugar: Heat cherry juice and sugar in a saucepan until sugar dissolves.
- Add Citrus: Stir in lime juice and cold water.
- Freeze: Pour into a freezer-safe container and freeze, stirring occasionally.
Tips for the Best Ice Recipe
- Use Ripe Cherries: The sweeter the cherries, the better the flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste before freezing and add more sugar if needed.
- Texture Control: For a finer texture, blend the mixture before freezing.
- Quick Freeze: Spread the mixture in a thin layer for faster freezing.
Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious twists on the classic cherry Italian ice recipe:
- Cherry-Lemon: Add extra lemon zest for a tangy kick.
- Cherry-Vanilla: Stir in vanilla bean paste for a creamy note.
- Cherry-Lime: Replace lemon juice with lime for a zesty flavor.
Why This Ice Recipe Works
This cherry Italian water ice recipe is perfect because it balances sweetness and tartness while maintaining a smooth, scoopable texture. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it solo, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Storage Tips
- Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving if too hard.
Final Thoughts
Making cherry Italian ice at home is easier than you think. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy this nostalgic treat anytime. Try this ice recipe today and taste the difference!
