Homemade Cranberry Orange Ice Cream Recipe

Last Updated on November 27, 2024 by Cherie

Learn how to make easy homemade Cranberry Orange Ice Cream using fresh cranberries and orange zest. This tangy and sweet dessert is perfect for celebrating Thanksgiving or enjoying year-round.

Whenever I make Cranberry Orange Ice Cream, I’m instantly transported to Christmas. There’s something about the flavour combination that evokes festive memories – perhaps it’s because cranberries are at their peak around November and December, making them a staple of the season.

That said, I often find myself making this recipe in the summer months too. The tartness of the cranberries and the bright citrus flavours of orange create a wonderfully fresh, palate-cleansing homemade ice cream that’s just as delicious on a warm day as it is during the winter holidays.

In this article, we’ll share some information on the pairing of Cranberries and Oranges, we’ll give some brief health benefit information, and of course, we’ll provide you with our recipe and step-by-step instructions on how you can recreate this delicious Homemade Cranberry and Orange Ice Cream, we’ll also provide a separate recipe for those with alternative diet requirements.

If you would like to go straight to our recipes, please use the following links.

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A Seasonal Favourite for All Occasions

As the seasons change and vibrant fresh ingredients come into play, few desserts feel as celebratory as homemade Cranberry Orange Ice Cream. With its bold, refreshing flavours, this recipe transforms seasonal ingredients into a truly delicious treat.

The tartness of cranberries pairs beautifully with the bright refreshing citrus flavours of orange zest, creating a dessert that feels light yet indulgent. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving or simply trying out creative frozen treats, this recipe offers a versatile and flavour-packed option for any time of year.

The Pairing of Cranberries and Oranges

Cranberries and oranges are a classic pairing, with their contrasting yet complementary flavour profiles. Cranberries offer a bold, tart tang that cuts through the sweetness of desserts, while oranges bring a bright, citrusy sweetness with just a hint of bitterness from their zest. Together, they create a flavour balance that’s vibrant and refreshing. This combination is often used in holiday recipes, from sauces to baked goods, as it embodies the festive season’s warmth and freshness.

 

Why Use Fresh Cranberries?

Fresh cranberries offer a depth of flavour that dried or processed options simply can’t match.

Their natural tartness blends harmoniously with sugar and cream to produce a vibrant and well-rounded taste.

When combined with freshly squeezed orange juice and zest, the result is a bright, flavourful swirl that elevates the ice cream to something truly special.

Health Benefits of Cranberries and Oranges

Beyond their flavour, cranberries and oranges are packed with health benefits:

• Cranberries:
  These tiny red berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly proanthocyanidins, which help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). They’re also a good source of vitamin C, fibre, and manganese, contributing to immune health and digestion.

• • ===>Click here to find out more about the health benefits of cranberries
• Oranges:
  Known for their high vitamin C content, oranges are great for boosting the immune system. They also contain potassium, fibre, and flavonoids, which support heart health and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. The zest, often used in recipes, is packed with natural oils and compounds that add extra antioxidants and flavour.
  • ===>Click here to find out more about the health benefits of oranges

Together, these ingredients make Cranberry Orange Ice Cream a dessert that not only delights the palate but also offers a boost of nutrition.

Homemade Cranberry Orange Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 350ml whole milk
• 200ml double cream
• 100g fresh cranberries
• 75g caster sugar (for cranberry purée)
• 50g caster sugar (for custard base)
• Zest and juice of one orange
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Method:

Prepare the cranberry purée:

• In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, and 75g of caster sugar.
• Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and soften.
• Blend the mixture into a smooth purée and allow it to cool completely.

Make the custard base:

• Heat the milk and cream in a saucepan until just simmering.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining 50g of caster sugar until pale and smooth.
• Gradually add the warm milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.

Add flavourings:

• Stir in the orange zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
• Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
• Allow the custard to cool completely.

Churn the ice cream base:

• Pour the cooled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• In the final minutes of churning, fold in the cranberry purée to create a vibrant swirl.

NB: If you do not have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a lidded, freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, remove from the freezer and stir vigorously with a fork or whisk to break up ice crystals. Repeat this process for 2–3 hours until the ice cream is smooth and creamy. For more information and further hints and tips, please – How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker

Freeze and enjoy:

Transfer the ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for 4–5 hours or until firm. Serve and enjoy!

Variations and Tips

Of course, you can enjoy your Homemade Cranberry and Orange Ice Cream as it is, but we’ve added a few additional ideas and variations that you might like to try out too:

• Cranberry Ripple: Double the cranberry purée for a more intense swirl and flavour.
• Dark Chocolate Drizzle: Add a touch of indulgence with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the ice cream before serving.
• Alternative Flavour Pairings: Experiment with other citrus fruits. Swap orange for lemon zest for a sharper citrus taste, or try grapefruit for a sophisticated twist.

Candied Orange Peel, A Flavour Bomb of Texture and Taste

We love making the most of fresh fruits and vegetables – and that includes using every part!

Candied orange peel not only prevents waste but also adds an amazing textural element to your Homemade Cranberry Orange Ice Cream. The sweet, citrusy chew enhances the ice cream’s flavour, making each bite even more irresistible.

Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to prepare!

