Orange Creamsicle Panna Cotta (Popsicles)

frozen orange creamsicle right out of popsicle mold

Orange Creamsicle Panna Cotta (Popsicles)

The creamy yogurt and fresh orange juice create a harmonious blend, heightened by the optional additions of concentrated orange juice, zest, and a hint of vanilla. The addition of gelatin ensures a smooth, luscious texture reminiscent of the classic childhood treat. And gelatin + yogurt = high protein = healthy treat. Whether you leave these to chill in the fridge as panna cotta's or freeze them as popsicles is up to you!

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Italian

Diet: Vegetarian

Keyword: citrus, gelatin, healthy, high protein, popsicles, yogurt

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 3

Freeze Time: 4

Total Time: 4 18

Servings:

Calories: 90kcal

Cost: $3.50

Equipment

Ingredients

1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice about 1lb citrus; you can also use tangerines, mandarins, grapefruit etc., or store-bought juice
1/4 cup honey optional, taste your juice for sweetness first
1 tablespoon unflavored grass fed gelatin powder optional for popsicles
1 tablespoon frozen orange juice concentrate optional
zest of one orange optional
1 cup plain yogurt strained or Greek preferred
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
pinch fine sea salt

Instructions

In a small bowl, bloom the gelatin in 1/4 cup of orange juice. Let it sit while bringing the remaining 3/4 cup of orange juice to a simmer for 10-15 minutes until reduced to a syrup or in half. (If using frozen concentrate only, bloom the gelatin in water for 3 minutes).
Remove the simmering orange juice from the heat, then whisk in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. (If using frozen concentrate only, whisk the concentrate into the gelatin).
Add the orange zest, salt and optional honey to the orange juice mixture. Let it cool to room temperature for about 10 minutes.
Once cooled, whisk in the plain yogurt and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the mixture into popsicle molds or panna cotta molds, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion.
Freeze (for popsicles) or refrigerate (for panna cotta) for at least 4-6 hours or until fully set.

Notes

Flavor Options: Experiment with different citrus fruits like grapefruit, tangerines or mandarins for unique flavors or berries that have been pureed. Also good with a combination of mango and oranges (you'll need to puree/blend the mango with the orange juice). Or strawberries!
Dairy Free: If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute with coconut milk, nut milk or oat milk based yogurt.
Panna Cotta Dessert Option: Turn this mixture into a wonderful citrus panna cotta by refrigerating instead of freezing.
Omit Gelatin: If you omit the gelatin, the texture will change, but you should still come out with a frozen popsicle just the same!

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