Ricotta Almond Gelato Bites with Candied Orange Recipe
These Ricotta Almond Gelato Bites with Candied Orange are a delightful, bite-sized frozen treat combining creamy ricotta gelato, crunchy toasted almonds, and bright, sweet-tart candied orange slices. Perfect for warming days or elegant dessert parties, they offer a refreshing balance of textures and flavors with a touch of nutty sweetness and citrus zing.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (about 12 gelato bites) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Gelato Bites
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup finely chopped toasted almonds
Candied Orange
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- Make the Candied Orange: In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water, and bring to a gentle simmer until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the thinly sliced orange and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the slices turn translucent. Remove them carefully and cool on parchment paper to set.
- Prepare Gelato Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the finely chopped toasted almonds, ensuring an even distribution.
- Freeze Gelato Bites: Spoon the gelato mixture into silicone mini molds or ice cube trays, filling each cavity evenly. Place in the freezer and allow to freeze for 3–4 hours or until firm and scoopable.
- Assemble & Serve: Once frozen, carefully pop the gelato bites out of the molds. Top each bite with a slice of the candied orange. Serve immediately to enjoy the refreshing, creamy, and crunchy combination at its best.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh ricotta cheese with a creamy texture.
- To toast almonds, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
- If silicone molds are unavailable, use ice cube trays or small muffin tins lined with plastic wrap.
- These gelato bites are best served immediately after removing from the freezer to maintain texture.
- Store any leftovers covered in the freezer for up to 2 days; texture may slightly soften upon refreezing.
- For a nut-free version, omit almonds and add an extra 2 tablespoons of ricotta for creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 gelato bites
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: ricotta gelato, almond gelato, candied orange, frozen dessert, Italian gelato bites, summer dessert, bite-sized gelato