Cherry Coke Ice Cream (No-Churn)

Thank you so much for stopping by! If you’ve been craving a dessert that feels like summer in a spoon—this Cherry Coke Ice Cream (No-Churn) is about to make your nostalgic heart very happy. Right after the H1, let me say: this recipe is not only a tribute to soda-fountain memories, but it’s also surprisingly easy and requires zero special equipment.

What Is Cherry Coke Ice Cream?

Cherry Coke Ice Cream is a no-churn frozen dessert that brings together the creamy richness of vanilla ice cream with the bubbly sweetness of Coca-Cola and the juicy, candy-bright pop of maraschino cherries. It’s a throwback flavor—reminding me of sipping cherry cola with friends at summer cookouts—but all grown up in the form of an irresistibly smooth ice cream.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

• No ice cream maker needed! That’s the magic of the no-churn method.
• A fun, nostalgic flavor that brings childhood back to life.
• Simple pantry ingredients, and only about 15 minutes of prep.
• Creamy, dreamy texture that scoops like a dream!
• A showstopper for summer BBQs, birthdays, or late-night treats.

What Does It Taste Like?

Imagine your favorite vanilla cream soda float—but frozen into the smoothest, silkiest ice cream imaginable. The flat Coke adds subtle caramel and cola undertones, while the cherry juice and chopped cherries bring juicy bursts in every bite. It’s fizzy, fruity, creamy, and sweet—all at once. Anything but boring!!

Healthier Than You Think

Believe it or not, this indulgent treat is relatively light on added sugar thanks to the sweetened condensed milk doing double-duty: sweetening and thickening. Plus, there’s no need for egg yolks or stovetop cooking. It’s a one-bowl (well, two-bowl) wonder that lets you skip the fuss without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients for Cherry Coke Ice Cream

You’ll need just a few easy-to-find ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream (cold) – the base for that luxurious, scoopable texture.
• 1 cup whole milk – adds creaminess without making it too heavy.
• ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk – naturally sweet and rich.
• ½ cup Coca-Cola (flat, room temperature) – subtle fizz-inspired flavor.
• ½ tsp vanilla extract – rounds out the cola-cherry flavors.
• ¾ cup maraschino cherries, chopped – little jewels of sweet-tart flavor.
• ¼ cup maraschino cherry juice (from the jar) – enhances the cherry notes beautifully.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Electric mixer or hand whisk (you can whip cream by hand!)
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Loaf pan or freezer-safe container
• Spatula for folding
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredient Swaps & Additions

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!

• Swap Coke for Cherry Coke for a stronger flavor hit.
• Use Luxardo cherries or fresh pitted cherries for a deeper, more natural cherry flavor.
• Chocolate chips or chunks stirred in for a Cherry Coke Chocolate twist!
• Add crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers on top before freezing for texture.

How to Make Cherry Coke Ice Cream (No-Churn)

Step 1: Flatten the Soda

This step is key! Pour your Coke into a glass and let it sit for 30–60 minutes until it’s flat and room temp. This prevents the ice cream from becoming too airy or icy—trust me, it makes a difference.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. It should be firm and cloud-like. Set it aside while you prepare the base.

Step 3: Mix the Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, flat Coca-Cola, vanilla extract, and maraschino cherry juice. The mixture will be thin and aromatic.

Step 4: Fold Gently

Now for the magic. Gently fold the whipped cream into the liquid base using a spatula. Take your time—overmixing can deflate the cream. The mixture should be light and airy, like mousse.

Step 5: Add the Cherries

Stir in the chopped maraschino cherries. I love how the red pops against the pale ice cream!

Step 6: Freeze It!

Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or any freezer-safe container. Smooth the top, cover with plastic wrap or a lid, and freeze for at least 6 hours, or overnight for best results.

What to Serve with Cherry Coke Ice Cream

• In a waffle cone (classic!)
• Topped with mini chocolate chips or crushed Oreos
• With a drizzle of hot fudge sauce
• As a float in a glass of Cherry Coke for double the flavor
• Sandwich between chocolate cookies for an epic ice cream sandwich

Tips for the Creamiest Ice Cream

• Use cold heavy cream—it whips faster and holds better.
• Don’t skip letting the Coke go flat!
• Fold gently—this helps keep your ice cream smooth and light.
• Freeze overnight if you can—it makes scooping easier and texture perfect.
• Want pretty swirls? Drizzle extra cherry juice before freezing and gently ripple with a knife.

How to Store Cherry Coke Ice Cream

Keep your ice cream tightly covered in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks. If it gets a little firm, just let it sit on the counter for 5–10 minutes before scooping. It’s still dreamy and creamy after days in the freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use diet soda?

I don’t recommend it—diet sodas have artificial sweeteners and carbonation that can affect the texture and flavor. Stick with classic Coca-Cola or Cherry Coke for best results.

Can I use fresh cherries?

Yes! Pit and finely chop them. Just note they may be less sweet and a bit more tart than maraschino cherries.

What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?

Unfortunately, there’s no perfect substitute here. The condensed milk is essential for sweetness and creaminess in no-churn ice cream.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure your mixing bowl and freezer container are large enough. You’ll also need a bit more time for it to fully freeze.

Wrap-Up: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This One

This Cherry Coke Ice Cream (No-Churn) is more than just a recipe—it’s a frozen time machine. It’s the laughter of summer nights, the sparkle of fireworks, and the sweetness of simpler days—all captured in one scoop. And with no ice cream maker required, it’s a treat you can whip up any time the craving hits.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be reaching for a second helping before the first one’s even done.

Share Your Scoop!

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Leave a review below, and tag your photos on Pinterest or Instagram with #mmmrecipes so we can drool together.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 285
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugars: 21g
• Protein: 3g

Print