This easy orange ice cream with dark chocolate chips is creamy, refreshing, and so simple to make at home. Made with fresh orange juice, orange pulp, sweetened condensed milk, and dark chocolate chips, this no-churn ice cream has a bright citrus flavor with little bites of rich chocolate in every scoop.
You don’t need an ice cream maker or any special ingredients to make this homemade orange ice cream. Simply whip the cream, mix in the remaining ingredients, fold in the orange pulp and chocolate chips, and freeze overnight. It is an easy dessert to make whenever you have fresh oranges on hand.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- No ice cream maker needed: This easy no-churn orange ice cream comes together without any special equipment.
- Fresh orange flavor: Freshly squeezed orange juice and pulp give the ice cream a lovely natural citrus flavor.
- Creamy and smooth: Whipped non-dairy cream and condensed milk create a rich and creamy ice cream base.
- Orange and dark chocolate: The bright, slightly tangy orange flavor pairs beautifully with rich dark chocolate chips.
- Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can have homemade ice cream ready for the freezer.
- Great make-ahead dessert: Prepare it the day before and let it freeze overnight, making it an easy dessert for entertaining.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this creamy orange ice cream at home.
Non-Dairy Ready-to-Whip Cream
Non-dairy ready-to-whip cream. Make sure the cream is thoroughly chilled before whipping so it reaches stiff peaks easily.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
You will need one standard tin of sweetened condensed milk. It adds sweetness and helps give the ice cream its creamy texture.
Fresh Oranges
Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the ice cream its bright citrus flavor. I also use fresh pulp, which adds little pieces throughout the ice cream.
Choose juicy, sweet oranges for the best flavor. Remove any seeds from the pulp before adding it to the ice cream mixture.
Dark Chocolate Chips
Dark chocolate chips add a rich chocolate flavor that balances the freshness of the orange. They also give the ice cream a little texture in every bite.
Vanilla Extract
A small amount of vanilla extract complements the orange flavor and rounds out the taste.
Orange Zest
Orange zest is sprinkled over the ice cream before freezing. It adds a lovely citrus aroma and makes the finished ice cream look more inviting.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Orange Ice Cream with Dark Chocolate Chips
- Pour the chilled non-dairy ready-to-whip cream into a large mixing bowl
- Whip until stiff peaks form, which usually takes about 5–8 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the brand of cream and how cold it is.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk to the whipped cream. Whip briefly until the condensed milk is well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Add in vanilla extract.
5. Add the freshly squeezed orange juice. Gently whip on low speed just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage.
6. Add the fresh orange pulp and dark chocolate chips to the ice cream mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold everything together until evenly distributed.
7. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle a few additional dark chocolate chips over the top.
8. Cover the loaf pan tightly with cling film. Place it in the freezer and freeze overnight until firm.
9. Once frozen, the ice cream can be scooped directly from the freezer. For easier scooping, dip your ice cream scoop in warm water, shake off the excess, and then scoop. I love using a loaf pan for homemade ice cream because I can either scoop it or slice it, depending on my mood!
Tips for Making the Best Orange Ice Cream
Keep the Whipping Cream Cold
Make sure the non-dairy whipping cream is well chilled before you begin. Cold cream whips faster and reaches stiff peaks more easily.
Use Fresh Oranges
Freshly squeezed orange juice gives this ice cream a much better flavor than packaged orange juice. Choose juicy, flavorful oranges for the best result.
Remove Seeds from the Orange Pulp
If your oranges contain seeds, remove them carefully before adding the pulp to the ice cream mixture.
Don’t Overmix
Once you add the orange pulp and chocolate chips, gently fold them in with a spatula. Overmixing is not necessary and can affect the light, creamy texture.
Cover Well Before Freezing
Cover the ice cream tightly with cling film before placing it in the freezer. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface and keeps the ice cream from picking up other freezer odors.
For Easy Scooping
Homemade ice cream can become quite firm after freezing. Dip your ice cream scoop in warm water, shake off the excess, and then scoop. The warm scoop will glide through the ice cream more easily.
