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I know what we are all thinking: summer must be coming. Or at the very least, summer should be near. And what better way than celebrating the best season ever with the recipe for amarena gelato?

This version of the amarena gelato everyone loves here in Italy is actually vegan, though you wouldn’t even be able to tell, and is made using our new toy, a Ninja Creami. The decision to go vegan is solely down to the fact that Fred, who has moved in just before Christmas, has now been vegan for a couple of years, and we have had to adjust so that she can try some of the food we get to make pretty much on a daily basis.

But enough of my ramblings, let’s get down to business and get you the recipe for this amarena gelato, delicious, easy, and vegan too. If this ain’t the best day ever, I don’t know what is.

Table of Contents

Delicious amarena gelato, made with the Ninja Creami

There’s something wildly nostalgic about amarena cherries. Sticky, sweet, and a little bit tart: they bring back memories of summer holidays, messy gelato cones, and licking your fingers clean before anyone noticed. And now? We’re recreating that magic at home with our Amarena Gelato recipe made in the Ninja Creami.

This one’s creamy, decadent, and bursting with flavor, like the kind of gelato you’d find tucked away in a hidden corner of Italy, served with a wink and a small spoon. It’s the most delicious amarena gelato you’ll try, and did we mention is also vegan?

What are cherries? Are they good for you?

Cherries have been around for millennia: ancient Greeks, Romans, and Chinese all cultivated them. The name cherry comes from the Turkish town of Cerasus, where Romans discovered the fruit and brought it back to Europe. They’ve since become staples in kitchens, bakeries, and cocktail bars across the globe.

Cherries may be small, but their world is vast, colorful, and full of nuance. Whether sweet or sour, fresh or preserved, each variety offers a unique blend of taste, texture, and tradition.

Let’s see some of the varieties that are available in the cherry world:

Bing cherries are the most iconic sweet cherries around. With their deep red, almost black skin and juicy, rich flavor, they define what most people think of when they imagine cherries. They’re perfect for snacking, baking, or adding a burst of sweetness to desserts;
Rainier cherries are the golden gems of the cherry world. Their pale yellow skin with a red blush stands out instantly, and their flavor is delicate, floral, and less acidic than darker varieties. Though they bruise easily, Rainiers are a favorite for fresh eating and pairing with creamy cheeses or light desserts;
Lapins cherries are a larger, firmer alternative to Bing with an intensely sweet flavor and a satisfying crunch. They’re also self-pollinating and weather-resistant, making them a favorite among growers. Their dense texture holds up beautifully in preserves and dried cherry mixes;
Montmorency cherries are the most widely grown tart cherries, known for their bright red color and bold, tangy flavor. They’re the go-to variety for classic cherry pies, jams, and juices. These cherries are also praised for their health benefits, particularly their high antioxidant content;
Morello cherries are deeply pigmented, both in skin and flesh, and have a strong tart flavor with slightly bitter undertones. Popular in European recipes, they shine in rich desserts like Black Forest cake, as well as in sour cherry preserves and liqueurs;
Balaton cherries originate from Hungary and offer a complex, wine-like flavor that bridges the gap between sweet and tart. They’re darker and richer than Montmorency cherries, and are ideal for making juice, compotes, or bold fruit sauces for both sweet and savory dishes;
Amarena cherries are small, wild Italian cherries preserved in a thick, dark syrup, most famously by the brand Fabbri. These cherries have a sweet-tart, balsamic-like flavor that makes them perfect for spooning over gelato, panna cotta, or even cocktails. They’re a staple in Italian pastry kitchens.
Marasca cherries are an old-world variety native to the Dalmatian coast and Italy, primarily used to make Maraschino liqueur. Unlike the neon red cocktail cherries, real marascas are dark, bitter-sweet, and deeply aromatic, with a complex flavor that’s prized in mixology and baking;
Chelan cherries ripen earlier than most, making them one of the first sweet cherries to appear in markets each year. They’re firm, mildly sweet, and low in acidity, making them a reliable choice for growers and a refreshing early-summer treat for consumers;
Stella cherries are bright red, moderately sweet, and perfect for home gardeners thanks to their self-fertile trees. Their soft flesh and thinner skin make them better suited to fresh eating or baking rather than long storage, but their flavor is subtle and pleasant.

