There’s something incredibly nostalgic about orange-flavored treats. Maybe it’s the reminder of those creamsicles from childhood or the vibrant zing that citrus brings on a hot day—but this orange ice cream recipe captures all of that magic and more! And the best part? It’s made with just a handful of ingredients, no eggs, and no complicated custards.

I’m truly grateful you’re here, and if you’re a citrus lover like me, you’re going to fall head over heels for this refreshing, creamy dessert. Sign up for email updates to get this recipe (and so many more summer gems!) sent straight to your inbox!

Table of Contents

What Is Orange Ice Cream?

Orange ice cream is a luscious frozen dessert that blends the tangy sweetness of oranges with the rich creaminess of ice cream. It’s typically made with fresh orange juice and zest for maximum citrus flavor and can be churned in an ice cream maker or frozen no-churn style.

Think of it as a frozen orange creamsicle in a scoop—smooth, sweet, slightly tart, and endlessly satisfying!

Why You’ll Love This Orange Ice Cream

Bright and refreshing – perfect for summer or when you need a little sunshine on a spoon.
Egg-free and easy – no need to cook a custard, which makes it beginner-friendly.
Customizable – try it with vanilla swirls, dark chocolate chips, or even a hint of rosemary!
Kid-approved – this is one treat your little ones will ask for again and again.

What Does Orange Ice Cream Taste Like?

This ice cream is everything you want from a citrus dessert:
It’s tangy but sweet, creamy yet light, and has a delightful balance that lingers on the tongue without being too rich. The fresh orange zest makes the flavor pop, while the cream gives it that dreamy melt-in-your-mouth feel.

Benefits of This Homemade Recipe

No artificial flavoring – we use fresh juice and zest!
Healthier option than store-bought with no preservatives.
Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead desserts.
Naturally gluten-free and adaptable for dairy-free diets.

Ingredients for Orange Ice Cream

You’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

1 cup fresh orange juice (from about 3–4 oranges)
2 tablespoons orange zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional but balances the sweetness)
1 cup whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Whisk or hand mixer
Ice cream maker (or a freezer-safe loaf pan if going no-churn)
Fine mesh strainer (for pulp, optional)
Microplane or zester

Additions and Substitutions

Make it your own! Here are a few fun ideas:

Dairy-Free? Use full-fat coconut milk and coconut cream.
Add texture: Stir in crushed graham crackers, white chocolate chips, or candied orange peel before freezing.
Want extra orange punch? Add a few drops of natural orange extract.
Swirl it: Try swirling in homemade orange marmalade or vanilla bean paste before freezing.

How to Make Orange Ice Cream

Here’s how to whip up this creamy treat:

Step 1: Juice and zest the oranges

Start by zesting your oranges, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith. Then juice them until you have about 1 cup. Strain the juice if you prefer a smoother texture.

Step 2: Mix the base

In a large bowl, whisk together the orange juice, zest, lemon juice, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sugar dissolves completely.

💡 Pro tip: If you want extra smoothness, chill this mixture for 1–2 hours before churning.

Step 3: Churn the ice cream

Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually about 20–25 minutes) until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

Step 4: Freeze until firm

Transfer the churned ice cream to a loaf pan or airtight container and freeze for 4–6 hours or overnight for a scoopable consistency.

No-churn version: Whip 2 cups of heavy cream to soft peaks, then fold in a mixture of sweetened condensed milk, orange juice, zest, and vanilla. Freeze for at least 6 hours.

What to Serve with Orange Ice Cream

This ice cream is versatile and pairs beautifully with:

A drizzle of dark chocolate syrup
Crushed shortbread or vanilla wafers
Grilled peaches or pineapple
A dollop of whipped cream and mint for garnish
Sandwiched between cookies for dreamy ice cream sandwiches!

Tips for the Creamiest Orange Ice Cream

Use fresh juice and zest – bottled juice just won’t give the same vibrant flavor.
Don’t skip the pinch of salt – it enhances the sweetness.
Chill your base – a cold mixture churns faster and smoother.
For bold color, add a touch of turmeric or natural food coloring (optional!).

How to Store It

Store your orange ice cream in an airtight container in the coldest part of your freezer. To prevent ice crystals:

Press a piece of parchment or wax paper directly on the surface before sealing.
Use within 2–3 weeks for best texture and flavor.

General Info About Orange Ice Cream

Origin: Inspired by classic citrus creamsicles and European fruit-based gelatos.
Seasonality: Best made in peak citrus season (winter–spring), but delicious year-round.
Flavor profile: Bright, refreshing, tangy-sweet with creamy undertones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bottled orange juice?

You can, but fresh juice makes a huge difference in flavor. If using bottled, choose one without added sugar or preservatives.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use sweetened condensed coconut milk in place of dairy.

Do I need an ice cream maker?

It helps create that ultra-smooth texture, but a no-churn version works beautifully too.

How long will homemade orange ice cream last?

About 2–3 weeks in the freezer. It’s safe beyond that but might develop ice crystals and lose creaminess.

Can I add other citrus fruits?

Absolutely! Try a blend of orange and lime, or even blood orange for a deeper flavor.

Final Thoughts on This Easy Orange Ice Cream Recipe

This orange ice cream is simple, sunny, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned ice cream maker or a total beginner, this recipe is designed for success and smiles all around. The flavor is nostalgic and new all at once—and it’s one of those recipes I keep going back to whenever I need a pick-me-up.

If you try it, please leave a review below or tag me on Pinterest with your beautiful scoops! I’d love to see how you made it your own.

Need more summer dessert inspiration? You’ll love these:

Thanks so much for stopping by and scooping up this recipe! Be sure to subscribe for more sweet surprises in your inbox. Happy churning!