Roasted Winter Citrus with Chocolate Coconut Whipped Cream is a simple, elegant dessert sweetened naturally with maple syrup. Gluten-free and vegan.
When winter citrus starts popping up in the grocery stores it signals a couple things. One, winter just got a little brighter, and two, everything from dessert to cocktails to dinner can enjoy the variation and new life that winter citrus flavors provide.
If you are on team “orange and chocolate,” then I think this roasted winter citrus with chocolate coconut cream recipe is for you. It’s simple and no fuss, and shouldn’t break any new year resolutions.
Roasting citrus, as with veggies, requires little prep. Baking enhances the sweet and tangy citrus flavors allowing for only a minimal amount of maple syrup needed to drizzle over the top. Combined with a chocolate coconut whipped cream and some cacao nibs for crunch, you’ve got an elegant dessert (or breakfast!) with little effort.
So use a variety of winter citrus or stick with one type, and winter will feel brighter in no time.
Roasted Winter Citrus with Chocolate Coconut Whipped Cream Recipe
Ingredients
Roasted Citrus
- 2 cara cara oranges sliced and pith removed
- 2 blood oranges sliced and pith removed
- 2 navel oranges sliced and pith removed
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup
Chocolate Coconut Whipped Cream
- 2 cans coconut milk full fat, refrigerated overnight*
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional
- cacao nibs for sprinkling
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Add citrus slices to baking sheet in an even layer. Drizzle with maple syrup. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the citrus slices look tender and the edges have started to caramelize.
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While the citrus is roasting, prepare your chocolate coconut whipped cream. Add solid coconut milk to a medium bowl. With an electric mixer, mix on medium until solids form into cream consistency. Add cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Mix until combined.
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Divide chocolate coconut whipped cream into four bowls. Top with roasted citrus and sprinkle with cacao nibs if desired.
Recipe Notes
*You can also use already prepared canned coconut cream.
Inspired by Heartbeet Kitchen's Roasted Citrus Bowls with Honey Mascarpone and with guidance from Food52.
Kelsey @ Appeasing a Food Geek says
This whipped cream sounds divine! I’ve been getting into more coconut flavors in my sweet and savory dishes, so I can’t wait to try this! xoxo
Lauren Schmidt says
Your pictures are amazing! This looks so good, I am definitely going to try this soon :)
Tessa says
Thank you, Lauren! I do hope you enjoy it when you give it a try! <3
Gabriella says
I cannot believe how delicious and GORGEOUS this looks. I have to say I’ve never had this combo before, but now I’ll definitely have to try it.
Tessa says
Thank you so much, Gabriella! It kind of reminds me of the best part of a fruit cream pie – the inside! :)
Abby @ Heart of a Baker says
I love what you’ve done to make this pretty citrus even brighter! Also, coconut cream is the best and adding chocolate makes it ever better :)
Tessa says
I don’t know how I hadn’t made chocolate coconut whipped cream before but it now my favorite thing! The citrus makes it a bonus! Hope you had a great weekend. xo
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
Elegant and easy for sure! I’ve never roasted oranges.. only grapefruit, so I’ve GOT to give this a go. I love the chocolate/citrus combo and love how you’ve snuck in a few of those bitter nibs… one of my favorite things. Delicious and gorgeous work, Tessa!
Tessa says
Yes, you MUST try roasting other citrus – it’s a game changer! ;) Although now you have me thinking about roasting grapefruit, stat! ;) Thank you, Traci!!
jaime ‡ the briny says
i am so forever on team chocolate + orange. not going to lie–my parents included a tobler chocolate orange in their christmas gifts for my brother-in-law, and gave me some fancy bars of chocolate instead. i was feeling some envy. ?
i never would have thought to pair whole citrus with anything chocolaty-creamy, but this sounds so delicious! need to try. hope you’re well. xo
Tessa says
Hahaha, I can understand that! Did you offer a trade? ;)
Hope you are doing well, my friend! <3
Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes says
How is it that I have never roasted citrus before? This looks incredible. Love your addition of the cocoa nibs for crunch!
Tessa says
Oh, you must! :) Thanks so much, Katie!
Ruby & Cake says
The colours in that citrus are so stunning. I am not usually one for Chocolate and citrus but I after seeing this I am positive its because I am not doing it right! Will have to try this
Tessa says
Thank you!! :) Haha, definitely worth giving it a go! xo
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I love everything about this recipe Tessa! Those oranges are just gorgeous and sound like they go just perfectly with that chocolate coconut whipped cream! I’ll need to try this soon!
Tessa says
Thanks, Mary Ann! It is a satisfying dessert without being overly sweet! :)
thalia says
YUM. I’ve never tried fresh citrus and chocolate before??!! only ever in baked things or candy! definitely have to try this recipe – i love all the vibrancy and how good this is for you! Xx