This Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream recipe captures the iconic flavor of your childhood summer days in every spoonful. It’s a simple, no-churn delight that’s perfect for beating the heat and reliving those sweet memories.
Key Ingredients for Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (from about 1 medium orange)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (from about 1 medium orange)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream
This Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream recipe is a dream for anyone seeking a taste of pure nostalgia without the fuss of an ice cream maker. In just 10 minutes of active prep time, you’ll whip up a lusciously creamy, perfectly balanced frozen dessert that tastes just like your favorite childhood popsicle. Its simplicity is truly its magic, offering a satisfyingly rich texture and a vibrant citrus kick that will transport you back in time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Orange Flavor: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice and orange zest. Set aside. This step concentrates the bright citrus flavor and ensures it will be evenly distributed throughout the ice cream.
- Whip the Cream: In a large, chilled bowl, pour in the cold heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), whip the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Stiff peaks mean that when you lift the beaters, the cream will hold its shape and stand straight up without drooping. Be careful not to over-whip, or you’ll end up with butter!
- Incorporate the Sweetened Condensed Milk: In a separate medium bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and pure vanilla extract. Stir until well combined and smooth. The sweetened condensed milk provides the creamy foundation and sweetness for our no-churn ice cream.
- Combine the Mixtures: Gently fold about one-third of the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk mixture. This lightens the base and makes it easier to incorporate the rest of the cream without deflating it.
- Add the Orange Mixture: Pour the orange juice and zest mixture into the combined sweetened condensed milk and cream. Fold gently until just combined. You want to see streaks of orange throughout, but not necessarily a uniform color at this stage.
- Fold in Remaining Whipped Cream: Add the remaining whipped cream to the bowl. Using a spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the orange-sweetened condensed milk base. Continue folding until no streaks of white remain and the mixture is a uniform, pale orange color. Work carefully to maintain as much air in the whipped cream as possible, as this is what gives the ice cream its light and fluffy texture.
- Freeze the Ice Cream: Pour the orange creamsicle ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container, such as a loaf pan or an airtight plastic container. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon or spatula.
- Chill and Harden: Cover the container tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Place the container in the freezer for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until the Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream is firm and fully frozen.
Why You’ll Love This Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream
Get ready to fall in love with this Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream! Its defining feature is that incredibly authentic, nostalgic orange-vanilla swirl that instantly transports you back to sun-drenched childhood summers. Unlike store-bought versions that can sometimes be overly artificial, this homemade rendition perfectly balances creamy vanilla with bright, zesty orange for a refreshing and utterly delightful flavor that’s pure bliss.
Beyond the sensational taste, making this Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream at home is incredibly cost-effective, saving you a significant amount compared to buying premium ice cream. Plus, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a pure, vibrant flavor without any unwanted additives. Imagine serving this incredible treat topped with fresh orange segments, a drizzle of homemade orange syrup, or even a sprinkle of candied orange peel – the possibilities for elevated flavor are endless! Don’t wait for a special occasion; whip up this budget-friendly, flavor-packed delight today and treat yourself to a scoop of pure happiness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to keeping your Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream tasting its best.
- Refrigeration: This ice cream is not meant to be stored in the refrigerator as it will melt completely and lose its texture. It must remain frozen.
- Freezing:
- Store in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Pressing a piece of parchment paper or wax paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the lid can help prevent ice crystals from forming, keeping it creamier for longer.
- Homemade Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream is best enjoyed within 1 to 2 weeks for optimal texture and flavor. Beyond two weeks, it is still safe to eat, but the texture may become icier.
- Reheating: There is no need to reheat this ice cream. It is meant to be enjoyed directly from the freezer. If it becomes too hard to scoop, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly before serving.
- Freezing for Future Meals: If you have made a larger batch than you anticipate consuming within a couple of weeks, you can divide it into smaller, individual portions in freezer-safe containers or even freeze it in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for easy serving of controlled portions.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream recipe is a delightful journey back in time, offering pure, unadulterated joy in every creamy, citrusy bite. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed by this simple, yet utterly satisfying, frozen treat!
Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice and orange zest. Set aside.1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 1 teaspoon orange zest
- In a large, chilled bowl, pour in the cold heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), whip the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.2 cups heavy whipping cream
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and pure vanilla extract. Stir until well combined and smooth.1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Gently fold about one-third of the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk mixture.
- Pour the orange juice and zest mixture into the combined sweetened condensed milk and cream. Fold gently until just combined.
- Add the remaining whipped cream to the bowl. Using a spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the orange-sweetened condensed milk base until the mixture is a uniform, pale orange color.
- Pour the orange creamsicle ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container, such as a loaf pan or an airtight plastic container. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon or spatula.
- Cover the container tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Place the container in the freezer for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until the Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream is firm and fully frozen.