Cherry Italian Ice Recipe: The Ultimate Summer Treat
This cherry Italian ice recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors in every spoonful. Originating from Philadelphia’s Italian-American tradition, this frozen dessert beats the heat with its smooth texture and vibrant cherry taste. Whether you’re craving a light dessert or a refreshing snack, this recipe has you covered.
What makes this cherry Italian water ice recipe special:
- Uses just 4 simple ingredients
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free
- Ready in under 10 minutes of active prep
- Perfect for using summer’s bounty of fresh cherries
Table of Contents
- The History Behind Italian Ice
- Key Ingredients for Perfect Cherry Italian Ice
- Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
- Delicious Flavor Variations
- Serving Suggestions
Easy Homemade Cherry Italian Ice Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups cherries pitted
- 3 tablespoons honey or 3 tablespoons pure maple to keep this vegan
- 1 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cups ice cubes
Instructions
- Put a metal loaf pan in the freezer. Chill for at least one hour or overnight.
- Add the cherries to a blender. Blend on high for 15–20 seconds. Mix in honey or maple syrup, lemon juice, and ice cubes. Blend again on high until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture into the chilled loaf pan. Seal with aluminum foil and freeze for 8 hours or overnight.
- Take the ice out of the freezer. Shave it into scoops with an ice cream scoop.
Notes
The History Behind Italian Ice
Italian ice traces its roots to Sicily’s granita, but Philadelphia perfected the smoother texture we love today. Unlike coarse granita, proper Italian ice has fine crystals that melt perfectly on your tongue.
During the 20th century, Italian immigrants brought their frozen dessert traditions to America. The recipe evolved to suit local tastes, becoming sweeter and creamier while maintaining its refreshing quality.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Cherry Italian Ice
This cherry Italian ice recipe shines because of its simple, high-quality components:
Fresh Cherries
Choose ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor. Bing or Rainier varieties work exceptionally well. For more recipe ideas using seasonal fruits, check out our summer dessert guide.
Natural Sweeteners
Honey or maple syrup adds depth without overpowering the cherry flavor. Adjust to taste based on your fruit’s natural sweetness.
Lemon Juice
A splash of citrus brightens all the flavors and prevents the ice from tasting flat.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:
1. Prep Your Equipment
Chill your metal loaf pan in the freezer for at least an hour. This helps the mixture freeze faster for better texture.
2. Blend the Base
Combine pitted cherries, sweetener, lemon juice, and ice in a high-powered blender. Process until completely smooth, about 30 seconds.
3. Freeze Properly
Pour into your chilled pan, cover with foil, and freeze overnight. The slow freeze creates the ideal crystalline structure.
For more frozen dessert techniques, explore our complete guide to summer treats.
Delicious Flavor Variations
This versatile ice recipe adapts to nearly any fruit:
Berry Italian Ice
Substitute mixed berries for cherries. Raspberries add beautiful color and tang.
Tropical Twist
Use mango or pineapple for a vacation-inspired treat.
Creamy Version
Add 1/4 cup coconut milk for richer texture.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your cherry Italian water ice:
- In chilled glasses for elegant presentation
- Topped with fresh cherry halves
- As a palate cleanser between courses
- Alongside almond biscotti for texture contrast
Pin your favorite variations on our Pinterest board to save them for later.
Why This Cherry Italian Ice Recipe Works
The perfect balance of sweet and tart comes from:
- Quality ripe cherries
- Precise freezing technique
- Proper ingredient ratios
Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade ice recipe contains no artificial colors or preservatives. You control the sweetness level and ingredient quality.
Expert Tips for Best Results
Follow these professional suggestions:
- Always pit cherries thoroughly – one missed pit ruins the batch
- Use the “smoothie” setting if your blender has one
- For softer texture, let sit at room temperature 5 minutes before serving
- Double the recipe and freeze in batches for summer parties
Discover more professional dessert techniques in our baking essentials guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes! Thaw slightly before blending. The texture may be slightly denser.
How long does it keep?
Up to 2 weeks in an airtight container. Quality is best within 3 days.
Can I make it without a blender?
A food processor works but yields slightly coarser texture.
Final Thoughts
This cherry Italian ice recipe delivers authentic flavor with modern convenience. The vibrant color and refreshing taste make it perfect for:
- Summer barbecues
- Poolside treats
- Dinner party finales
- After-school snacks
Ready to try more delicious recipes? Follow us on Pinterest for daily inspiration!
How to Make the Perfect Cherry Italian Ice Recipe at Home
Nothing beats the refreshing taste of a homemade cherry Italian ice recipe on a hot summer day. This classic frozen treat is light, fruity, and incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you call it Italian ice, water ice, or granita, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that brings a burst of sweet cherry flavor in every spoonful.
Ingredients for Cherry Italian Water Ice Recipe
- 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 over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a simple syrup. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Blend the Cherries: In a blender, puree the cherries until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp for a smoother texture.
- Mix the Base: Combine the cherry puree, cooled syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir well.
- Freeze: Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze for 1 hour. Scrape with a fork every 30 minutes to create a fluffy, icy texture. Repeat until fully frozen (about 3-4 hours).
- Serve: Scoop into bowls and enjoy immediately for the best consistency.
Tips for the Best Italian Ice Recipe
- Use ripe, sweet cherries for the most vibrant flavor.
- Adjust sugar based on the natural sweetness of your cherries.
- For a creamier texture, substitute half the water with coconut milk.
- Add a splash of almond extract for a deeper flavor profile.
Variations to Try
This cherry Italian water ice recipe is versatile—experiment with these twists:
- Tart Cherry: Use sour cherries and reduce sugar for a tangy version.
- Cherry-Lime: Replace lemon juice with lime for a zesty kick.
- Cherry-Vanilla Swirl: Layer with a vanilla Italian ice base.
Why You’ll Love This Ice Recipe
Unlike heavy ice cream, this dessert is fat-free and dairy-free, making it a guilt-free indulgence. The bright cherry flavor is perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness, and the granular texture melts delightfully on the tongue. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use seasonal cherries!
Serving Suggestions
- Top with fresh cherries or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla gelato for a “cherry vanilla” combo.
- Serve in hollowed-out lemon halves for a fun presentation.
Storing Your Homemade Italian Ice
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. If it hardens, let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scraping again with a fork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled cherry juice instead of fresh cherries?
Yes, but reduce the sugar since bottled juice is often pre-sweetened. Use 3 cups juice and omit water.
How do I prevent large ice crystals?
Stirring frequently during freezing is key. For an ultra-smooth texture, use an ice cream maker.
Can I make this sugar-free?
Absolutely! Swap sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener for a keto-friendly version.
Final Thoughts
This cherry Italian ice recipe is a timeless treat that’s both simple and satisfying. With its vibrant color and irresistible flavor, it’s sure to become a summer staple. Whether you’re cooling off after a barbecue or craving a light dessert, this Italian water ice recipe delivers every time. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
