Cherry Frozen Yogurt (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Fresh Cherry Mixture
01 -
1¼ cups fresh cherries, stems removed and roughly diced
02 -
1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
03 -
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
→ Creamy Yogurt Base
04 -
3 cups plain yogurt (preferably full-fat Greek style)
05 -
½ cup half-and-half cream
06 -
⅓ cup granulated sugar
07 -
2 tablespoons pure honey (or light corn syrup as alternative)
08 -
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat the diced cherries and brown sugar in a medium saucepan over moderate heat until bubbling. Lower the temperature and let it simmer for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture becomes thick and syrupy. Take off the heat, mix in the fresh lemon juice, and let it cool completely. Transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for at least one hour.
02 -
Place your 9x5 inch loaf pan directly in the freezer to get it nice and cold. This will help your frozen yogurt set up perfectly later.
03 -
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, half-and-half, granulated sugar, honey, and vanilla extract until everything is well blended and smooth. Pop this mixture in the refrigerator for about an hour to get it thoroughly chilled.
04 -
Pour your chilled yogurt mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's directions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
05 -
Scoop half of the freshly churned frozen yogurt into your frozen loaf pan. Dollop half of the cherry mixture over the top and use a butter knife to create beautiful swirls throughout. Add the remaining yogurt, top with the rest of the cherry mixture, and swirl again for those gorgeous ribbons of flavor.
06 -
Gently place a sheet of parchment paper directly on the surface of the frozen yogurt, then cover the entire pan tightly with plastic wrap. Freeze for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely firm and scoopable.
# Notes:
01 -
Feel free to swap the cherries for other seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, or raspberries for delicious variations.
02 -
For the creamiest texture, use full-fat Greek yogurt. Low-fat versions will work but won't be quite as rich and smooth.
03 -
Light corn syrup can be substituted for honey if preferred, maintaining the same smooth texture.