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Home » Desserts » Ice Cream

Homemade Vegan Almond Cherry Ice Cream

March 24, 2022 by Katie 12 Comments

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This Vegan Almond Cherry Ice Cream recipe is the perfect easy and flavorful summer treat. It's perfect for anytime of year and is guaranteed to be a hit amongst all. This recipe is oil-free, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and vegan!
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cherry almond ice cream featured image

This homemade Almond Cherry Ice Cream is the perfect easy and flavorful homemade ice cream recipe. It's made with clean and simple ingredients and it's so delicious that nobody will even know it's healthy or vegan!

the almond cherry ice cream in ice cream cones with fresh cherries and almonds all around

One of my favorite unique flavor combinations has to be almond and cherry. I love this flavor combination in my Cherry Almond Date Bliss Balls. This homemade ice cream is full of sweet cherries, almond flavor, and rich creamy vegan ice cream.

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Jump to:
  • Almond Cherry Ice Cream Ingredients:
  • How To Make Almond Cherry Ice Cream:
  • Substitutions: 
  • Cherry Almond Ice Cream Variations:
  • What You Need To Make This Vegan Almond Cherry Ice Cream:
  • How To Store Homemade Vegan Ice Cream:
  • Top Tip:
  • Frequently Asked Questions:
  • Vegan Almond Cherry Ice Cream
  • Food Safety:
  • More Cherry Recipes:

Almond Cherry Ice Cream Ingredients:

This homemade almond cherry ice cream is the perfect homemade ice cream because it uses simple ingredients you can pick up at your local grocery store.

looking down at the loaf pan full of almond cherry ice cream scoops

Almond Ice Crem:

  • Raw Cashews - The base of this cherry almond ice cream is made from raw cashews. When soaked and blended raw cashews make the perfect vegan ice cream base. Make sure to use raw cashews and not roasted cashews. Roasted cashews will not achieve the same creaminess and they are loaded with highly processed oils.
  • Medjool Dates - I love naturally sweetening my homemade ice cream recipes with Medjool dates. After soaking they will blend super easily and add thickness and rich sweetness to the ice cream. Dates are full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Full-Fat Coconut Milk - You can use both full-fat coconut milk and coconut cream for the base of this vegan ice cream. Coconut milk has the perfect consistency for dairy-free because it resembles heavy cream.  
  • Vanilla Extract - I love adding vanilla extract to the ice cream base to balance out the strong almond extract flavor.
  • Almond Extract - One of my favorite flavors is almond amaretto. It's most flavorful in an amaretto liqueur, but the almond extract is the perfect easy way to achieve that same flavor.
  • Tapioca Syrup (optional) - I add tapioca syrup to almost every ice cream recipe I make because it makes such a difference in the texture. It helps prevent the ice cream from freezing solid and makes it super smooth.

Dark Cherry Swirls:

  • Sweet Pitted Cherries - I recommend using frozen cherries rather than fresh cherries because you don't have to pit them and they make the perfect soft chunks of cherry swirls.
  • Pure Maple Syrup - I like to add a little bit of maple syrup to the cherry mixture to add a little extract sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract - A little touch of vanilla extract to balance out the maple flavor.

See the recipe card for quantities.

How To Make Almond Cherry Ice Cream:

This homemade ice cream is the perfect easy ice cream to make because it only takes a few simple steps.

the vegan almond cherry ice cream with the cherry syrup drizzled on top

1. Begin by adding the raw cashews and medjool dates to a large bowl and covering them with water. Place in the fridge to soak for at least 4 hours or overnight (overnight is recommended). Ensure that the freezer bowl to your ice cream maker is in the freezer as well - they typically need to be frozen for at least 24 hours.

2. Strain the dates and cashews with a mesh strainer and add to a blender along with the full-fat coconut milk, vanilla extract, almond extract, and tapioca syrup. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes or until silky smooth. There should be no bumps in the mixture. 

3. Pour the almond mixture into the ice cream maker and churn for 25-30 minutes. 

4. While the ice cream is churning begin making the cherry swirl mixture. In a medium saucepan combine the cherries, maple syrup, and vanilla extract and turn to medium heat. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until soft. If you prefer chunks of cherry do not blend the cherry mixture. If you don't (like me) blend the mixture until a smooth consistency has been achieved. 

5. Add half the churned ice cream mixture to a freezer-safe container. Add large dollops of the cherry mixture and swirl around with a chopstick or knife. Sprinkle the almonds on top. Repeat this step as necessary. 