But cherries aren’t just delicious: they’re nutritional powerhouses packed with health-supporting compounds, even in this amarena gelato. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh in season, preserved in syrup, or blended into a creamy gelato like this amarena gelato, you’re also giving your body a quiet boost of goodness. Let’s see some of those benefits together:

Rich in antioxidants (especially anthocyanins): Cherries owe their deep red and purple colors to anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress. This matters because oxidative stress contributes to aging, inflammation, and chronic diseases like heart issues and certain cancers. Regularly eating cherries can support your body in fighting off these damaging effects while giving your skin and cells some love from the inside out;
Natural anti-inflammatory support: Both sweet and tart cherries have been shown to reduce inflammation markers in the body. This makes them particularly helpful for people with arthritis, chronic pain, or inflammatory conditions. Athletes also turn to tart cherry juice to reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery after workouts, making cherries a natural alternative to over-the-counter pain relievers;
Support better sleep (natural melatonin source): Unlike most fruits, cherries (especially tart ones) contain natural melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Drinking a small glass of tart cherry juice before bed or having a few cherries in the evening can help improve sleep quality, shorten the time it takes to fall asleep, and even support deeper rest without the need for synthetic supplements;
Boost heart health: Cherries are rich in potassium, which plays a key role in lowering blood pressure, balancing fluids, and supporting heart rhythm. The antioxidants and polyphenols in cherries also help protect blood vessels from damage, reduce LDL cholesterol (the “bad” kind), and promote overall cardiovascular wellness. They’re a sweet and juicy way to care for your heart;
Aid muscle recovery and reduce soreness: Tart cherries have been studied for their ability to reduce exercise-induced muscle damage. Whether you’re a casual walker or a gym regular, drinking tart cherry juice or eating dried tart cherries post-workout can reduce muscle pain and inflammation. Some studies even show improved strength recovery over time;
Support digestion and gut health: While cherries aren’t the highest in fiber, they still offer a helpful boost, especially when eaten with the skin on. The fiber helps maintain healthy digestion and regularity, while the natural fruit acids in cherries can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes. They’re a gentle and sweet way to support your gut;
Contribute to emotional and mental wellbeing: Beyond the science, there’s something emotionally nourishing about cherries. Their flavor is tied to memory and comfort, and the experience of eating them (fresh from a market stand or preserved in syrup) can feel deeply satisfying. That sensory joy contributes to our overall sense of happiness and wellbeing, which is just as important as physical health. And who’s going to stop us from eating this amarena gelato by the spoon now?!

What is amarena gelato, and where is it from?

In case you were wondering, Amarena gelato is a traditional Italian frozen dessert made with a creamy vanilla or fior di latte (sweet milk) gelato base, swirled with ribbons of amarena cherry syrup and often dotted with pieces of the cherries themselves. The contrast between the smooth, milky base and the intense, slightly tart syrup creates a luxurious, layered flavor that’s both nostalgic and indulgent.

Amarena gelato was inspired by the famous Amarena Fabbri cherries that come from Bologna and Modena, in the Emilia-Romagna region. These small wild cherries are preserved in a thick, dark syrup made from their own juice and sugar, a method developed by Gennaro Fabbri in the early 1900s. The iconic blue-and-white ceramic jars are now a beloved symbol of Italian culinary heritage.

This amarena gelato became a classic flavor in Italian gelaterie and is often associated with old-school, artisanal ice cream counters. It captures the essence of Italy’s approach to dessert: simple ingredients elevated by craftsmanship and a deep respect for regional flavors. Because we tend to live the lazy life, we have recently purchased a Ninja Creami and I can already tell you, it’s bloody brilliant.

What is a Ninja Creami?

The Ninja Creami is a modern ice cream maker that’s completely changed how people create frozen desserts at home. This is not a sponsored post or item in any way, but we have been loving it so far and can’t believe the things we are managing to do with it.

Unlike traditional machines that churn the mixture as it freezes, the Ninja Creami uses a unique two-step process: first, you freeze your base mixture in a pint-sized container until it’s completely solid (usually overnight). Then, when you’re ready to enjoy it, the machine uses a powerful spinning blade to shave and re-blend the frozen block into a smooth, creamy texture, essentially “churning” it on demand. This approach allows for incredible flexibility and customization.

You can make everything from classic ice cream and Italian-style gelato, like we did with this plant-based amarena gelato, to sorbet, smoothie bowls, frozen yogurt, and even high-protein or dairy-free alternatives. One of its most popular features is the ability to control texture and add mix-ins (like amarena cherries or chocolate chunks) after the first spin. It’s become a favorite among home cooks and food lovers for delivering scoop-shop quality with just a few ingredients and no fuss. Which, as you might have understood, has been a huge selling point for us.

Three bowls of amarena gelato on a marble counter, each topped with cherry syrup and amarena cherries. A soft cream-colored napkin and a vintage spoon add a cozy touch, with a potted plant and gelato container in the background.

A focused view of three glass bowls filled with oat-based amarena gelato, swirled with cherry syrup and topped with dark amarena cherries. The setup includes a marble surface, vintage spoon, and a soft napkin for a rustic, homemade feel.

What ingredients do I need to make this amarena gelato?

This amarena cherry gelato does not require many ingredients, so let’s see them together and analyse how they work together to achieve this brilliant amarena gelato, which also happens to be vegan!

