Cranberry-Chocolate Ice Cream
A vibrant and refreshing ice cream combining tart cranberries with rich chocolate and citrus notes, perfect for festive gatherings or a delightful summer treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, cook cranberries and orange juice until cranberries pop, about 8 minutes.
- Place the cooked cranberries and orange juice in a food processor or blender; add almond extract and pulse for about 5 minutes or until coarsely chopped.
- Freeze the cranberry mixture for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the softened vanilla ice cream with the chopped cranberries.
- Fold in the chopped semi-sweet chocolate or mini chocolate chips.
- Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm, about 2-3 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry mixture. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen ones work perfectly. You can also substitute orange juice with apple juice for a different flavor profile. For a creamier texture, let the ice cream soften slightly longer before mixing in the cranberries and chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful ice cream in bowls or cones, garnished with additional chocolate chips or a sprinkle of crushed cranberries for added visual appeal. It pairs beautifully with a slice of Fresh Blueberry Coffee Cake for a delightful dessert duo. Consider drizzling a little chocolate sauce on top for extra indulgence.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. To maintain its creaminess, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing. It can last for up to two weeks. If it becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry-Chocolate Ice Cream contains roughly 377 calories, with 9g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Absolutely! This recipe doesn’t require an ice cream maker. Just follow the instructions and freeze the mixture in a container. Stir it every 30 minutes for the first couple of hours to break up ice crystals for creamier texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).