Cherry Coke ice cream recipe is the summer treat you didn’t know you needed until now. In this article, you’ll learn how to make a no churn cherry coke ice cream from scratch using simple pantry ingredients and absolutely zero ice cream machines. We’ll walk through the flavor science behind mixing soda and cream, offer up substitutions for cherry cola, and even show you how to spike your scoop into a grown up dessert. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when nostalgia meets convenience, this homemade cherry ice cream is the fizzy frozen dream come true.
Let’s kick off with a story straight from the Giddy Recipes kitchen.
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Cherry Coke Ice Cream Recipe: No-Churn Classic for Summer
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, fizzy, nostalgic no-churn ice cream made with real cherry cola, whipped cream, and a touch of vanilla—perfect for summer.
Ingredients
2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup cherry cola (reduced by half)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped Amarena or maraschino cherries (optional)
Instructions
1. Whip the cold heavy cream in a large bowl until stiff peaks form.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk with the cooled, reduced cherry cola and vanilla.
3. Gently fold the cola mixture into the whipped cream until just combined.
4. Fold in chopped cherries if using.
5. Transfer mixture to a loaf pan and smooth the top.
6. Cover and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
7. Let sit for 10 minutes at room temp before scooping.
Notes
For a boozy twist, add 1-2 tbsp cherry liqueur or bourbon to the mix.
Swap cherry cola with regular cola plus 2 tbsp cherry syrup if needed.
Use full-fat coconut cream and dairy-free condensed milk for a vegan version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Churn
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop (about 1/2 cup)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
A No Churn Nostalgic Treat With a Cherry Twist
The Memory That Sparked It All
Cherry Coke ice cream recipe takes me right back to a humid July evening in Alabama. I was twelve, barefoot on the porch, slurping down a melting scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with my favorite soda, Cherry Coke. It fizzed. It dripped. It was messy and perfect. That wild mix of creamy cold and sweet cherry cola fizz stuck with me for years.
Fast forward to my days as a chef, where nostalgia often meets technique. One day, while testing a batch of Cookie Monster Ice Cream for a birthday party, the idea hit me like a summer storm. What if I could bottle that porch moment into a real Cherry Coke ice cream recipe that was easy, nostalgic, and no-churn friendly?
That’s how this Cherry Coke ice cream recipe was born — simple ingredients, no machine, and full of retro summer joy. Just straight-up goodness from a bowl and a freezer.
Why This Cherry Coke Ice Cream Works
Cherry Coke ice cream recipe blends the creamy charm of old fashioned ice cream with the unmistakable tang of soda. Using no churn methods means anyone can make it whether you’re a college student in a dorm or a parent squeezing in dessert between dance recitals and dinner.
This isn’t just another Oreo ice cream cake knockoff. It’s got bold cherry flavor, a touch of vanilla, and that unique soda effervescence that hits you in the back of the throat in a good way. Best part You don’t need fancy tools. If you can whisk cream and open a can, you’re golden.
From busy summer weekends to last minute BBQ desserts, this Cherry Coke ice cream recipe earns its place as a seasonal classic.
Making No Churn Cherry Ice Cream at Home
How to Make Coca Cola Ice Cream at Home
Cherry Coke ice cream recipe starts with simplicity. No ice cream machine No problem. This is a true no churn process. All you need is heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, cherry cola, and a touch of vanilla. For deeper cherry flavor, I add chopped Amarena cherries or even a swirl of cherry syrup left over from making Springtime Sugar Cookies.
Start by whipping the cream to stiff peaks. This traps air and gives your ice cream its structure. Next, gently fold in your condensed milk and cooled cherry coke reduction. Once combined, swirl in your cherries and pour the mixture into a loaf pan. Freeze for 6 hours or overnight.
Every scoop delivers a perfect balance of creamy and fizzy sweet. And since there’s no machine required, it’s a perfect summer project for families, roommates, or solo cooks who just want to treat themselves.
