Refreshing Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream
A no-churn, plant-based ice cream combining the creamy richness of coconut milk with the fresh, zesty flavor of oranges. Quick, easy, and naturally sweetened, this dessert is a refreshing treat for all ages.
Equipment
- 1 high-speed blender
- 1 freezer-safe container with lid
- 1 Citrus Juicer or Reamer
- 1 Spatula
- 1 tray or baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups coconut milk canned, full-fat
- 2 medium oranges navel
- 4 tablespoons honey or maple syrup or confectioners sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Oranges: Begin by carefully peeling your oranges. Remove all traces of the white pith to avoid any bitterness. Once peeled, separate each orange into individual sections or segments. Take a moment to admire the vibrant orange color—it’s a sign of fresh flavor and high vitamin C content. Arrange the segments evenly on a tray or baking sheet, making sure they are not piled on top of each other. This will allow them to freeze uniformly, ensuring a smooth texture in your final ice cream. Place the tray in the freezer and let the oranges chill until fully hardened, which typically takes about an hour.
- Blend the Base: Once your orange segments are frozen solid, pour the full-fat canned coconut milk into a high-speed blender or food processor. Add half of the frozen orange segments to the blender. The combination of frozen fruit and creamy coconut milk will begin to form the luscious, smooth base for your ice cream. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth, with no chunks remaining. Scrape down the sides of the blender as needed to ensure even blending.
- Incorporate Sweetener and Flavor: Add the remaining frozen orange segments to the blender. Next, include your sweetener of choice—whether it’s honey, maple syrup, or confectioners sugar—along with the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend again until everything is fully combined, creating a creamy, luscious mixture that perfectly balances the tanginess of the oranges with the natural sweetness. Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness if necessary, blending briefly to incorporate any additions.
- Transfer to Freezer Container: Carefully pour the blended mixture into a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid. Use a spatula to scrape every bit of the creamy mixture from the blender, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Smooth the top gently with the spatula to create an even surface, which will make scooping easier later.Seal the container tightly to prevent any air from getting in, which could cause ice crystals to form.
- Freeze Until Solid: Place the container in the freezer for at least two hours or until the ice cream is firm to the touch. This waiting period allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly. For best results, avoid opening the freezer frequently during this time, as temperature fluctuations can affect consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: When ready to enjoy, remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.This softens it slightly, making it easier to scoop. Use a pre-warmed ice cream scooper or spoon to create generous servings.For a beautiful presentation, garnish with a few orange slices, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of citrus zest.Serve immediately and savor the refreshing, creamy, naturally sweet flavor reminiscent of a classic orange creamsicle.
Notes
- For best texture, use full-fat canned coconut milk; low-fat versions may result in icier ice cream.
- Freeze orange segments flat and separated to avoid clumping and ensure smooth blending.
- Adjust sweetness according to your taste; natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup are ideal.
- Soft-serve variation: Blend and enjoy immediately for a creamy, smoothie-like treat.
- For a more intense orange flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest during blending.
- Always use a high-speed blender to achieve the smoothest texture.