Orange Ice Cream Recipe
When you think of summer in a bowl, Orange Ice Cream instantly comes to mind. Its bright, citrusy flavor paired with a luxuriously creamy texture hits all the right notes for dessert lovers. Every scoop bursts with sunshine thanks to real orange juice and zest, making it irresistible for both kids and adults. Plus, with simple ingredients and an easy process, you’ll enjoy a fresh, homemade treat that rivals anything from the store.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (strained)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- a few drops of natural orange food coloring (optional)
How to Make Orange Ice Cream
Step 1: Whisk the Base Together
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl. Add the fresh orange juice, orange zest, heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Now whisk, whisk, whisk! You want the sugar to fully dissolve, which ensures your Orange Ice Cream will be flawlessly smooth, not gritty.
Step 2: Add the Color
If you want that classic golden-orange hue, stir in a few drops of natural orange food coloring. This is totally up to you—it won’t affect the taste, but it does make each scoop look extra cheerful and inviting.
Step 3: Chill the Mixture
Once your mixture is ready, cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least two hours. Chilling ensures the flavors meld and the texture will be as creamy as possible when churned. It also helps your ice cream freeze faster when you get to the next step.
Step 4: Churn to Perfection
Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and let it work its magic. Most machines will take about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the Orange Ice Cream thickens up and looks soft-serve level dreamy.
Step 5: Freeze Until Firm
Scoop your freshly churned Orange Ice Cream into a freezer-safe container, cover it, and tuck it into the freezer for at least four hours (overnight works great, too). This step takes a bit of patience, but trust me—the creamy results are 100% worth it.
How to Serve Orange Ice Cream
Garnishes
A big scoop of Orange Ice Cream is a treat on its own, but the right garnish can make it even more special. Try a sprinkle of extra orange zest, curls of white chocolate, or even candied orange peels for a burst of flavor and color. Fresh mint leaves add a lovely pop of green and a refreshing scent that compliments the citrus beautifully.
Side Dishes
If you want to turn dessert into a grand event, serve your Orange Ice Cream alongside vanilla shortbread, citrusy biscotti, or a slice of angel food cake. The creamy, tangy ice cream contrasts perfectly with crunchy or fluffy baked goods, elevating every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow-worthy presentation, try serving Orange Ice Cream in hollowed-out orange halves or scooped up in mini cones for a party. It’s also fantastic layered in parfait glasses with berries, granola, or crushed cookies for a stunning (and easy) make-ahead dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Orange Ice Cream in an airtight container in your freezer. To keep it freshest, press a piece of plastic wrap right against the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container to minimize ice crystals and dryness.
Freezing
For the longest shelf-life, keep Orange Ice Cream at the back of the freezer (where the temperature is most stable) and enjoy within two weeks for best flavor and texture. Be sure to label your container with the date so you won’t forget when you made it.
Reheating
While you won’t actually reheat ice cream, letting it rest on the counter for five to ten minutes before scooping will soften it perfectly without losing its creamy magic. This makes for easier, prettier scoops every time!
FAQs
Can I make Orange Ice Cream without an ice cream maker?
Absolutely! Just pour the chilled base into a shallow dish, freeze it, and stir every thirty minutes with a fork until it’s creamy and frozen through. It takes a little more attention but still tastes amazing.
Why is fresh orange juice important for this recipe?
Fresh juice gives your Orange Ice Cream its bright, lively flavor and vibrant aroma. Bottled juice can taste dull or overly sweet, so squeezing oranges is absolutely worth the few extra minutes.
Can I use a different type Dessert
Definitely! Blood oranges lend a stunning pink hue and a slightly floral flavor, while mandarins provide an extra-sweet twist. Feel free to experiment based on what’s in season.
How do I prevent ice crystals from forming?
Make sure your mixture is fully chilled before churning and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before you seal the container. This helps keep your Orange Ice Cream ultra smooth.
Is Orange Ice Cream gluten-free and egg-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and doesn’t require eggs, making it perfect for a variety of dietary needs and preferences. Just check your coloring and add-ins to be sure they’re safe, too.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Orange Ice Cream from scratch before, you’re in for a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With its tangy flavor, creamy texture, and cheery color, this is a dessert that brightens every table and every mood. Dig in and enjoy—you’ll want to make it again and again!
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Orange Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling and freezing)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the refreshing taste of homemade Orange Ice Cream with this easy recipe. Creamy, citrusy, and bursting with flavor, this frozen treat is perfect for hot summer days or any time you crave a bright, fruity dessert.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (strained)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- a few drops of natural orange food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add Food Coloring: Add orange food coloring if using, and stir to combine.
- Chill Mixture: Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly cold.
- Churn Ice Cream: Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 20–25 minutes).
- Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Serve: Scoop and serve cold.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
- Blood oranges or mandarins can be used for a twist.
- Without an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a shallow dish and stir every 30 minutes until frozen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