Flavor Boosts and Creative Combos
Cherry Coke ice cream recipe works beautifully on its own, but you can take it further. Crushed vanilla wafers or chocolate chunks add great texture. I’ve even served it in mini waffle bowls alongside Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a quirky summer dinner party.
Want to make it vegan Use full fat coconut cream and dairy free condensed milk. If you don’t have cherry cola, go for regular cola and add cherry jam or syrup.
This Cherry Coke ice cream recipe thrives on flexibility. Whether you go retro or reinvent it with new twists, it’s a canvas of creamy, fizzy creativity.
Substitutions and Variations for Every Lifestyle
What Is a Substitute for Cherry Cola
Cherry Coke ice cream recipe is delicious, but what if you don’t have cherry cola on hand? This recipe still shines with easy substitutes. You can use regular cola and stir in two tablespoons of cherry preserves or maraschino cherry juice. The sugar and rich cherry essence give your Cherry Coke ice cream recipe that same signature taste.
Another twist on this Cherry Coke ice cream recipe is to use natural cola with fresh pitted cherries or cherry compote. This gives it a rustic, homemade vibe similar to the wild flavors in our Pickle Pie Pizza Recipe.
Even cherry sparkling water, reduced with a bit of simple syrup, can deliver a lighter, fruit-forward version of the Cherry Coke ice cream recipe. Just simmer it down first to concentrate the cherry notes and avoid a watery texture.
How to Make a Hard Cherry Cola
Cherry Coke ice cream recipe doesn’t have to stay G-rated. Add a splash of cherry bourbon, spiced rum, or cherry liqueur before freezing. Just one or two tablespoons add rich depth without compromising the freeze.
You can also soak chopped cherries in alcohol before folding them into your Cherry Coke ice cream recipe. It creates a smooth, boozy twist perfect for adult gatherings or pairing with fun dishes like Taco Cupcakes.
Whether you prefer a family-friendly version or an elevated spiked treat, the flavor options in this Cherry Coke ice cream recipe are refreshingly endless.
Serving Ideas and Storage Tips for Ultimate Enjoyment
Serving Cherry Coke Ice Cream the Right Way
Cherry Coke ice cream recipe is best served slightly softened. Let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes before scooping. That’s when the texture turns velvety and the flavors open up.
Try scooping it into soda shop glasses with whipped cream and a cherry for that nostalgic float vibe. You can sandwich it between Springtime Sugar Cookies or serve it next to something salty and savory like Creative Recipes for Leftover Taco Meat.
Storage Tips to Keep It Creamy
Cherry Coke ice cream recipe stays fresh for up to two weeks. Store in an airtight container with parchment or plastic wrap pressed to the surface. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the texture smooth.
If you added alcohol, expect a slightly softer texture. Always scoop what you need and return the rest to the freezer promptly. Label your container so you know when it was made, especially if you’re planning a dessert lineup from your Ice Cream Club Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to make Coca Cola ice cream at home?
Whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In a bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk with reduced cherry cola syrup. Fold into the whipped cream. Add chopped cherries. Freeze for 6 to 8 hours.
What happens when you mix ice cream and Coke?
Mixing creates a float. In this recipe, reducing the soda removes carbonation and intensifies flavor. When mixed into whipped cream, it creates a creamy, fizzy flavor without bubbles.
What is a substitute for cherry cola?
Use regular cola plus cherry syrup, jam, or maraschino cherry juice. You can also reduce cherry sparkling water with sugar.
How to make a hard cherry cola?
Add cherry bourbon, liqueur, or spiced rum to the mix. Limit to one or two tablespoons. Soaking cherries in alcohol before folding them in also works well.
Conclusion
Cherry Coke ice cream recipe is more than dessert. It’s a sweet reminder of summer and simplicity. Born from childhood memories and perfected through chef tested methods, it’s a nostalgic favorite anyone can make.
This Cherry Coke ice cream recipe is low effort and high reward. Whether you go classic, spiked, vegan, or crunchy, it’s a crowd pleaser. Whip it up today and make some sweet memories of your own.