Oat Cream: This is the heart of your amarena gelato’s texture. Oat cream is a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream, made from oats and often enriched with oils or thickeners to mimic the rich mouthfeel of traditional cream. It brings a smooth, velvety consistency without overpowering the delicate cherry flavor. Compared to coconut or soy cream, oat cream is more neutral in flavor and pairs beautifully with fruit-based gelato. It helps the gelato feel indulgent and creamy, even without dairy;
Oat Milk: Oat milk balances out the richness of the oat cream and keeps the base light and pourable before freezing. It also adds natural sweetness and a subtle grainy warmth that complements the amarena cherry’s tartness. Using oat milk instead of nut milks like almond or cashew ensures that the flavor stays soft and neutral, letting the amarena shine as the star of the show. Plus, oat milk gives you a stable base that freezes well and blends beautifully in the Ninja Creami;
Vanilla Extract: Don’t underestimate this one, as it enhances the overall depth of the gelato by rounding out the tartness of the amarena cherries. A splash of real vanilla extract adds warmth and a dessert-like familiarity that makes every spoonful feel balanced. It also ties the oat base of the amarena gelato and cherry syrup together into something cohesive and indulgent. Think of it like the background music in a scene: subtle, but it sets the mood;
Agave Syrup: Agave syrup is your sweetener here, chosen not just for its mild flavor but also for its texture. Unlike sugar, agave doesn’t crystallize in the freezer, which helps keep the gelato soft and scoopable after freezing. Its lower glycemic index is a bonus, but its main role is to sweeten gently without competing with the natural fruit flavors. It blends seamlessly into the base, avoiding the graininess that sometimes comes with traditional sugar in no-churn recipes;
Amarena Cherries: These are the jewels of this amarena gelato, small, dark wild cherries preserved in a luscious syrup. Their flavor is rich, tart, slightly bitter, and almost balsamic in depth. Slicing a few into the amarena gelato adds bursts of intense cherry with each bite. Their chewy texture provides contrast against the creamy base, and their deep color creates beautiful ripples in every scoop. They’re what make this amarena gelato unmistakably Italian;
Amarena Cherry Syrup: This is where the magic happens. The syrup from the amarena cherry jar is thick, sweet-tart, and intensely aromatic. Swirling it through the frozen base right before the final spin gives the amarena gelato those signature streaks of flavor and color. It’s what transforms a simple oat-based frozen dessert into a full-blown homage to Italian gelato culture. You don’t need a lot, just enough to create contrast, complexity, and that glossy visual appeal for the amarena gelato.

How do I make this amarena gelato?

To make this amarena gelato, start by adding all the ingredients – oat cream, oat milk, agave syrup, and vanilla extract – into a blender. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. Pour the base into your Ninja Creami container, seal it with the lid, and freeze it for at least 24 hours.

Once frozen solid, remove the lid and place the container into your Ninja Creami machine. Select the Light Ice Cream setting and let it process until smooth and creamy. At this point, you can add the amarena cherries and syrup and use the Mix-in function to combine. Serve immediately for a soft, scoopable gelato that tastes just like a trip to an Italian gelateria: dairy-free, indulgent, and beautifully swirled.

Amarena Gelato

Creamy, dreamy, and swirled with luscious amarena cherry syrup, this oat-based amarena gelato is pure Italian nostalgia in a scoop.Dairy-free but rich in flavor, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and silky indulgence.

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Prep Time 10

Freezer time 1

Total Time 1 10

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

Ninja Creami

Ingredients

250 ml oat cream
120 ml oat milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp agave syrup
150 g amarena cherries
50 ml amarena cherry syrup

Instructions

Add all the ingredients to a blender jug.
Blend on high speed until everything is well combined and smooth.
Pour the mixture into an empty Ninja Creami container.
Seal with the lid and place it in the freezer for 24 hours.
After freezing, remove the container from the freezer and take off the lid. For assembly and processing instructions, refer to the Quick Start Guide.
Select the light ice cream program on your Ninja Creami.
Once the cycle is complete, add the amarena cherries and syrup using the Mix-In function and serve immediately.

Keyword amarena gelato

So that’s the last of this amarena gelato recipe

Whether you’re already obsessed with amarena cherries or you’re just discovering their sweet-tart magic, this gelato is the perfect excuse to fall in love with them all over again. It’s creamy, nostalgic, and just indulgent enough to feel like something you’d order in a tucked-away gelateria on a warm summer evening in Italy. Only this time, you’re making it in your own kitchen. And the best part? It’s entirely dairy-free, yet somehow still rich, silky, and full of depth, thanks to the balance between the oat base and those dark, glossy cherries.

The Ninja Creami has honestly become one of our favorite tools for creating frozen desserts that feel special without needing special skills. There’s something so satisfying about pulling a container from the freezer, spinning it into soft, scoopable gelato, and swirling in syrupy amarena ribbons that feel like a little luxury in every bite.

We hope this recipe brings a touch of Italian summer into your day, whether you’re sharing it with family, sneaking a bowl on the sofa, or plating it up for friends after dinner. If you give it a try, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us over on Instagram: we love seeing your recreations and how you make our recipes your own.

And if you’re after more summer recipes, make sure you check these out: