Saffron, Honey, and Orange Ice Cream Recipe

Updated April 16, 2025

Closeup of orange saffron honey ice cream being scooped from a storage container. — Serious Eats / Max Falkowitz

This ice cream is all about balance: heady saffron, floral honey, and bittersweet orange zest. Use a light honey that won't overpower the other ingredients such as acacia, alfalfa, or orange blossom. Only use saffron threads, not powdered saffron; the latter is often cut with other spices like turmeric.

Scooped: The Pursuit of Balance in Ice Cream

January 2014

Recipe Details

Saffron, Honey, and Orange Ice Cream Recipe

Cook 15 mins

Active 45 mins

Churning/Freezing Time 8 hrs 30 mins

Total 8 hrs 45 mins

Serves 8 servings

Makes 1 quart

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Ingredients

6 large egg yolks
1/2 cup light honey (recommended: acacia, alfalfa, or orange blossom)
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
1/2 teaspoon fresh orange zest from 1 orange

Directions

In a heavy medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, honey, and sugar until thoroughly combined. Whisk in cream, milk, and salt, then cook over medium heat, whisking frequently, until a custard forms on the back of a spoon but a finger swiped across it leaves a clean line, about 170°F (77°C).
Pour through a strainer into an airtight container and stir in saffron and orange zest. Cover and chill in refrigerator until custard drops to 40°F (4°C), 4 hours to overnight.
Churn custard according to manufacturer's instructions. Transfer ice cream to airtight container and chill in freezer for at least 4 to 5 hours before serving.

Special Equipment

Ice cream maker

This Recipe Appears In

Scooped: The Pursuit of Balance in Ice Cream

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
324	Calories
27g	Fat
15g	Carbs
8g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories	324
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 27g	34%
Saturated Fat 16g	78%
Cholesterol 233mg	78%
Sodium 202mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate 15g	5%
Dietary Fiber 0g	2%
Total Sugars 14g
Protein 8g
Vitamin C 13mg	66%
Calcium 107mg	8%
Iron 1mg	5%
Potassium 188mg	4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.