Ingredients
Fruit and Juice
- 4 large navel oranges
- 1 to 2 additional oranges (for extra juice, if needed)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Syrup and Dairy Alternative
- ¾ cup simple syrup
- 13 ounces full-fat coconut milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Oranges: Slice the tops off the oranges and carefully scoop out the fruit flesh with a spoon, taking care not to tear the peel. Reserve all the fruit flesh and any juice that escapes during this process. Place the hollowed-out orange skins in the freezer to firm up while you work on the sorbet.
- Extract Juice: Press the orange pulp using a juicer or squeeze through cheesecloth to collect about 1 ½ cups of juice. You may need to juice 1 to 2 additional oranges depending on yield.
- Combine Sorbet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, simple syrup, lemon juice, orange zest, and full-fat coconut milk until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Make Sorbet (Using Ice Cream Maker): Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Make Sorbet (Without Ice Cream Maker): Place the bowl with the orange mixture in the freezer and stir every hour to break up ice crystals until it reaches a soft-serve sorbet texture.
- Make Sorbet (Using Ninja CREAMi): Pour the mixture into a Ninja CREAMi pint up to the max fill line. Freeze flat for 24 hours. Spin on the sorbet setting. If the texture is crumbly, add 1-2 tablespoons of orange juice and re-spin. Afterwards, scoop the sorbet into the frozen orange halves.
- Fill the Orange Skins: Spoon the sorbet into the chilled and firm orange skins, mounding it slightly above the top for presentation.
- Freeze Final Dessert: Freeze the filled orange skins for at least 4 hours or until firm before serving. This ensures the sorbet sets perfectly and is easy to scoop.
Notes
- Full-fat coconut milk adds creaminess and a subtle tropical flavor; avoid light coconut milk for best texture.
- If you do not have an ice cream maker, stirring regularly while freezing helps achieve a smooth sorbet texture.
- The hollowed orange skins make a beautiful natural serving bowl and add to the citrus aroma.
- Simple syrup can be adjusted for sweetness based on orange sweetness and personal preference.
- For extra flavor, zest can be added on top as a garnish just before serving.
- The sorbet can be stored in a covered container in the freezer for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan