Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream
This Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream recipe offers a refreshing homemade take on a beloved classic. Using fresh oranges, rich whipping cream, and just the right amount of sugar, it delivers a creamy, tangy dessert that can be enjoyed immediately as a soft serve or frozen for later. Optional dark chocolate adds a decadent contrast, making it perfect for family gatherings or simple everyday enjoyment.
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Citrus Zester
- 1 Hand Mixer (slow setting)
- 1 Ice Cream Maker
- 1 Microplane Grater (optional for chocolate)
Ingredients
- 750 ml freshly squeezed orange juice about 6 to 8 medium oranges
- 750 ml heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
- 1 cup organic cane sugar or granulated sugar
- Dark chocolate shavings optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Orange Zest: Begin by thoroughly washing your oranges. Using a fine grater or microplane, carefully zest the outer orange peel until you have about one tablespoon of zest. This will add a bright, fragrant citrus note to your ice cream. If you prefer a stronger orange flavor, feel free to add up to two tablespoons, but avoid going beyond this to prevent bitterness.
- Extract Fresh Orange Juice: Cut the oranges in half and juice them until you collect approximately 750 ml of fresh juice. If needed, strain the juice to remove seeds and pulp for a smoother texture. Using fresh juice ensures a vibrant, natural flavor that store-bought juice often lacks.
- Sweeten the Orange Juice: Pour the freshly squeezed orange juice into a large mixing bowl. Add half a cup of sugar and stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely. This sweetened juice base will form the flavorful foundation of your ice cream.
- Whip the Cream to Soft Peaks: In a separate bowl, pour the heavy whipping cream. Add the remaining half cup of sugar. Using a hand mixer on a slow setting, whip the cream until it thickens and forms soft peaks — it should be light and airy but not stiff like whipped cream. This delicate texture helps keep the ice cream creamy and smooth.
- Combine Cream with Orange Mixture: Slowly fold the whipped cream into the sweetened orange juice, mixing gently but thoroughly. This careful folding preserves the lightness of the whipped cream while blending all the citrusy sweetness evenly.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Transfer the combined mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn until the ice cream reaches a creamy, soft-serve consistency. This usually takes around 20-30 minutes depending on your machine.
- Serve or Freeze for Later: You can enjoy your ice cream immediately as a soft-serve dessert, or place it in an airtight container and freeze for a few hours to firm up to a scoopable texture. Before serving, consider topping with shaved dark chocolate for a delicious flavor contrast.
Notes
- For the best flavor, always zest your oranges before juicing, as it’s easier and less messy this way.
- Using freshly squeezed orange juice dramatically improves taste compared to store-bought varieties, but the latter can be substituted in a pinch.
- If you like chocolate, grate dark chocolate over the top using a microplane for an elegant, tasty finish without extra cleanup.
- Whipping the cream to soft peaks rather than full stiffness is key to achieving the perfect creamy texture in this ice cream.
