Cranberry Ice
Cranberry Ice is a festive and refreshing treat, bursting with tart cranberry flavor complemented by bright orange notes. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it offers a cool, frothy sweetness that pairs beautifully with turkey and other seasonal dishes, adding a touch of tradition and elegance to your celebration.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil cranberries in cold water until mushy.
- Put through a sieve to remove skins and seeds.
- Add sugar and cook on low heat until sugar dissolves.
- Add orange juice and orange rind.
- Pour the mixture into a container and freeze until hard.
- Remove from freezer and beat until frothy.
- Refreeze until ready to serve.
- Serve with a turkey dinner.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh cranberries and make sure to boil until they're completely mushy for easier straining. You can substitute the orange juice with lemon juice for a tart flavor or use a sugar alternative like stevia if you prefer a low-calorie option. Ensure the mixture is well-beaten after the first freeze for a light, fluffy texture.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry ice pairs beautifully with turkey dinner, adding a refreshing contrast to rich flavors. For an elegant touch, serve in chilled dessert cups and garnish with fresh orange slices or mint. It can also complement dishes like Orange Apricot Salad for a festive meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cranberry ice in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. To reheat, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop. Avoid refreezing after it's been beaten to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Ice contains roughly 440 calories, with 2g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 9g 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 use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This may alter the texture slightly, so adjust the cooking time as necessary to achieve the mushy consistency needed for straining.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the cranberry ice up to a week in advance. After beating and refreezing, store it in an airtight container. Just remember to take it out of the freezer about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to soften for easier scooping.
What can I do with leftover cranberry ice?
Leftover cranberry ice can be used as a refreshing topping for cakes, or blended into smoothies for a fruity drink. It also makes a lovely sorbet-like dessert on its own, perfect for summer gatherings or as a palate cleanser between courses.
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).