Black Cherry
An almond-scented or vanilla base studded with dark, tart black cherries. It is pinkish-purple from the fruit, with a sweet-tart contrast.
| Category | Ice Cream & Frozen |
|---|---|
| Maker / Origin | United States |
| Storage | Keep sealed in the back of the freezer, away from strong odors. |
| Shelf life | About 2 to 3 months in the freezer unopened; about 1 to 2 months once opened. |
| Best uses | Sundaes, banana splits, milkshakes, and eating plain. |
| Substitutes | Cherry vanilla ice cream, or cherry sorbet for a dairy-free fruit version. |
| Pairings | Chocolate, almonds, whipped cream, and waffle cones. |
| Last checked | October 18, 2026 |
About it
Black cherry ice cream came from the soda-fountain era's love of cherry sodas and sundaes. The dark, almost black color comes from the cherry variety and often a little coloring. Tart cherry pieces cut the sweet base, which is why it works better than sweet cherries would.
Storing it
The fruit pieces freeze hardest; temper a few minutes before scooping. Finish within about a month of opening.
Using it
Serve black cherry in a waffle cone or bowl as a sundae with whipped cream. Pair it with chocolate scoops for a cherry-chocolate combination.
Swaps & pairings
Cherry vanilla is the closest flavor, lighter in fruit. A cherry sorbet plus whipped cream approximates the bowl without dairy.
More from this maker: United States