Can I Make Orange Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
Yes! This is an easy no-churn orange ice cream, so you don’t need an ice cream maker. If you enjoy making homemade ice cream, you may also like my Fresh Mango Ice Cream.
The whipped non-dairy cream creates the creamy base, while sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and richness. Fresh orange juice, orange pulp, vanilla extract, and dark chocolate chips provide the flavor and texture.
Once everything is combined, simply transfer the mixture to a loaf pan, cover tightly, and freeze overnight.
Can I Use Fresh Orange Pulp in Ice Cream?
Yes, you can use fresh orange pulp in ice cream. I like adding it to this recipe because it gives little pieces of fresh orange throughout the creamy ice cream.
When preparing the pulp, remove any seeds before adding it to the mixture. If the pulp contains a lot of excess juice, gently drain it first so you don’t add too much liquid to the ice cream base.
Why Orange and Dark Chocolate Work So Well Together
Orange and dark chocolate are a classic combination for a reason. The fresh, slightly tangy flavor of orange balances the rich, slightly bitter taste of dark chocolate. If you enjoy chocolate desserts with a fruity twist, you may also like my Cherry Chocolate Brownies.
In this ice cream, the smooth and creamy orange base is complemented by little bites of dark chocolate chips. The chocolate adds both flavor and texture without overpowering the fresh citrus taste.
If you enjoy the combination of orange and chocolate, this homemade ice cream is a simple way to enjoy both flavors in one dessert.
How to Store Orange Ice Cream
Store the orange ice cream in a freezer-safe airtight container, or keep it tightly covered in the loaf pan.
This helps prevent ice crystals from forming and keeps the ice cream from absorbing odors from other foods in the freezer.
For the best texture and flavor, enjoy the ice cream while it is fresh.
FAQ
Yes. You can use any sweet, juicy orange that you enjoy eating. The flavor of the orange will affect the final taste of the ice cream, so choose oranges that are fresh and flavorful.
Yes, you can. Milk chocolate chips will give the ice cream a sweeter chocolate flavor. I prefer dark chocolate chips because their richer flavor balances the sweetness of the condensed milk and the fresh orange.
Yes, you can leave out the orange pulp if you prefer a smoother ice cream. It is purely optional.
Yes. This ice cream needs to freeze overnight, so it is actually a convenient dessert to prepare a day ahead. Keep it tightly covered in the freezer until you are ready to serve.
Homemade ice cream can be hard to scoop straight from the freezer. Let it sit for a few minutes, or dip the scoop in warm water before scooping.
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Recipe Card 👇
Orange ice cream with dark chocolate chips
Ingredients
- 2 cups non-dairy ready-to-whip cream
- 1¼ cups sweetened condensed milk (380 g, 1 standard tin)
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice
- ½ cup orange pulp
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (divided for mixing and garnish)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pour the chilled non-dairy ready-to-whip cream into a large mixing bowl.
- Whip until stiff peaks form, which usually takes about 5–8 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the brand of cream and how cold it is.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk to the whipped cream. Whip briefly until the condensed milk is well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Add in vanilla extract.
- Add the freshly squeezed orange juice. Gently whip on low speed just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage.
- Add the fresh orange pulp and dark chocolate chips to the ice cream mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold everything together until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle a few additional dark chocolate chips over the top.
- Cover the loaf pan tightly with cling film. Place it in the freezer and freeze overnight until firm.
- Once frozen, the ice cream can be scooped directly from the freezer. For easier scooping, dip your ice cream scoop in warm water, shake off the excess, and then scoop. I love using a loaf pan for homemade ice cream because I can either scoop it or slice it, depending on my mood!
Notes
- Make sure the whipping cream is well chilled before whipping.
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
- Remove any seeds from the orange pulp before adding it to the mixture.
- Fold the orange pulp and chocolate chips gently to avoid overmixing.
- Keep the ice cream tightly covered to prevent ice crystals from forming and to keep it fresh.
Nutrition
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