Cherry Coke Ice Cream
There are certain recipes that bring a big smile to everyone’s face the moment you mention them, and this Cherry Coke Ice Cream is definitely one of them in our household. I still remember the first time I made it, my kids peeked into the freezer every 30 minutes just to see if it was ready! I decided to try this recipe after a trip down memory lane when I saw an old-fashioned soda fountain photo online. Something about the nostalgic combination of cherries and cola just screamed “summer happiness” to me.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. You don’t need an ice cream maker, and it’s so creamy and flavorful thanks to the rich heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk. The cherry and cola flavors complement each other beautifully, giving you that perfect balance of fruity sweetness and bubbly soda-inspired zing. The chocolate shavings on top and those bright red cherries take it to another level visually and flavor-wise.
When I served this for the first time, my husband said it tasted like something you’d get at a fancy ice cream shop, while my kids immediately asked if I could make it “every week.” It’s safe to say it’s become one of our go-to frozen desserts for hot days, backyard barbecues, and special movie nights. Whether you’re making it for your family or a party, this is one recipe that’s sure to win hearts and make memories.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Do I need an ice cream maker?
No, this recipe is no-churn and can be made with just a mixing bowl and freezer-safe container.
Can I use diet cola?
Use regular sweetened cherry cola here. Diet cola will not make the same reduced sugar syrup and is not a direct substitute in this formula.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, you can use coconut cream and a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk substitute.
How long does it take to freeze?
Allow at least 6 hours or overnight after mixing. You also need time to reduce the cola and cool the syrup completely before folding it into the cream.
Can I add chocolate or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or even extra cherry pieces work wonderfully.
What You Need to Make Cherry Coke Ice Cream
2 cups heavy cream, cold
No additional whole milk is needed for this no-churn base.
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 fl oz) can regular cherry cola, reduced to about ⅓ cup and cooled completely
½ cup chopped pitted fresh cherries or well-drained maraschino cherries, patted dry
2 tablespoons chocolate shavings (optional)
Maraschino cherries for topping
Freezer-safe container
Mixing bowls and hand or stand mixer
How to Make Cherry Coke Ice Cream
First simmer the cherry cola in a saucepan until reduced to about ⅓ cup, approximately 25–30 minutes, watching closely near the end so it does not scorch. Transfer to a heatproof bowl, cool, then refrigerate until cold, allowing about 30 minutes. Only then whip the cold heavy cream to stiff peaks.
In a separate bowl, whisk the full can of sweetened condensed milk with the cold reduced cherry-cola syrup until combined. Do not add whole milk or unreduced soda.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cola mixture until smooth and airy.
Gently fold in the chopped, patted-dry cherries and half of the chocolate shavings, if using.
Transfer to a freezer-safe container holding at least 2 quarts and sprinkle any remaining chocolate shavings on top. Cover tightly.
Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight, until firm throughout.
Scoop into bowls or cones and top with maraschino cherries before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Cherry Coke Ice Cream
Chill Your Bowl & Cream: Cold equipment helps the cream whip faster and stay fluffy.
Reduce the Cola: Measure the finished syrup; one 12-fl-oz can should reduce to about ⅓ cup. Cool it completely before adding it to the dairy base.
Add Crunch: Sprinkle crushed cookies or graham crackers on top before serving for extra texture.
Go Big on Presentation: Those maraschino cherries and chocolate curls make it look irresistible.
Storage Tip: Cover with plastic wrap before freezing to prevent ice crystals.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was amazing! My kids went nuts for it, and I love that it’s so simple.” – Jenny M.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved the flavor, but I might add more cherries next time. Still a keeper!” – Chris W.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Made it for a BBQ and it disappeared fast! Everyone wanted the recipe.” – Tasha L.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great taste, but I wish it froze a bit faster. Next time I’ll make it the night before.” – Mike P.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The perfect summer treat. It tastes like a fancy soda fountain ice cream.” – Rachel D.
Printable Recipe
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Cherry Coke Ice Cream
This no-churn Cherry Coke Ice Cream is the ultimate nostalgic dessert with the perfect blend of creamy texture, sweet cherries, and refreshing cola flavor. Easy to make without an ice cream machine, it’s ideal for summer gatherings or family nights at home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream, cold
- No additional whole milk is needed for this no-churn base.
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 fl oz) can regular cherry cola, reduced to about ⅓ cup and cooled completely
- ½ cup chopped pitted fresh cherries or well-drained maraschino cherries, patted dry
- 2 tablespoons chocolate shavings (optional)
- Maraschino cherries for topping
- Freezer-safe container
- Mixing bowls and hand or stand mixer
Instructions
- First simmer the cherry cola in a saucepan until reduced to about ⅓ cup, approximately 25–30 minutes, watching closely near the end so it does not scorch. Transfer to a heatproof bowl, cool, then refrigerate until cold, allowing about 30 minutes. Only then whip the cold heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the full can of sweetened condensed milk with the cold reduced cherry-cola syrup until combined. Do not add whole milk or unreduced soda.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cola mixture until smooth and airy.
- Gently fold in the chopped, patted-dry cherries and half of the chocolate shavings, if using.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container holding at least 2 quarts and sprinkle any remaining chocolate shavings on top. Cover tightly.
- Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight, until firm throughout.
- Scoop into bowls or cones and top with maraschino cherries before serving.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
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