6. Place the ice cream into the freezer and freeze for at least 4 hours. Once frozen, scoop the ice cream and serve!

Hint: You may have some leftover syrup. You can save this and top the ice cream with it.

Substitutions: 

​There are plenty of delicious and easy substitutions that can be made to this ice cream if needed. 

  • Fresh Fruit - You can replace the cherries with any fresh or frozen fruit. Blueberries and strawberries are great options.
  • Plant Milks - The coconut milk can be replaced with a variety of plant-based milks. I'd recommend using higher-fat milk like oat milk or soy milk.
scoops of the cherry almond ice cream in a loaf pan with the ice cream scoop left in

Cherry Almond Ice Cream Variations:

There are plenty of fun variations to try out with this ice cream recipe. Here are some of my favorites to make. 

  • Chocolate - You can add either white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips to the ice cream mixture. You can also add a tablespoon of cacao powder to the almond ice cream for a chocolate ice cream mixture.
  • Low-Fat - If you want to lower the fat content of this ice cream recipe you can use lite coconut milk or soy milk for a more weight loss-friendly variation.
  • Cherry Ice Cream - You can also add a cup of thawed frozen cherries to the blender mixture and blend until smooth. It won't have quite the same rich and creamy texture, but it will have fewer calories per serving and cherry flavor mixed throughout!

What You Need To Make This Vegan Almond Cherry Ice Cream:

Equipment can always have an impact on how a recipe turns out. Here's the equipment I used to make this delicious homemade vegan ice cream:

  • High-Speed Blender - Any blender will work for this recipe. However, I strongly recommend using a high-speed blender such as a Vitamix. They are expensive, but in my opinion, they are worth investing in, especially if you plan to make more dairy-free ice cream recipes.
  • Ice Cream Maker - I recently upgraded my ice cream machine, and I couldn't recommend it enough. It makes ice cream in 25 minutes (compared to my previous one which would take 40+ minutes). The ice cream comes out smooth and creamy, and it looks much prettier.
  • Medium Saucepan - You will need a saucepan to make the cherry mixture. I recommend using a nonstick one since the mixture can become quite sticky.
  • Ice Cream Containers - Any airtight container will work. If you make homemade ice cream often, I recommend purchasing reusable freezer-safe ice cream pints.

As always you can find all my go-to equipment on my Amazon storefront or my affiliate page.

close up of the vegan almond and cherry ice cream in cones with fresh cherries and almond around it

How To Store Homemade Vegan Ice Cream:

Storing homemade vegan ice cream recipes like this cherry almond ice cream can make or break it. If stored incorrectly, the ice cream can get freezer burn very quickly.

I recommend storing ice cream in airtight containers to prevent any freezer air from getting inside. I invested in reusable ice cream containers and I could not recommend them enough.

If stored correctly, this ice cream will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

If you just plan to store this for a couple hours or overnight, you can use a bread pan covered in plastic wrap or tin foil and it'll work just fine.

Top Tip:

It's pretty much impossible to over-blend homemade vegan ice cream. However, it is very easy to not blend enough. If you don't blend the ice cream mixture enough it won't have the smooth consistency that traditional ice cream has. I recommend blending for around 2 full minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I Make This Cherry Almond Ice Cream Recipe No-Churn?

This homemade vegan ice cream can be made without an ice cream machine. It will add quite a few more steps, but it can be done. You will need to follow all the same steps up until pouring the mixture into the ice cream maker. Instead of pouring it into an ice cream machine, you will pour it into ice cube molds, then freeze it for a couple of hours (until firm). Once firm, add the cubes to a blender and blend until thick and creamy. Proceed with the original steps at this point (it will pick up from the step after churning). 

Is Vegan Ice Cream Healthier?

Is dairy-free ice cream healthier than traditional ice cream? It really all depends on what the particular ice cream is made with. Most of the time vegan ice cream is healthier because it is made with cleaner ingredients and is less processed. However, many vegan ice creams are still packed with refined sugars and oils. This is why I always opt for making my own. It's the easiest way to make the healthiest ice cream.

Related Vegan Ice Cream Recipes:

Looking for more delicious homemade vegan ice cream recipes like this almond cherry ice cream? Make sure to check out some of the other recipes on my website!

