Cranberry Ice Cream is a luscious, creamy dessert that brings together tart cranberries, sweet cream, and a touch of orange for the ultimate holiday indulgence. This delightful treat is perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive occasion, adding elegance and a splash of color to your dessert table. The balance of tart and sweet flavors makes this ice cream a must-try during the holiday season, ensuring it will impress your guests and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Ice Cream
This Cranberry Ice Cream is not just another dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors! Here are a few reasons to adore it:
- Rich and creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Unique blend of tart cranberries and sweet cream.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
- Can be served in various ways, allowing for creativity.
- Vegetarian-friendly dessert, suitable for many diets.
This recipe is a true American classic, making it a delightful addition to your holiday dessert repertoire.
Ingredients for Cranberry Ice Cream
Gather these items:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Extra cranberry sauce swirl
- White chocolate shavings
- Candied orange peel
How to Make Cranberry Ice Cream Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, ½ cup sugar, and orange juice. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until berries burst and mixture thickens.
- Step 2: Cool slightly, then blend until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve for a silky texture.
- Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, remaining ¼ cup sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Step 4: Stir in cooled cranberry puree. Refrigerate 2–3 hours or overnight.
- Step 5: Pour into an ice cream maker and churn for 20–25 minutes until soft-serve consistency.
- Step 6: Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Step 7: Freeze mixture in a dish, stirring every 30 minutes for 3–4 hours until creamy.
Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Ice Cream
Keep these in mind:
- Perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive occasion.
- Add elegance and color to your table.
- For smoother ice cream, ensure all components are well chilled before mixing.
Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Ice Cream
Here are a few serving ideas:
- Serve with a drizzle of extra cranberry sauce on top.
- Garnish with white chocolate shavings for added sweetness.
- Pair with candied orange peel for a zesty twist.
How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Ice Cream
To store your Cranberry Ice Cream, keep it in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s best enjoyed within a week for optimal freshness. If you need to reheat, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, making it easier to scoop.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Ice Cream
What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Ice Cream?
The key to perfect Cranberry Ice Cream lies in balancing the tartness of the cranberries with the sweetness of the cream. Using fresh ingredients, especially freshly squeezed orange juice, enhances the flavor.
Can I make Cranberry Ice Cream ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare Cranberry Ice Cream a day or two in advance. Just store it in the freezer until you’re ready to serve, making it an excellent choice for holiday parties.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Ice Cream?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure the cranberry mixture is properly cooled before blending. This prevents the ice cream from becoming grainy. Additionally, over-churning can lead to a firm texture, so monitor the process closely.
Variations of Cranberry Ice Cream You Can Try
Looking to switch it up? Here are some delicious variations:
- Add crushed ginger cookies for a spicy crunch.
- Incorporate a swirl of raspberry puree for an extra fruity layer.
- Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version, keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our dessert recipes or learn how to make easy cinnamon rolls for a delightful breakfast treat. If you’re interested in more holiday recipes, visit our recipe section for inspiration.
For tips on using cranberries, you can refer to this Healthline article on the benefits of cranberries.
Print
Irresistible Cranberry Ice Cream for Holiday Delight
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Ice Cream is a luscious, creamy dessert that brings together tart cranberries, sweet cream, and a touch of orange for the ultimate holiday indulgence.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Extra cranberry sauce swirl
- White chocolate shavings
- Candied orange peel
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, ½ cup sugar, and orange juice. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until berries burst and mixture thickens.
- Cool slightly, then blend until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve for a silky texture.
- In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, remaining ¼ cup sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Stir in cooled cranberry puree. Refrigerate 2–3 hours or overnight.
- Pour into an ice cream maker and churn for 20–25 minutes until soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Freeze mixture in a dish, stirring every 30 minutes for 3–4 hours until creamy.
Notes
- Perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive occasion.
- Add elegance and color to your table.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Ice Cream Maker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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