Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream is a dream come true for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle. With only 4g of carbs per serving, it’s guilt-free yet incredibly delicious. The rich texture from the heavy cream and half-and-half, combined with the tangy zest of orange, creates a perfect balance. It’s a nostalgic flavor, with a modern twist—sugar-free, low-carb, and completely gluten-free. Plus, it’s an easy recipe to make that doesn’t require much preparation time!
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tsp Liquid Orange Stevia
- 2.5 cups half-and-half or light cream
- 4 egg yolks
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Few drops of natural orange food coloring
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a saucepan, over medium heat, bring the heavy cream and half-and-half to a simmer. Stir and remove from heat.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks until light in color. Gradually add small amounts of the cream mixture into the egg yolks to temper them.
- Return the mixture to the stovetop and heat on low, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (170-175°F).
- Pour the mixture into a container and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients: stevia, orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange food coloring. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream machine and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The ice cream should reach the consistency of soft serve in about 20 minutes.
- Enjoy immediately as soft serve or freeze for a firmer texture.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 (1/2 cup each)
- Preparation time: 30 minutes (not including refrigeration)
- Chilling time: 2-3 hours
- Freezing time: Approximately 20 minutes in an ice cream machine (longer if frozen solid)
Variations
- Flavor Boost: Add a little bit of fresh lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
- Non-Dairy Version: Use coconut cream and almond milk instead of heavy cream and half-and-half for a dairy-free alternative.
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in sugar-free chocolate chips or cocoa nibs for added texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Allow it to soften at room temperature for a few minutes before serving if it becomes too hard.
- If it hardens too much, let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before scooping.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different sweetener instead of liquid orange stevia?
Yes, you can substitute with any sugar-free sweetener of your choice, but liquid stevia adds the perfect orange flavor.
2. Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream machine?
Yes, you can freeze the mixture in a shallow pan and stir it every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
3. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s perfect for a keto diet, with only 4g of carbs per serving.
4. Can I use orange extract instead of zest?
You can, but zest adds a fresher, more natural orange flavor. If you prefer extract, use about 1/2 teaspoon.
5. How can I make this dairy-free?
Replace the heavy cream and half-and-half with coconut cream and almond milk for a delicious dairy-free option.
6. Can I make this in advance for a party?
Absolutely! You can make this ice cream ahead of time and store it in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
7. Can I use this recipe in a popsicle mold?
Yes, pour the mixture into popsicle molds instead of an ice cream maker for creamsicle-style popsicles.
8. Will the ice cream be too hard in the freezer?
This ice cream is soft-serve consistency when freshly made, but it does freeze hard. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
9. How do I know when the cream mixture is ready on the stove?
The mixture should thicken slightly and coat the back of a spoon. If you dip a spoon into the mixture, the cream should stay on the spoon without dripping off.
10. Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?
Yes, you can use all heavy cream for a richer, more indulgent ice cream, but it may have a higher fat content.
Conclusion
This Sugar-Free Low-Carb Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream is the perfect treat for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, refreshing, and healthy dessert. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a fun way to indulge in a nostalgic favorite without the sugar. Enjoy this ice cream during the summer months or whenever you need a sweet escape!
Print
Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream
- Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a creamy, tangy, and refreshing Sugar-Free Low-Carb Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream that’s perfect for your summer cravings. With only 4g of carbs per serving, this guilt-free, keto-friendly treat is made with rich vanilla and zesty orange flavors. Ideal for those on low-carb, gluten-free, or sugar-free diets, it’s a healthier twist on the classic orange creamsicle!
Ingredients
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tsp Liquid Orange Stevia
2.5 cups half-and-half or light cream
4 egg yolks
Zest of 1 orange
1 tsp vanilla extract
Few drops of natural orange food coloring
Instructions
-
In a saucepan, over medium heat, bring the heavy cream and half-and-half to a simmer. Stir and remove from heat.
-
In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks until light in color. Gradually add small amounts of the cream mixture into the egg yolks to temper them.
-
Return the mixture to the stovetop and heat on low, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (170-175°F).
-
Pour the mixture into a container and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
-
Stir in the remaining ingredients: stevia, orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange food coloring. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.
-
Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
-
Pour the mixture into an ice cream machine and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The ice cream should reach the consistency of soft serve in about 20 minutes.
-
Enjoy immediately as soft serve or freeze for a firmer texture.
Notes
Flavor Boost: Add lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
Non-Dairy Version: Substitute coconut cream and almond milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Allow it to soften at room temperature before serving if too hard.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Ice Cream
- Method: Stovetop, Ice Cream Maker
- Cuisine: American
