Fireworks Ice Cream Recipe | Inspired by Stewarts Shops in Upstate, NY

Hello, hello! Today, we're excited to share something truly special - a recipe for Fireworks Ice Cream. For those unfamiliar, Fireworks Ice Cream is a unique and delightful treat originating from Stewart's Shops in Upstate New York, a place that holds a treasure trove of my childhood memories. This ice cream, with its explosive flavors and textures, was a staple of my summers in Queensbury, NY. Whether it was a cone, milkshake, or sundae, the quest for Fireworks Ice Cream was a cherished ritual.

Moving to California in high school brought many changes, including a painful distance from Stewart's and, of course, Fireworks Ice Cream. The longing for this taste of home was palpable with every visit back to New York, where Stewart's was always my first stop.

It wasn't until I embarked on my own ice cream-making venture that a realization struck me - why not recreate the magic of Fireworks Ice Cream myself? And so, in celebration of the 4th of July and as a nod to my favorite childhood indulgence, Rae and I decided to craft our version of this beloved treat.

As we gear up for the summer and the eagerly awaited season premiere of Stranger Things Season 3, we hope this recipe brings as much joy to your celebrations as it does to ours.

Fireworks Ice Cream Recipe

Cherry Tart Sauce:

  • 1 cup cherries

  • 1 cup water

  • 1/2 cup sugar

  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup

Instructions:

  1. Combine cherries, water, sugar, and corn syrup in a pan.

  2. Heat the mixture until it boils, then simmer until it reduces to a thick sauce.

Vanilla Ice Cream:

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • 3/4 cup sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2 packets of pop rocks for that signature fireworks effect

Instructions:

  1. Mix whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until the sugar dissolves.

  2. Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.

  3. Once the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, fold in the pop rocks gently to avoid losing their fizz.

  4. Freeze until firm, typically about 2-4 hours.

Serve this delightful concoction with the cherry tart sauce drizzled over the top for a nostalgic trip back to those carefree summer days. Whether you're celebrating the 4th of July, enjoying a Stranger Things marathon, or simply in need of a delicious escape, this Fireworks Ice Cream is sure to ignite your taste buds and light up your day.

Happy 4th of July, everyone! Here's to creating new memories while cherishing the old. Enjoy!

Ryan Rucker