Fresh Cherry Milkshakes
There's nothing like a fruity dessert, and this fresh Cherry Milkshake has it all, including a little booze which is totally optional, plus a puddle of soft chocolate ganache on the bottom.
Why You'll Love this Recipe
Once upon a time, I made milkshakes after school at the local hangout. Back then, we made them the "real" way, with fresh strawberry puree, or heavy-handed squirts of thick chocolate sauce and whole milk, whizzed together on giant mixers.
These old-fashioned milkshakes took some time, but they were thick, cold and especially wonderful with a side of hot french fries. I'm salivating just thinking about it.
When the weather's warm, a fresh Cherry Milkshake really hits the spot. Here's some good reasons to make them!
Fresh cherries are a luxury, and they are so good in a milkshake
Add some brandy if you'd like! It's totally optional, but adds an amazing depth of flavor and a big shot of fun.
If this weren't enough, there's a little puddle of soft chocolate ganache hiding patiently at the bottom, so grab a spoon.
This shake has a delightful cherry flavor and is super decadent.....yes yes yes!
For the full recipe, please scroll to the recipe card below.
Bittersweet Chocolate: Just two ounces are needed, which we'll use to make the ganache (soft chocolate) for the bottom of each glass.
Heavy Cream: Also for the ganache, which is just a soft, chocolate filling or topping.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Can't make a milkshake without this!
Cherries: Pitted fresh which is easy to do. Just wash the cherries, remove the stem, make a small knife cut on the side of the cherry and pop the pit out with your fingers. Save a few whole cherries for garnish.
Brandy: OPTIONAL, but really fun as a dessert for the adults.
Milk: Another key ingredient! Use non-dairy milk and cream if you like.
Honey: For a little extra sweetness.
Almond extract: Just a touch, and if you don't have it and don't want to buy it, just use pure vanilla extract.
Whipped Topping: To top off each glass for extra deliciousness.
Make the ganache by simply heating the cream in a saucepan and pouring it over the chocolate squares in a small bowl. Done and done (except for some stirring after it sits.)
Place the pitted cherries in a bowl and pour the brandy on top. Let this wonderfulness sit and marinate for about 30 minutes.
Make the milkshakes by putting the ice cream, cherries, milk, honey and almond extract in a blender and process on high until smooth. Add more honey if you like it sweeter. Add more milk, a little at a time if it's too thick.
Divide the chocolate ganache into the bottom of each serving glass.
Pour the cherry milkshake on top and garnish with whipped cream and fresh cherries and enjoy!
I used Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate baking bar (squares) for this recipe.
Frozen pitted cherries work great instead of fresh, just defrost for about 30 minutes first.
You can leave the alcohol out of this shake completely. It's delish both ways!
Make this recipe into two larger servings instead of four, or double the recipe for eight servings.
Use best-quality vanilla ice cream in this recipe, you won't regret it.
Shakes too thick? Just add a little more milk.
Pure vanilla extract is fine instead of almond extract.
You can swap regular ice cream, milk, heavy cream and whipped topping for non-dairy versions of each in this recipe.
Serve the shakes in disposable glasses on a big tray for BBQ's and cookouts. Make a non-alcoholic version for the kids. Serve with plenty of spoons for the chocolate on the bottom.
Can I skip the alcohol in this recipe?
Yes! Its a great recipe with or without it.
What if I can't find fresh cherries?
Frozen cherries to the rescue! They will work great in this recipe.
Can I double the recipe?
Sure can. You can also make these smaller and serve to a crowd for a fun dessert.
Fresh Cherry Milkshakes
A wonderful, fruity dessert!
Course: Dessert
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
▢ 2 ounces Bittersweet Chocolate (60% cocao)
▢ 3 tablespoons Heavy Cream
▢ 3 cups Vanilla Ice Cream
▢ 1 ½ cups Cherries, fresh or frozen, pitted plus extra for garnish
▢ 1 ½ ounces Brandy optional
▢ 1 cup Milk
▢ 2 teaspoons Honey
▢ ¼ teaspoon Almond Extract
▢ ⅔ cup Whipped Topping, for garnish
Instructions
MAKE THE CHOCOLATE GANACHE
Heat the cream in a small saucepan until it bubbles and simmers and is heated all the way through but not boiling.
Place the chocolate squares in a small heat-proof bowl. Pour the warm cream over the top. Let this sit for five minutes, then whisk it together with a fork or whisk until smooth.
IF USING BRANDY IN THIS RECIPE: Place the pitted cherries in a medium-sized bowl and pour the brandy on top, stir it together and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to marinate.
Otherwise, just proceed with the recipe and skip this step of brandy soaking.
BLEND THE MILKSHAKES
Place the ice cream, cherries, milk, honey and almond extract in a blender, process on high speed until smooth. Add a bit more honey for sweetness or more milk if too thick at this point.
TO SERVE:
Divide the chocolate ganache in spoon fulls on the bottom on of your serving glasses. Pour the cherry milkshake over the top.
Add a third cup (⅓) of whipped topping and another cherry to garnish.
Notes
I used Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate baking bar (squares) for this recipe
You can leave the alcohol out of this shake completely…delicious both ways.
You can make this recipe into 2 larger servings instead of 4, or double the recipe for 8 servings
Use best-quality vanilla ice cream here, you won’t regret it.
Shakes too thick? Add a little more milk.
You can swap regular ice cream, milk, heavy cream and whipped topping for non-dairy versions of each in this recipe.