This quick and easy, fresh Cherry Sauce recipe makes a wonderful topping for a simple, delicious vanilla ice cream dessert! Perfect for summer entertaining!
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Fresh Cherry Sauce for Ice Cream Topping
A quick pop in the oven makes this simple, fresh cherry sauce for ice cream.
Nothing beats a homemade sauce for topping ice cream. Cherries make the perfect fruit topping because their bright, tart flavor perfectly complements the rich, sweetness of the ice cream.
Roasting cherries makes them absolutely magical! Sprinkle cherries with a little sugar, roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes, and they come out like shiny, glistening rubies! Their flavor intensifies and they have just the right amount of syrupiness for spooning over ice cream.
No thickener is needed for this Cherry Sauce without cornstarch. The sauce thickens naturally in the oven. It’s just pure, cherry goodness.
Perfect for Summer Entertaining
Vanilla Ice Cream with Roasted Cherry Sauce makes the perfect quick and easy dessert for summer entertaining. Nothing says summer like a bowl of creamy, dreamy ice cream drizzled with syrupy, tart cherries!
Ice Cream with Roasted Cherry Sauce Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh pitted cherries
- Sugar – You can use regular granulated sugar or raw sugar to taste, adding more for a sweeter sauce and less for a tarter sauce.
- Pinch of salt – brings out the flavor of the cherries
How to make Cherry Sauce
- Put cherries in a baking dish and sprinkle with sugar and a pinch of salt.
- Bake in a 400 degree F preheated oven for about 20 minutes until the juices have released and start to become syrupy.
Variations
- Add a few leaves of fresh basil when roasting the cherries for a wonderful flavor combination.
- Top with toasted, sliced almonds for added flavor and texture.
- If you would like a tarter flavor, depending on your cherries, add a little lemon juice.
- Sweet or sour cherries can be used, just adjust the flavoring with more or less sugar and/or lemon juice.
Tips for success
Keep an eye on the cherries while roasting so that the sauce doesn’t brown. It can go from syrupy to burnt pretty quickly.
Use a baking dish that fits the cherries in a single layer without being too big. Too much open space in the pan will cause the juices to evaporate and burn faster. I use a 7 by 11-inch baking dish or a pie dish.
FAQ
Can I make this Cherry Sauce on the stovetop?
Yes. Combine the ingredients along with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and ⅓ cup of water in a sauce pan. Bring to a gentle boil and cook until the sauce is thickened, about 8-10 minutes.
Can I make this Cherry Sauce with frozen cherries?
You can use frozen cherries, but thaw them first. The color might not be as vibrant and the cherries will be softer because they were frozen.
Can Cherry Sauce be made in advance?
Yes. It can be made several hours in advance. Cover it with plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature until ready to serve.
Recipe
Ice Cream with Roasted Cherry Sauce
Ingredients
- Vanilla Ice Cream
- 1 lb cherries pitted (from about 1 ⅓ pounds fresh cherries)
- 1 - 4 tablespoons sugar or to taste
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Put cherries in a baking dish and sprinkle with sugar and a pinch of salt.
- Bake in a 400 degree F preheated oven for about 20 minutes until juices have released and start to become syrupy. Watch carefully that the juices don’t burn.
- Serve warm or at room temperature on top of scoops of ice cream.
Notes
- If you would like a tarter flavor, depending on your cherries, add a little lemon juice.
- Sweet or sour cherries can be used, just adjust the flavoring with more or less sugar and/or lemon juice.
- Keep an eye on the cherries while roasting so that the sauce doesn’t brown. It can go from syrupy to burnt pretty quickly.
- Use a baking dish that fits the cherries in a single layer without being too big. Too much open space in the pan will cause the juices to evaporate and burn faster. I use a 7 by 11-inch baking dish or a pie dish.
Nutrition
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Sheila says
So delicious. Very simple receipe with grand results. Thank You
Kelly says
So happy you liked it, Sheila! Thanks so much!
Susan says
What a luscious topping those roasted cherries make! I've seen Tillamook cheeses here but haven't noticed the ice cream in our area yet. Next time I shop, I'll see if I can find it.
Kelly says
It's definitely my favorite ice cream! So creamy and the perfect vanilla flavor. Thanks so much, Susan!
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
I have to head to my grocery store tomorrow and will definitely be buying cherries...they sound great roasted.
Kelly says
They're wonderful! Thanks so much, Karen!
mjskitchen says
Last year I discovered roasting grapes and became addicted. I can now imagine the scrumptiousness of roasted cherries. And over ice cream - that would be hard to beat! It's been years since I've had a bowl of Tillimook vanilla ice cream, but I can still taste it. So good!
Kelly says
Roasting fruit brings out such wonderful flavor! Thanks so much, MJ!
David Scott Allen says
Love cherries on vanilla ice cream! But can also imagine variations on the cherries to use with duck, chicken, and pork!
Kelly says
That would be wonderful, David! Thanks so much!
Balvinder says
Wonderful, Kelly. Such a delicious diy cherry sauce recipe, and all the things you can do with it!
Kelly says
Thanks so much, Balvinder!
John / Kitchen Riffs says
By coincidence we tried Tillamook ice cream for the first time last week end (different flavor, though). Not bad! Anyway, this looks terrific -- lotta flavor. Really nice recipe -- thanks.
Kelly says
Thanks so much, John!
Easyfoodsmith says
I would love to try your cherry sauce recipe once the cherry season begins here. It sounds perfect!
Kelly says
Thanks so much, Taruna!
Raymund says
I want some! that looks so good
Kelly says
Thanks so much, Raymund!
sherry says
i like the sound of the roast cherry sauce. Roasting would really bring out the flavour.
Kelly says
I love the flavor roasting fruit brings! Thanks so much, Sherry!
Laura says
Love this, Kelly! So easy! I love anything with fresh cherries, and I also happen to have that exact ice cream in my freezer! Being from the Pacific NW, I totally appreciate anything Tillamook! Love this!
Kelly says
It's so dreamy! Thanks so much, Laura!
Cookie Monster says
I really like the Tillamook Old-Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream, it's probably my favorite. Your Roasted Cherry Sauce makes it even better.
Kelly says
Thanks so much, Cookie Monster!
angiesrecipes says
This makes a really wonderful dessert when the cherries are in season. Love that aged Cheddar!
Kelly says
It's so good! Thanks so much, Angie!