North Dakota

Chokecherry Ice Cream

From the wild prairies of the Peace Garden State comes this uniquely Northern Plains flavor. Native chokecherries give this ice cream a deep, complex berry taste - tart, slightly astringent, and utterly addictive - that's been treasured by generations of North Dakotans.

35 min churn time 8 servings Intermediate Prairie Wild
Jump to Ingredients

Equipment Needed

🍦
Ice Cream Maker
🥣
Large Mixing Bowl
🍳
Heavy Saucepan
🥄
Whisk
🧊
Freezer Container
🫙
Fine Mesh Strainer

Ingredients

For the Base:

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup sugar
5 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

For Chokecherry Swirl:

1 cup chokecherry syrup or jam
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1
If using chokecherry jam, warm with 2 tablespoons water and strain to remove seeds. If using syrup, warm and add lemon juice. Set aside to cool.
2
In a heavy saucepan, combine cream, milk, and half the sugar. Heat until steaming.
3
Whisk egg yolks with remaining sugar and salt until pale. Slowly temper with the hot cream mixture.
4
Return to saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until custard reaches 170-175 degrees F.
5
Strain custard, stir in vanilla and almond extracts. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
6
Stir 1/2 cup of the chokecherry mixture into the chilled custard for base flavor.
7
Churn in ice cream maker, about 25-30 minutes until thick and creamy.
8
Transfer to container in layers, drizzling remaining chokecherry syrup between each layer and swirling with a knife.
9
Freeze 4 hours until firm. Let sit 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Chokecherry Ice Cream

State Fruit

The chokecherry is North Dakota's official state fruit, growing wild throughout the prairies and river valleys.

Syrup Source

Look for chokecherry syrup at North Dakota farmers markets or make your own by cooking and straining the berries.

Unique Flavor

Chokecherries have a distinctive tart, slightly bitter taste - the almond extract enhances their natural cherry notes.

Strain the Seeds

Always strain chokecherry preparations - the pits contain compounds that shouldn't be consumed in quantity.

Pioneer Tradition

Plains settlers and Native Americans alike treasured chokecherries for jellies, syrups, and pemmican.

Serving Idea

Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of extra chokecherry syrup for a stunning purple presentation.