Nothing tastes quite like a homemade scoop of Orange Ice Cream on a sunny afternoon. Every bite is a burst of bright, zesty citrus swirled into the lushest, creamiest base you can imagine. Whether you’re an ice cream devotee or simply looking for a refreshing twist on a classic treat, this Orange Ice Cream brings sunshine to your dessert bowl—and it’s a lot easier to make than you might think!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of simple ingredients create magic in this recipe. Each one plays a key role in building that dreamy texture, vivid color, and bold flavor that make Orange Ice Cream irresistible.
- Heavy cream: Creates that ultra-smooth, outrageously creamy mouthfeel found in the very best ice cream shops.
- Whole milk: Keeps things lighter than all-cream but still rich—milk is the secret to a balanced scoop.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and gives your ice cream just the right amount of body and softness.
- Orange zest: Freshly grated zest infuses the mix with an intense citrus aroma and lively orange color.
- Fresh orange juice: For juiciness and tangy depth—always choose freshly squeezed oranges for the brightest flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and rounds out the citrus notes beautifully.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in perfect balance.
How to Make Orange Ice Cream
Step 1: Whisk Together the Base
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and whisking together the heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, vanilla extract, and just a tiny pinch of salt. Whisk until you can feel the sugar granules dissolve completely—this signals a perfectly smooth base that will churn into a luscious Orange Ice Cream. The orange zest and juice release their citrusy oils and flavors right from the get-go, promising a batch full of fresh orange character.
Step 2: Chill the Mixture
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least two hours. Chilling is crucial—it allows the flavors to meld and ensures the mixture is cold enough to churn smoothly. If you’re prepping ahead, letting it chill overnight will make the citrus notes even more pronounced. A cold base means your Orange Ice Cream will set beautifully and churn faster, so don’t rush this part!
Step 3: Churn to Creamy Perfection
Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions; this usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Watch as the mixture thickens and transforms from liquid gold to a creamy, soft-serve consistency. The orange zest will be flecked throughout, adding visual appeal.
Step 4: Freeze Until Firm
Transfer the churned Orange Ice Cream into a lidded container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the freezer for at least four hours to allow it to firm up. This patience pays off—you’ll be rewarded with perfect, scoopable ice cream that’s bursting with citrus flavor!
Step 5: Scoop and Enjoy
When you’re ready to serve, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes to soften slightly, then scoop with your favorite ice cream scoop. Each serving delivers the taste of summer in a bowl!
How to Serve Orange Ice Cream
Garnishes
A simple garnish can make Orange Ice Cream truly shine. Try a sprinkle of additional orange zest for extra zing, or scatter on some candied orange peel or mini white chocolate chips for fun texture and pops of sweetness. A fresh mint leaf also adds contrast and a touch of elegance to each scoop.
Side Dishes
Lift your dessert game by serving Orange Ice Cream alongside buttery shortbread cookies, crisp biscotti, or slices of light, fluffy angel food cake. These treats complement the citrusy ice cream without overpowering its delicate flavor. A handful of fresh berries or a citrus salad on the side also brings a gorgeous burst of color and more fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Let Orange Ice Cream steal the spotlight at your next gathering by scooping it into hollowed-out orange halves for a show-stopping, edible bowl. Or make an ice cream sandwich with vanilla wafers or ginger cookies for a delightful twist. For an extra-special presentation, serve a scoop topped with sparkling orange soda for a homemade creamsicle float—dessert and a drink in one!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Orange Ice Cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container. To preserve that smooth, creamy texture, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing. This minimizes ice crystal formation and keeps your dessert fresh for up to two weeks.
Freezing
Orange Ice Cream freezes beautifully! For the best results, store it at the back of your freezer, where the temperature is most stable. If you need a little extra zip after a few days, add a sprinkle of fresh orange zest to each serving before enjoying.
Reheating
You won’t need to reheat Orange Ice Cream. If it’s frozen too solid, simply let it sit on the counter for five minutes before scooping. This short rest brings it right back to that dreamy, creamy texture you remember.
FAQs
Can I make Orange Ice Cream without an ice cream maker?
Absolutely! After mixing and chilling the base, pour it into a shallow baking dish and freeze it, stirring every 30 minutes with a fork for a few hours. This method won’t be quite as smooth as using an ice cream maker, but it’s still delicious and creamy.
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Fresh orange juice is highly recommended for its vibrant, pure flavor and natural sweetness. Bottled juice can taste flat or overly sweet, but if it’s your only option, try to find juice labeled as “not from concentrate” for the best result.
How can I intensify the orange flavor?
If you want an even bolder citrus experience, add a few drops of natural orange extract to the ice cream base. Folding in some finely chopped candied orange peel before freezing also amps up the flavor and adds chewy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
This recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, but you could experiment with non-dairy substitutes like coconut cream and almond milk if you’re avoiding dairy. Just note the flavor and texture may change slightly, but the citrus will still sing!
Can I make this recipe ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, making Orange Ice Cream a day or two in advance allows the flavors to develop even more fully and saves you precious time when planning for guests or parties.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Orange Ice Cream is a dessert that never fails to bring a smile—it’s the kind of treat you’ll find yourself craving after just one bite. You don’t need to be a culinary pro to create this creamy, dreamy treat. So grab those oranges and give it a whirl; I promise, the results are nothing short of delightful! Enjoy the sweet, sun-kissed magic in every scoop.
Print
Orange Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling and freezing time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churned
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the refreshing and creamy goodness of homemade Orange Ice Cream, a delightful citrus dessert perfect for cooling off in the summer heat. This easy-to-make treat bursts with the vibrant flavors of fresh oranges and is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3/4 cup fresh orange juice (from about 3 oranges)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Ice Cream Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and salt until sugar is dissolved.
- Chill Mixture: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until thoroughly chilled.
- Churn Ice Cream: Pour mixture into an ice cream maker and churn for 20-25 minutes until soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze: Transfer ice cream to a container, freeze for at least 4 hours until firm.
- Serve: Scoop and enjoy cold.
Notes
- Enhance citrus flavor with natural orange extract.
- Add white chocolate chips or candied orange peel for extra texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
