Easy Chocolate Orange Ice Cream
A velvety smooth homemade ice cream where deep chocolate meets refreshing orange. This easy-to-make recipe is rich, creamy, and naturally flavored with cocoa, orange juice, and zest. Perfect for summer nights or anytime you crave a refreshing, indulgent treat.
Equipment
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 zester or fine grater
- 1 Measuring Cup Set
- 1 Measuring Spoon Set
- 1 Mixing Spoon
- 1 Ice Cream Maker
Ingredients
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder preferably special dark
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon finely grated orange zest
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup orange juice fresh or store-bought
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine the Base Mixture: In a medium-sized saucepan, add the sugar, heavy cream, milk, cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and freshly grated orange zest. Use a whisk to gently stir the ingredients together. At first, the cocoa may clump, so whisk slowly until everything looks smooth. This step forms the foundation of your ice cream, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Heat to Infuse Flavor: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Slowly bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent the cocoa from settling at the bottom. Once it begins boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2 minutes. During this time, the cream absorbs the citrus oils from the zest, giving the ice cream its signature chocolate-orange harmony.
- Melt in the Chocolate Chips: After simmering, sprinkle in the dark chocolate chips. Keep stirring until they melt completely into the hot mixture, creating a glossy, velvety texture. The melted chocolate not only deepens the richness of the ice cream but also adds a slightly fudgy body that enhances creaminess once churned.
- Add the Citrus and Vanilla Notes: Remove the saucepan from heat. Carefully pour in the orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought) and add the vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly to combine. This step brightens the overall flavor, balancing the richness of chocolate with the refreshing zing of orange. Make sure to mix well so no separation occurs.
- Cool the Mixture Thoroughly: Set the saucepan aside and let the mixture cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once it is no longer steaming, transfer the mixture to a bowl or container, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling stage is crucial: it allows the flavors to fully develop and ensures the base thickens slightly, which makes for a smoother churn later.
- Churn into Ice Cream: When the base is fully chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for churning, which usually takes 20–25 minutes. As the machine works, you’ll notice the mixture thickening and becoming creamy. The transformation is magical—this is where your ice cream takes on its luxurious, scoopable texture.
- Freeze for Perfect Scoops: Once the churning cycle is complete, transfer the soft ice cream into an airtight freezer-safe container. Smooth out the top with a spatula, press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface (to prevent ice crystals), and seal with a lid. Freeze for at least 2–3 hours before serving to achieve a firm, scoopable consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: When ready to serve, let the ice cream sit on the counter for 2–3 minutes to soften slightly. Scoop into bowls or cones, garnish with a sprinkle of orange zest or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate if you like, and enjoy the perfect balance of deep cocoa richness and bright citrus freshness.
Notes
- Using special dark cocoa will create a deeper, richer chocolate flavor and darker color. Regular cocoa powder also works but produces a lighter tone.
- The orange zest is key to enhancing the citrus aroma—don’t skip it if you want a strong chocolate-orange balance.
- Both fresh and store-bought orange juice work well. Fresh juice gives a milder sweetness, while store-bought juice provides a bolder citrus punch.
- Allowing the mixture to chill fully in the refrigerator is essential for creamy, smooth-textured ice cream.
- For extra indulgence, add chunks of chocolate or candied orange peel during the last few minutes of churning.
