Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream is a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the tangy flavor of oranges with the smooth, creamy texture of vanilla. This pure vegetarian ice cream recipe is a nostalgic treat, reminiscent of the classic Orange Creamsicle popsicles that many of us enjoyed as kids. This homemade version is made without eggs, ensuring a lighter yet equally indulgent treat, perfect for hot summer days, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and citrusy. With a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy this classic dessert right at home, and it’s sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.
In this recipe, the zesty orange and rich cream are combined to create a delightful, refreshing, and creamy ice cream. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this dessert is bound to impress.
Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 19 g
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 25 minutes
Resting Time: 4-6 hours (freezing time)
Total Time: 4-6 hours 40 minutes
Cuisines: American
Course: Dessert
Servings: 4-6 servings
Calories: 250 kcal per serving
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 3-4 medium oranges)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 large orange)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Ice cream maker (optional but recommended)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester or grater for zesting oranges
- Freezer-safe container
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by zesting your orange to get 1 tablespoon of fresh zest. Then, squeeze the juice from your oranges to get 1 cup of fresh juice. Make sure to strain the juice to remove any seeds or pulp for a smoother texture in your ice cream.
- Mix the Liquid Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, orange zest, heavy cream, and whole milk. Whisk them together until everything is well incorporated. The orange juice and zest will give the ice cream a tangy kick, while the cream and milk will create that creamy texture.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Add the sugar to the mixture and whisk until it dissolves completely. You can adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste. For an added layer of flavor, mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the citrusy flavor of the orange.
- Chill the Mixture: Place the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour. This step helps the ingredients meld together and ensures the ice cream base is cold when it’s ready to churn.
- Churn the Ice Cream: If you have an ice cream maker, pour the chilled mixture into the ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, this takes around 20-25 minutes. The ice cream will begin to thicken and take on a soft-serve consistency.
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe. Simply pour the mixture into a shallow container and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, take a fork and stir the mixture to break up the ice crystals. Repeat this process for about 4-6 hours, until the ice cream is firm and smooth.
- Freeze the Ice Cream: Once the ice cream has reached a soft-serve consistency, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap, making sure it’s sealed tightly. Freeze the ice cream for at least 4-6 hours to allow it to firm up completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once frozen, scoop the orange creamsicle ice cream into bowls or cones and serve immediately. The texture will be rich, smooth, and creamy with the perfect balance of orange and vanilla flavors.
Tips and Variations:
- Make it Vegan: If you prefer a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and almond milk. This will give the ice cream a slightly different flavor but still maintain the creamy texture.
- Add Texture: You can add small pieces of candied orange peel or even some mini chocolate chips for an extra treat in your ice cream.
- No Ice Cream Maker? Don’t worry! The freezer method works perfectly fine. Just make sure to stir the mixture well every 30 minutes during the freezing process to ensure a creamy texture.
- Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a sweeter ice cream, you can increase the sugar. However, the natural tartness from the orange juice usually provides enough sweetness for most people.
Why You Should Make This Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream:
- Easy and Quick to Make: This recipe only takes about 15 minutes of prep time, and the rest is hands-off time in the freezer. The ice cream maker does most of the work!
- Refreshing Flavors: The combination of fresh orange juice and vanilla is both refreshing and comforting. It’s perfect for a hot day or as a light dessert after a heavy meal.
- Customizable: You can easily make adjustments to suit your dietary preferences or add in your favorite mix-ins.
- Pure Vegetarian: This Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream is entirely vegetarian and made without eggs, so it’s a great option for those following a vegetarian or plant-based diet.
Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 19 g
Note: The nutritional values are approximations and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Conclusion:
This Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream is the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth with a burst of citrusy goodness. It’s a refreshing, creamy treat that’s sure to bring smiles to anyone who tastes it. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a homemade frozen treat, this ice cream is a crowd-pleaser. With its easy-to-follow recipe and the ability to customize it, you’ll find yourself making this refreshing dessert again and again. Enjoy the cool, creamy texture and the bright orange flavor, all while sticking to a pure vegetarian diet!