Weight Watchers-Friendly Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream
Ingredients:

For the Cherry Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or a sugar substitute like Stevia or Splenda for fewer points)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Ice Cream:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (substitute with light cream or half-and-half for fewer points)
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or skim milk
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (or a sugar substitute)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pinch of coarse sea salt
  • ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (use sugar-free chocolate chips for fewer points)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cherry Filling:

  • In a saucepan, combine cherries, water, sugar (or sugar substitute), and cornstarch.
  • Heat over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
  • Remove from heat and let cool on the counter for about an hour. Once cooled, refrigerate until chilled.

2. Make the Ice Cream Base:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together light cream, almond milk, sugar (or sugar substitute), vanilla extract, and a pinch of coarse sea salt until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Churn the Ice Cream:

  • Pour the ice cream base into the bowl of an ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for 20-30 minutes, until the ice cream begins to thicken.
  • When the ice cream starts to thicken, slowly add dark chocolate chips while the machine continues to churn.

4. Layer the Ice Cream and Cherry Filling:

  • Spoon ⅓ of the vanilla ice cream into a container.
  • Add a layer of chilled cherry filling over the ice cream.
  • Repeat with the remaining ice cream and cherry filling, creating layers.

5. Freeze:

  • Place a piece of wax paper directly on top of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming.
  • Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
  • Freeze for at least 2-3 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the ice cream to firm up.

Enjoy your creamy, cherry-filled, chocolate-speckled ice cream!

Weight Watchers Points:

  • Cherries (2 cups): 0 points
  • Water: 0 points
  • Sugar (or sugar substitute): ~18 points (substitute can reduce this)
  • Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): 1 point
  • Light Cream (1 cup): ~20 points (half-and-half)
  • Almond Milk or Skim Milk (1 cup): 1-2 points
  • Vanilla Extract: 0 points
  • Dark Chocolate Chips (¼ cup): ~8 points (sugar-free can reduce this)
  • Total Points per Serving (8 servings): ~4-5 points per serving

Tips:

  • Substitute Sugar: Using a sugar substitute like Stevia can significantly reduce the points in this recipe without sacrificing sweetness.
  • Portion Control: Make sure to serve yourself a small portion to stay within your points budget.
  • Freeze in Portions: Divide the ice cream into small containers before freezing to easily track your portion size.

Benefits:

  • Satisfies Sweet Cravings: This version allows you to enjoy a sweet treat without derailing your diet.
  • Lower in Fat and Calories: Using light cream and sugar substitutes reduces the overall calorie and fat content.
  • Antioxidants: Cherries and dark chocolate are both rich in antioxidants, making this a more nutritious dessert option.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: ~150 kcal
  • Fat: ~8g
  • Protein: ~2g
  • Carbs: ~20g
  • Fiber: ~2g
  • Weight Watchers Points: ~4-5 points per serving

This Weight Watchers-friendly version of Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream offers a lighter alternative to a classic summer treat while keeping the delicious flavors intact.