This easy Clementine Sorbet Recipe is the perfect refreshing treat to cool down with. Made with fresh clementine oranges and prepared in the Ninja Creami machine, this healthy dessert is delicious and incredibly simple to make. The most challenging part of creating this homemade sorbet is freezing the ingredients for 24 hours. Packed with citrus flavor, this clementine sorbet is ideal for anyone looking for a light and frosty dessert. It’s a delightful way to enjoy fresh clementines, ideal for summer days, dietary-friendly, and bursting with natural sweetness.
If you’re looking for a straightforward, low-calorie cold treat, this is a recipe you need to try.
I discovered the Ninja Creami machine through some Instagram reels and quickly snapped one up. I’ve been using it nearly every day since—it’s the ideal small appliance for making delicious summertime treats!
Let’s take a look at what the Ninja Creami machine makes!
- Ice Cream – Traditional creamy ice cream in various flavors.
- Sorbet – Fruit-based, dairy-free frozen dessert.
- Gelato – Richer and denser than ice cream with less air incorporated.
- Milkshakes – Smooth and creamy shakes.
- Smoothie Bowls – Thick smoothies are topped with fruits and seeds suitable for bowl presentations.
- Lite Ice Cream – Lower calorie and lower fat versions of traditional ice cream.
- Frozen Yogurt – Tart and creamy dessert, a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream.
What is a Clementine Fruit
Clementines are a type of mandarin orange known for their small size and sweet, juicy flavor. This citrus fruit is typically seedless and has smooth, shiny skin that is easy to peel, making it a convenient and popular snack. Clementines are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, contributing to their bright, tangy taste. They are harvested in the cooler months, making them a seasonal favorite during the winter.
The difference between a mandarin and a clementine orange
- Size and Peelability: Clementines are generally smaller and have a thinner, smoother skin than mandarin oranges, making them easier to peel.
- Seeds: Clementines are usually seedless or have very few seeds, while mandarin oranges typically contain seeds.
- Flavor: Clementines are known for their very sweet flavor, whereas mandarin oranges can vary more in sweetness and sometimes have a slightly tart note.
- Hybrid Status: Clementines are a hybrid of mandarin and sweet oranges, while mandarins are a broader category that includes various types of oranges, such as tangerines and satsumas, each with unique characteristics.
- Availability: Clementines are typically available and in season during winter, making them especially popular around the holidays. In contrast, different types of mandarin oranges can have varying seasons, with some available in late autumn through spring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Clementines: The star of the sorbet, clementines provide a vibrant, citrusy flavor that is both sweet and slightly tart, making the base of the sorbet refreshingly fruity.
- Agave Syrup: Agave syrup is used as a natural sweetener that blends smoothly without crystallizing, offering a subtle sweetness that complements the tanginess of the clementines. (Optional)
- Milk: Adding a touch of milk creates a smoother, creamier texture than sorbet typically has, balancing the icy texture with a mild richness that enhances the overall mouthfeel. (Optional)
Here’s How You Make Ice Cream
Step 1 – Mix Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step 2 – Chill the Mixture
- Pour the mixture into an empty Creami pint container.
- Seal the lid and place it in your freezer.
- Freeze for about 24 hours until the mixture is solid.
Step 3 – Prepare the Ninja Creami Machine
- Remove the frozen pint from the freezer and take off the lid.
- Place the pint into the Creami machine container and cover with its lid.
- Insert the containers into the Ninja Creami machine and lock it in place.
Step 4 – Process the Ice Cream
- Select the “Ice Cream” function on the machine.
- Start the machine and let it run until the cycle is complete. This usually takes about 2-5 minutes.
Step 5 – Check Consistency
- Once the cycle is complete, check the consistency of the ice cream.
- If it’s too grainy and dry, add a small amount of milk or orange juice and re-spin it for a smoother texture.
Step 6 – Serve or Store
- Serve the ice cream immediately if you enjoy a soft-serve texture.
- For a firmer consistency, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze it for an additional 1-2 hours.
Clementine Sorbet Recipe
Ingredients
- clementine oranges Peel and cut in half horizontally.
- 2 tbsp agave syrup optional
- 2 tbsp milk or orange juice optional
Instructions
- Peel clementines and cut in half horizontally. Separate the clementine segments and place in the pint container. Smash the clementine down as you add.
- Once you filled the pint to the max line, add syrup and milk if you prefer. eal the lid and place it in your freezer.Freeze for about 24 hours until the mixture is solid.
- Remove the frozen pint from the freezer and take off the lid.Place the pint into the Creami machine container and cover with its lid.Insert the containers into the Ninja Creami machine and lock it in place.
- Select the “Ice Cream” function on the machine.Start the machine and let it run until the cycle is complete. This usually takes about 2-5 minutes.
- Once the cycle is complete, check the consistency of the ice cream.If it’s too grainy and dry, add a small amount of milk or orange juice and re-spin it for a smoother texture.
- Serve immediately or cover pint and place back into the freezer for later.
Nutrition
How to Store Sorbet
- Use an Airtight Container: Seal your sorbet in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and preserve its flavor and texture.
- Keep It Deep in the Freezer: To help maintain its ideal consistency, store the sorbet in the back of your freezer, where the temperature is most consistent.
- Minimize Exposure to Air: Each time you serve the sorbet, close the container quickly to reduce air exposure, which can lead to ice crystals forming.
- Consume Within a Month: For the best quality, enjoy your clementine sorbet within a month of making it, as over time, it may lose its vibrant flavor and smooth texture.
If you don’t have clementines, you can make frozen mandarin sorbet. I guess you just remove any seeds you might find.
Here are some other fruit recipes:
The Ninji Creami has quickly become my favorite new kitchen gadget! I hope you can try it out and make some delicious clementine sorbet with it!
Cheers,
Photo Credits: MyPhotography.com
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Penny
How much heavy cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract do you use? This recipe looks so delicious!