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    Creamy Vegan Golden Milk Ice Cream
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  • Mangosteen Hibiscus Ice Cream
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If you try this Vegan Almond Cherry Ice Cream, I’d really love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. I’d also really appreciate a recipe card rating! Make sure to share it on social media and tag @theallnaturalvegan to be featured! Thank you for supporting The All Natural Vegan!

cherry almond ice cream featured image

Vegan Almond Cherry Ice Cream

This Vegan Almond Cherry Ice Cream recipe is the perfect easy and flavorful summer treat. It's perfect for anytime of year and is guaranteed to be a hit amongst all. This recipe is oil-free, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and vegan!
5 from 20 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Churning time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 4 hours hrs 45 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Servings 6 people

Equipment

  • 1 High speed blender
  • 1 Ice Cream Maker

Ingredients
  

Almond Ice Cream:

  • 1 can full fat coconut milk
  • 1 cup medjool dates
  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • 2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds
  • 1 tablespoon tapioca syrup optional

Cherry Swirls:

  • 1 ½ cups frozen dark sweet cherries
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions
 

  • Begin by adding the raw cashews and medjool dates to a large bowl and covering them with water. Place in the fridge to soak for at least 4 hours or overnight (overnight is recommended). Ensure that the freezer bowl to your ice cream maker is in the freezer as well - they typically need to be frozen for at least 24 hours.
  • Strain the dates and cashews with a mesh strainer and add to a blender along with the full-fat coconut milk, vanilla extract, almond extract, and tapioca syrup. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes or until silky smooth. There should be no bumps in the mixture. 
  • Pour the almond mixture into the ice cream maker and churn for 25-30 minutes. 
  • While the ice cream is churning begin making the cherry swirl mixture. In a medium saucepan combine the cherries, maple syrup, and vanilla extract and turn to medium heat. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until soft. If you prefer chunks of cherry do not blend the cherry mixture. If you don't (like me) blend the mixture until a smooth consistency has been achieved. 
  • Add half the churned ice cream mixture to a freezer-safe container. Add large dollops of the cherry mixture and swirl around with a chopstick or knife. Sprinkle the almonds on top. Repeat this step as necessary. 
  • Place the ice cream into the freezer and freeze for at least 4 hours. Once frozen, scoop the ice cream and serve!
Keyword cherry almond ice cream, healthy ice cream, ice cream
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
recipe card stating this recipe is vegan, oil-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free

Food Safety:

  • Do not stick foreign objects into a blender or ice cream machine connected to power.
  • Wash hands before handling food.

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

More Cherry Recipes:

Do you love all things cherry? Make sure to check out some of the other recipes on my website!

  • cherry mango popsicles
    Vegan Cherry Mango Popsicles
« 15 Minute Shredded Beet Carrot Salad
Healthy Gluten-Free Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins »

Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 20 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Jean Nie

    March 27, 2022 at 1:46 am

    5 stars
    so refreshing and easy to make, this vegan cherry ice cream is so good.

    Reply
    • Jess

      September 13, 2023 at 5:42 pm

      5 stars
      So delicious and fun to make!

      Reply
  2. Samantha

    March 27, 2022 at 2:35 am

    5 stars
    This ice cream is amazing!! Such yummy flavors.

    Reply
  3. Emily

    March 27, 2022 at 3:37 am

    5 stars
    I love the flavors in this delicious ice cream! Cherry and almonds are made for each other. I made it this afternoon and was blown away at how easy it was to make!

    Reply
  4. Shilpa

    March 27, 2022 at 5:38 am

    5 stars
    Can’t get enough of this delicious ice cream. It’s amazing how it is sweetened with dates! So good and I can’t believe it’s vegan!!

    Reply
  5. Jacqui

    March 27, 2022 at 5:59 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe turned out amazing! I love that it is sos free too.

    Reply
  6. nancy

    March 27, 2022 at 10:25 pm

    5 stars
    cherries and almonds are the perfect combo! lovely ice cream

    Reply
  7. Michelle

    March 27, 2022 at 10:47 pm

    5 stars
    Love that this is a truly healthy way to enjoy ice cream 🙂 The flavor is divine!

    Reply
  8. Jess

    August 12, 2023 at 7:57 pm

    5 stars
    So delicious and refreshing!

    Reply
  9. Maayke

    August 12, 2023 at 8:01 pm

    5 stars
    I love that this vegan ice cream recipe can be made without an ice cream machine! I will definitely try your recipe

    Reply
  10. Covita

    August 13, 2023 at 3:18 am

    5 stars
    LOVE this ice cream - Delicious! My family wants me to make a double batch next time.

    Reply
  11. Conchetta

    September 14, 2023 at 8:05 pm

    I love this Almond cherry ice cream! This is a great site

    Reply

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