How to Make Candied Orange Peel

Ingredients:

• Zest of 2 oranges (cut into thin strips, avoiding the white pith)
• 200ml water
• 150g caster sugar
• Extra caster sugar for coating

Method:

• Prepare the orange peel: Use a vegetable peeler or sharp knife to remove the zest from the oranges in long strips, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith. Slice the zest into thin, even strips.
• Blanch the zest: Place the zest in a saucepan of cold water, bring to the boil, and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Drain and repeat this process twice more to remove bitterness.
• Make the syrup: In a clean saucepan, combine the water and 150g caster sugar. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
• Candy the zest: Add the blanched orange peel to the sugar syrup. Simmer gently over low heat for 20–25 minutes, or until the zest becomes translucent and tender.
• Dry and coat: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the candied peel to a wire rack to cool and dry slightly (about 30 minutes). Once tacky, toss the strips in a little caster sugar to coat them evenly.
• Store or use: Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks, or use immediately to sprinkle over your Cranberry Orange Ice Cream.

Adding candied orange peel elevates your dessert to the next level with its intense citrus flavour and subtle chewiness. Not only is it a perfect topping, but it’s also a versatile treat you can use in baking or enjoy on its own!

Dried Cranberries, a Sweet, Tart Addition

Dried cranberries are a fantastic way to add flavour, texture, and a boost of natural sweetness to your Homemade Cranberry Orange Ice Cream.

Even after drying, cranberries retain their tangy goodness and concentrated nutrients, making them a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savoury dishes. In this ice cream, they provide a chewy, textural contrast to the smooth creaminess of the base.

Dried cranberries are a fantastic way to add flavour, texture, and a boost of natural sweetness to your Homemade Cranberry Orange Ice Cream.

Even after drying, cranberries retain their tangy goodness and concentrated nutrients, making them a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savoury dishes. In this ice cream, they provide a chewy, textural contrast to the smooth creaminess of the base.

Why Use Dried Cranberries?

Dried cranberries are a pantry staple that can be easily incorporated into many recipes. Their sweet-tart flavour complements the fresh cranberry purée and orange zest in this recipe, while their chewy texture adds a textural layer.

Pairing dried cranberries with nuts creates an even more dynamic topping, adding crunch, richness, and extra nutrition to every scoop.

How to Use Dried Cranberries in Your Ice Cream

• Soften the Cranberries: To ensure the dried cranberries don’t harden in the ice cream, soak them in orange juice or warm water for 10–15 minutes before use. This helps them plump up and blend seamlessly with the dessert.
• Combine with Nuts: Roughly chop nuts like almonds, pecans, or pistachios and toss them with the dried cranberries. The combination brings added flavour and crunch, making your ice cream even more indulgent.
• Add During Churning or as a Topping:
  • During Churning: Fold the softened cranberries (and nuts, if using) into the ice cream during the last few minutes of churning to distribute them evenly.
  • As a Topping: Sprinkle the cranberry-nut mix over scoops of ice cream just before serving for an eye-catching and delicious garnish.

Storage Tip:

If making a batch of cranberry-nut topping, store it in an airtight container for up to two weeks. It also makes a great snack or topping for other desserts like cakes, pancakes, or yoghurt.

Adding dried cranberries, especially paired with nuts, takes your Homemade Cranberry Orange Ice Cream to new heights of flavour and texture.

Whether folded in or sprinkled on top, this combination delivers a satisfying crunch and chew in every bite.

Recipe for Alternative Dietary Requirements

If you’re looking for a version of this ice cream that caters to alternative diets, here’s a simple adaptation for those avoiding dairy or eggs:

Vegan Cranberry Orange Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 400ml coconut milk (full-fat)
• 200ml almond milk
• 100g fresh cranberries
• 75g caster sugar (for cranberry purée)
• Zest and juice of one orange
• 4 tbsp maple syrup (for sweetness)
• Pinch of salt

Method:

• Prepare the cranberry purée as in the original recipe, using cranberries, orange juice, and sugar. Allow to cool.
• In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, almond milk, orange zest, and maple syrup. Heat until just simmering.
• Remove from heat, add a pinch of salt, and allow the mixture to cool completely.
• Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to instructions. Fold in the cranberry purée during the last few minutes of churning.
  • If you don’t own an ice cream maker, as in the previous recipe, pour the mixture into a lidded, freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, remove from the freezer and stir vigorously with a fork or whisk to break up ice crystals. Repeat this process for 2–3 hours until the ice cream is smooth and creamy. For more information and further hints and tips, please – How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker
• Transfer to a lidded container and freeze for 4–5 hours before serving.

This vegan version retains the tangy, citrusy flavours while providing a creamy texture without dairy or eggs, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

A Versatile Treat for Any Occasion

Homemade Cranberry Orange Ice Cream is a delicious, tangy dessert that suits a variety of occasions. Thanksgiving being one of them. Its light yet indulgent flavour profile makes it a wonderful choice for holiday meals or a refreshing treat on a warm day.

The versatility of our recipe allows you to customise it to suit your tastes and explore creative flavour combinations.

Join the Conversation!

What are your favourite flavour combinations for ice cream? Would you try this cranberry-orange pairing, or experiment with other citrus fruits? Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!

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