Ice cream is undeniably delicious, and adding fresh cranberries only makes it better. This recipe will yield you a frozen treat as good as any you've had—it nails all the wonderful flavor, tanginess, creaminess, and texture of this irresistible dessert. The method is simple and straightforward, and grants you a bowl of tasty ice cream all made right at home.
![Finished ice cream](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/12/4/56f53b7a77414825a4e00c090cddeadc.jpg)
Video of the Day
Things You'll Need
1, 12 oz bag of cranberries
1/2 cup water
2 tbs fresh orange juice
1/2 cup + 2 tbs granulated sugar
zest of one small orange
¾ tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp cinnamon
⅛ tsp ground cardamom
2 cups heavy cream
1, 14 oz can of condensed milk
pinch kosher salt
saucepan
spatula
1, 9x5-inch loaf pan
plastic wrap
Step 1
Add the cranberries, water, orange juice, and sugar to a saucepan set over medium heat.
Video of the Day
![Prepping cranberries](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/12/4/e135a09eead34a00ab8433f16327817d.jpg)
Step 2
Cook the cranberries, stirring often, until they begin to pop and thicken, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in the orange zest, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and cardamom.
![cooked cranberries](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/12/4/2d00179365fe41378ae5bee6bde13ff5.jpg)
Step 3
Transfer the cranberry sauce to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator until cold.
![blended cranberries](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/12/4/29656a78f7fd488f9af7553215be4a30.jpg)
Tip
If you prefer an ice cream without skins in it, simply pass the cranberry sauce through a fine mesh sieve before chilling.
Step 4
Add the heavy cream to a large bowl, and whisk until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
![whipped cream](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/12/4/37549ff5cc884905adfc74891fdcc7ca.jpg)
Step 5
Add the condensed milk to the cranberry puree and mix until combined. Add a small amount of the whipped cream to the condensed milk and gently fold together to lighten the mixture. Gently fold in the remaining whipped cream until just combined.
![folding whipped cream](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/12/4/44eee497f59f4cbfbb683b8ea0660c0e.jpg)
Step 6
Pour the mixture into a loaf pan, or an equal-sized container, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Place the ice cream into the freezer until solid, about 6 hours, but preferably overnight.
![freezing ice cream](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/12/4/89fa820d59d5482c91d72b953b9218c6.jpg)
Tip
When covering the ice cream, make sure that a layer of the plastic wrap touches the ice cream. This help prevents ice crystals from forming.
Step 7
Remove the ice cream from the freezer, and let sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Once the ice cream has slightly softened, scoop and enjoy.
![final ice cream](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/12/4/f4b98dc6a93f4defba4b22da1ec3b9ca.jpg)