Orange Cream Dessert Cups

These Orange Cream Dessert Cups are a delightful treat that combines a smooth, creamy layer with a tangy orange sauce. The dessert features a rich whipped cream topping, set on a refreshing orange sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The custard-like texture of the orange sauce adds a sweet citrus twist to the dish, while the whipped cream lightens it up, making it perfect for any occasion. With a touch of turmeric for color and a silky smooth finish, this dessert is as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Preparation, Cook, and Total Times

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 3 x 220 ml cups

Cuisine

This dessert blends the rich, creamy textures of whipped cream with the vibrant, tangy flavors of fresh orange juice. It’s inspired by classic layered desserts, perfect for a light yet indulgent treat.

Full List of Ingredients

For the Orange Sauce:

• 50 g (1/4 cup) sugar
• 40 g (1/4 cup) cornstarch
• 500 ml (2 cups) orange juice (fresh or packed)
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder (optional, for color)

For the Whipped Cream Layer:

• 200 ml (3/4 cup) whipping cream (minimum 33% fat)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Orange Sauce
   In a bowl, mix the sugar and cornstarch together. Add a little bit of orange juice and stir until well combined, ensuring there are no lumps. Gradually add the remaining orange juice, mixing as you go. Add the turmeric powder for color, if desired, and mix well.

2. Cook the Orange Sauce
   Pour the mixture into a saucepan and place it over medium heat. Stir continuously to avoid lumps and ensure the sauce thickens. The sauce will start to thicken once it reaches boiling point, which should take about 5 minutes. Once thickened, transfer the sauce into a wide bowl to cool down completely.

3. Whip the Cream
   In a mixing bowl, combine the whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer, start whisking on low speed and gradually increase to medium speed once it begins to thicken. Whisk until stiff peaks form, being careful not to over-whisk to avoid a grainy texture.

4. Prepare the Piping Bags
   Transfer most of the whipped cream into a piping bag without a nozzle. Put the remaining cream in a piping bag with a piping nozzle (such as 1E, but any nozzle will work) for decoration.

5. Assemble the Dessert
   Once the orange sauce has cooled completely, begin layering it in dessert cups. Start with a layer of orange sauce, then pipe a layer of whipped cream on top. Continue layering with orange sauce, followed by whipped cream until the cups are filled. Repeat the layers for a beautiful, layered effect.

6. Chill and Garnish
   Refrigerate the dessert cups for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to set and the dessert to chill. Before serving, you can garnish with a slice of fresh orange on top for an added citrusy touch.

7. Serve
   After chilling, serve these delicious orange cream dessert cups as a refreshing end to any meal. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Cholesterol: 55 mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

This Orange Cream Dessert Cup is inspired by the classic French or European-style layered desserts. It combines the richness of whipped cream with the natural sweetness and acidity of oranges, making it a refreshing and indulgent choice. The use of cornstarch to thicken the orange sauce adds a custard-like consistency, enhancing the overall texture of the dessert.

Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Refreshing and Sweet: The tangy orange sauce pairs perfectly with the light, creamy whipped cream, making each bite a balance of flavors.
2. Visually Stunning: The layers of vibrant orange sauce and creamy white whipped cream create a beautiful contrast, perfect for impressing guests.
3. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dessert is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort.
4. Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or add a different flavor to the whipped cream, like a splash of orange liqueur, for a twist.
5. Make-Ahead: This dessert needs to chill for at least an hour, making it a great option to prepare in advance for a dinner party or gathering.

Health Benefits

1. Oranges: Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, which boosts immunity and promotes healthy skin.
2. Whipping Cream: While high in fat, whipping cream provides calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
3. Turmeric: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and is known for its antioxidant benefits, making it a great addition to this dessert.

Serving Suggestions

1. With Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for added freshness and a burst of color.
2. With Tea or Coffee: This dessert pairs well with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making it an excellent after-dinner treat.
3. As Part of a Dessert Platter: Serve alongside other light desserts like fruit salads, sorbets, or pastries for a delightful dessert spread.

Cooking Tips

1. Whisk the Orange Sauce Well: Be sure to whisk the orange juice and cornstarch mixture thoroughly to avoid any lumps in the sauce.
2. Don’t Overwhip the Cream: Be careful not to overwhip the cream; it should hold stiff peaks but still be smooth and creamy.
3. Chill Well: Allow the dessert to chill for at least an hour before serving to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld together.

Variations to Try

1. Vegan Version: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped cream alternative for a vegan version of this dessert.
2. Chocolate Layer: Add a layer of melted chocolate between the orange sauce and whipped cream for a chocolatey twist.
3. Boozy Version: Add a splash of orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier, to the whipped cream for an added depth of flavor.

Conclusion

These Orange Cream Dessert Cups are a perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and creamy. With vibrant layers of orange sauce and rich whipped cream, this dessert is both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it on a cozy night, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

10 Comprehensive FAQ Section

1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
   Yes, this dessert needs to be chilled for at least an hour, making it ideal for preparing ahead of time.

2. Can I use bottled orange juice?
   Yes, you can use bottled orange juice, but fresh juice will provide a fresher, more vibrant flavor.

3. Can I make this dessert without whipped cream?
   Yes, you can skip the whipped cream and substitute it with a vegan whipped topping or custard for a different texture.

4. Can I add other fruits to this dessert?
   Yes, you can add fresh fruit like berries, mango, or kiwi on top or layered in between for additional flavors and textures.

5. How do I store leftovers?
   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

6. Can I freeze this dessert?
   Freezing this dessert is not recommended due to the whipped cream, but you can freeze the orange sauce layer if needed.

7. Can I add more sweetness to the orange sauce?
   Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar to the orange sauce if you prefer a sweeter dessert.

8. How do I make sure the cream doesn’t curdle?
   Whisk the cream carefully, and stop as soon as stiff peaks form. Overwhipping can cause it to curdle or become grainy.

9. Can I make this dessert spicier?
   Yes, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the orange sauce or whipped cream for a spicy kick.

10. Can I use a different flavor of essence?
    Yes, you can substitute vanilla essence with almond, lemon, or orange essence for a different flavor profile.