Cranberry Ice Cream Recipe
Introduction
This Cranberry Ice Cream is a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining the creamy richness of vanilla ice cream with the tartness of cranberries. Perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you want a refreshing, festive dessert.

Ingredients
- 48 oz vanilla ice cream
- 14 oz whole cranberry sauce (canned)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Step 1: Let the vanilla ice cream soften slightly at room temperature. Transfer it to a mixing bowl, then add the whole cranberry sauce. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Step 2: Gently fold in the dried cranberries using a spatula to evenly distribute them without deflating the ice cream. Return the mixture to the original container and freeze for several hours or overnight until firm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra texture, toast the dried cranberries lightly before folding them in.
- Substitute fresh cranberries cooked into a sauce if you prefer a homemade touch.
- Try adding a splash of orange zest or cinnamon to brighten the flavors.
Storage
Store the cranberry ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned sauce?
Yes, you can make a simple cranberry sauce by simmering fresh cranberries with sugar and a bit of water until they burst and thicken. Cool before mixing with the ice cream.
Will the dried cranberries stay soft in the ice cream?
Dried cranberries will remain chewy, offering a nice contrast to the creamy ice cream. If you prefer them softer, soak them briefly in warm water or juice before adding.
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Cranberry Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours (including freezing time)
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
This Cranberry Ice Cream recipe combines the creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream with the tart and fruity flavors of whole cranberry sauce and dried cranberries. It’s a delightful, easy-to-make frozen dessert perfect for holiday treats or anytime you crave a refreshing and flavorful ice cream twist.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 48 oz vanilla ice cream
- 14 oz whole cranberry sauce (canned)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Soften the ice cream: Let the vanilla ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes until it softens slightly, making it easier to mix.
- Mix cranberry sauce: Place the softened vanilla ice cream in a mixer bowl, add the whole cranberry sauce, and mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Fold in dried cranberries: Gently fold the dried cranberries into the ice cream mixture using a spatula to evenly distribute them without deflating the ice cream.
- Refreeze: Transfer the cranberry ice cream back to its container and freeze for several hours or overnight to allow it to firm up and the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Allow ice cream to soften slightly to ensure easy mixing without melting completely.
- Use whole cranberry sauce for texture; jellied sauce is not recommended.
- Folding dried cranberries helps keep their shape and adds chewy texture.
- Freezing overnight gives the best consistency and flavor blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry ice cream, homemade ice cream, cranberry dessert, vanilla ice cream, holiday dessert

