Orange Dessert | Creamy, Fresh & Served in Its Own Shell

A refreshing citrus treat made right inside an orange! With just a few simple ingredients — cream, sugar, and fresh juice — this dessert turns into a silky, light cream chilled and spooned straight from the fruit. Perfect after dinner or on a warm day.

Watch the Recipe

About This Dessert

This Orange Dessert is one of those simple Italian creations that looks stunning but takes only minutes to prepare. The cream sets inside the orange shell, infusing every bite with a gentle citrus aroma. It’s a favourite along the Amalfi Coast, where fresh oranges are abundant, and desserts are all about freshness and natural flavour.

Ingredients (Makes 4–6 Halves)

Oranges:	3 medium (for juice + shells)
Whipping Cream:	150 ml (⅔ cup)
White Sugar:	60 g (5 tbsp)
Corn Starch:	1 tbsp (8 g)
Fresh Orange Juice:	From the scooped oranges (about 200 ml / ¾ cup)

How to Make It

Prep Time: 15 mins | Chill Time: 2–4 hrs | Total Time: 4 hrs

Step 1: Cut oranges in half and gently scoop out the pulp without damaging the shells. Set aside the juice.
Step 2: In a tall pan, combine cream, sugar, and orange juice.
Step 3: Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Add corn starch and whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 5: Pour the mixture into the orange shells and refrigerate for 2–4 hours until set.
Step 6: Serve chilled — enjoy straight from the orange shell for a fun and elegant presentation!

Tucci’s Tips

Use freshly squeezed oranges — bottled juice won’t give the same aroma or freshness.

Chill your mixing bowl and cream for faster whipping and smoother texture.

Decorate with mint leaves or grated zest for an elegant touch.

Variations

Lemon Lovers: Swap oranges for lemons for a tangy, refreshing version.
Chocolate Orange: Add a few squares of dark chocolate to the cream mixture before heating.
Frozen Treat: Freeze for an hour before serving for a semi-freddo texture.

Did You Know?

Historical Fact: In Southern Italy, oranges have symbolized good luck and prosperity since ancient Roman times, often featured in desserts during festive meals.

Fun Fact: Serving desserts inside fruit shells is a centuries-old Mediterranean tradition — it keeps them cool and infuses a subtle natural flavour into the cream.

Share Your Dessert!

Did you make this Orange Dessert? Share your citrus creation on Instagram or TikTok and tag @cooking.with.tucci — I’d love to see how yours turned out!

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Storage & Thank You

Keep your orange desserts refrigerated and covered for up to 2 days. Serve them cold straight from the fridge for maximum freshness.

Can it be frozen? Yes — freeze for up to 1 month. Let thaw slightly in the fridge before serving for a creamy texture.

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Discover more fresh Italian desserts at www.cookingwithtucci.com — simple, homemade, and always made with love! You can also support my recipes and videos through Ko-fi below.