These Cherry and Cream Ice Cream Floats are a fun summer treat that's easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. Roasted cherries add a rich, homemade flavor that pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream and cream soda.
The cherry puree can be made ahead of time, making these floats an easy dessert for parties, cookouts, or family movie nights.
Ingredients
You'll only need four ingredients:
- Cherries – Tart cherries have the brightest flavor, but sweet cherries work well too.
- Sugar – Adds just enough sweetness while the cherries roast.
- Vanilla ice cream
- Cream soda – Vanilla cream soda is my favorite, but use your favorite brand.
How to Make Cherry and Cream Ice Cream Floats
Pit the cherries and toss them with the sugar. Spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast until they're softened and releasing their juices.
Transfer the roasted cherries to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add a splash of water if needed to help the mixture blend.
Stir the cherry puree together with the cream soda.
To serve, scoop vanilla ice cream into chilled glasses. Pour the cherry mixture over the ice cream, then top with a little extra cream soda for a frothy finish.
Garnish with fresh cherries, if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Roast the cherries ahead of time to make assembly quick.
- Tart cherries give the floats a more balanced flavor, but sweet cherries are delicious too.
- Chill your glasses before serving to help keep the floats cold.
- Serve immediately while the soda is bubbly and the ice cream is frozen.
Variations
- Use black cherry or cherry vanilla ice cream.
- Try vanilla bean or French vanilla ice cream.
- Substitute black cherry soda for a stronger cherry flavor.
- Top with whipped cream and extra cherries.
Other Cherry Recipe
If cherries are your thing, let me share a few other recipes you might like!
- Cherry Vinaigrette
- Dark Chocolate and Dried Cherry Cookies
- Cherry Slab Pie
- Blueberry and Cherry Galettes
Cherry and Cream Ice Cream Float
Equipment
- baking sheet, food processor or blender
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh cherries pitted
- 3 to 6 tablespoons granulated sugar use more for tart cherries, less for sweet
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream
- 2 liters cream soda
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, if desired.
- Spread the cherries on the baking sheet and toss with the sugar.
- Roast for 10–15 minutes, or until the cherries are softened and have released their juices.
- Transfer the cherries and their juices to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, adding 1–2 tablespoons of water only if needed.
- Let the cherry puree cool, then stir it into the cream soda.
- Scoop vanilla ice cream into chilled glasses. Slowly pour the cherry cream soda mixture over the ice cream and serve immediately.
Notes
Notes
- Tart cherries create a brighter, more tangy flavor, while sweet cherries make a sweeter float.
- Roasted cherry puree can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Pour the cream soda slowly to help reduce foaming.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!