Orange Ice Cream Recipe

Delight your taste buds with refreshing homemade orange ice cream. This easy-to-follow recipe combines the tangy sweetness of ripe oranges with creamy classic ice cream. It’s the perfect treat for sweltering summer days.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Unique flavour: You’re unlikely to find this flavour in supermarkets.

Simple ingredients: Easily make this dessert with staple ingredients.

Quick and easy: There’s no cooking required; just whisk, chill, and churn.

What you need to make orange ice cream

• Orange juice: freshly squeezed is highly recommended.
• Lemon juice: gives a little extra zest to the ice cream.
• Sugar: use caster or regular white sugar.
• Thickened cream: the liquid cream that’s often used for whipping.

Optional extras:

• Orange extract: Brings a deeper orange flavour to the ice cream.
• Orange food colour: Gives the dessert a more vibrant orange colour.

How to make orange ice cream

1. Combine orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar in a bowl and stir until combined.
2. Whisk the cream into the juice mixture.
3. Whisk in the orange extract and food colouring if you want to use them.
4. Chill the liquid for at least two hours, then pour it into an ice cream maker and churn, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Scoop ice cream into a freezer-proof container and freeze for at least two hours or until hardened.

Quick tips for better ice cream

• Don’t adjust the ratios: it’s tempting to dial down (or up) the sugar and cream. Doing this will result in a less airy and scoopable ice cream.
• Go for fresh: freshly squeezed juice will give your dessert more flavour.
• Chill everything: chilling the ice cream liquid before churning is essential. Also, cool any utensils and the freezer-safe storage container.
• Add some zest: Add more orange flavour by including the zest of two oranges.

Commonly asked questions

Are there any similar recipes to orange ice cream?

If you love citrus desserts, consider making lemon ice cream or lime ice cream.

How many oranges are needed?

You’ll need roughly 6-8 oranges to make this recipe. Use a juicer or squeeze them by hand through a strainer.

How should I store the ice cream?

Store the ice cream in a freezer-safe, airtight container at the back of the freezer to reduce temperate fluctuation. It will last 5-7 days before it hardens and becomes less scoopable. Lay cling wrap on the ice cream’s surface to prevent ice from forming.

How do I make ice cream without an ice cream machine?

Making orange ice cream without any fancy equipment is easy. Instead of adding the chilled mixture to an ice cream maker, pour it into a freezer-proof container. A wide, shallow option will produce the best results.

After 20 minutes, remove the dessert and beat until smooth. Repeat this step every 20 minutes until it’s too firm to mix. Continue freezing until hard.

What are some tasty add-ins for this recipe?

Adding mix-ins to orange ice cream while churning can create delightful flavours and textures. Here are some suggestions:

Chocolate chips: The classic combination of orange and chocolate is always a winner. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate chips.

Candied orange peel: Adds intense orange flavour and a nice chewy texture.

Toasted macadamias or pecans: Nuts add some crunch and complement the citrus flavour.

Coconut flakes: For a tropical twist, add some toasted coconut flakes.

Cinnamon or nutmeg: A pinch of these spices can add warmth and depth to the dessert.

Honey swirl: Drizzle in some honey during the last minute of churning for a sweet twist.

Remember to add these mix-ins at the end of churning. This ensures they are evenly distributed without getting broken down too much.