This Orange Creamsicle Milkshake recipe has all the sweet, orange flavor of classic creamsicle desserts in the convenience of a sippable shake! Combined in a blender, it’s ready in minutes and the perfect treat on a warm day! When we are at the boardwalk on the Jersey shore, I always get a creamsicle soft serve, and this reminds me of that delicious treat!
Love orange flavor? Try a banana orange smoothie, too!
Creamsicle ice cream is such a nostalgic dessert for me. It ranks at the top of my list with no bake raspberry cheesecake and no bake lemon cheesecake in terms of fruity recipes. Always full of bold, orange flavor, it’s just so good!
However, I have to admit that I think this creamsicle milkshake is even better than the popsicles or the soft serve ice cream.
It couldn't be easier to make too! It starts with the same base as a classic vanilla milkshake. The vanilla ice cream and milk add a layer of sweetness and create a creamy consistency that just takes the recipe over the top. Then, I include orange juice concentrate for that bright, citrusy flavor you know and love.
My kids can’t get enough! Try it for yourself, and you may never go back to store-bought creamsicles again.
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What is a Creamsicle?
If you’ve never had a creamiscle, you’ve been missing out! It’s an old-fashioned frozen dessert served popsicle style. Creamsicle is a distinct flavor made with a vanilla ice cream base and swirls of orange or sherbet. It’s sweet and creamy with a distinct citrus taste.
Ingredients to Make a Creamsicle Milkshake
- Vanilla ice cream. Just like most of my milkshakes, the vanilla ice cream serves as the base of the milkshake. Use your favorite brand of ice cream for this recipe.
- Fresh orange juice concentrate. This is a thick, syrup-like liquid made by removing most of the water from freshly squeezed orange juice. You can usually find it in the frozen section of your local grocery store.
- Vanilla Extract. Use a high-quality pure vanilla extract, not imitation vanilla.
- Milk. Helps make the milkshake creamy. Use full-fat milk for the richest flavor and creamiest consistency.
Be sure to check out the printable recipe card for full recipe information on ingredients and quantities.
Creamsicle vs. Orange Sherbet Shake, What's the Difference?
A creamsicle is a bright orange and smooth vanilla, the same flavor as those classic ice cream truck pops with an orange coating around a vanilla ice cream center. It tastes rich and creamy, almost like an orange milkshake, with the vanilla softening the citrus so every bite feels mellow and dreamy.
Sherbet, on the other hand, is fruitier and lighter. It has just a little bit of dairy (way less than ice cream), so the fruit flavor is the star. It's tangier, more refreshing, and melts in that cool, zippy way that makes it perfect for hot afternoons.
How To Make a Creamsicle Milkshake
Step 1
Add the vanilla ice cream to the blender.
Step 2
Open the orange concentrate and pour it into the blender.
Step 3
Add the milk to the blender.
Step 4
Blend on high until thick and smooth. Pour into a glass, top with whipped cream, and enjoy!
Orange Sherbet Shake Variation
- Swap half the vanilla ice cream for orange sherbet, which gives a brighter, tangier shake.
- Add some soda like 7-up or Sprite to give it a little bit of a fizzy kick!
- For the adults out there, make it boozy! Keep it away from kids of course, but you can add vodka or tequila for a yummy kick!
Tips and Tricks
- Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender as needed to make sure all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- If you can't find orange concentrate in the grocery store, you can use orange sherbet and a splash of orange juice.
- Feeling fun and fizzy? Add a splash of orange soda or sparkling water over your milkshake for a fun twist that’s somewhere between a milkshake and a float.
- This recipe will make two smaller milkshakes or one large milkshake. You can easily double or triple this recipe to feed a crowd.
- I tested this with fresh squeezed OJ first and it came out thin and icy. Frozen concentrate is the secret to that true creamsicle flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
For a thinner consistency, add an extra splash of milk. Or, if you prefer an even thicker shake, add more ice cream or a few ice cubes.
Absolutely! For a sweeter taste, add more orange juice concentrate, granulated sugar, or honey. Or, for a slightly less sweet option, scale back the orange juice concentrate just a bit.
Sure! Just swap the milk and ice cream for your favorite dairy-free varieties.
You can, but the shake will be thinner and the orange flavor much weaker. Frozen orange juice concentrate gives you that strong, true creamsicle taste without watering down the ice cream. If you only have regular OJ, use less milk to make up for it.
Orange Creamsicle Milkshake (4 Ingredients!)
Equipment
- High Speed Blender
- Ice Cream Scoop
Ingredients
- 2 cups Vanilla Ice Cream Your favorite brand and variety
- ⅓ cup Frozen orange juice concentrate thawed
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup Milk Whole Milk or 2% for the creamiest milkshake
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Pause and scrape down the sides of the blender if needed to make sure everything blends up nice and smooth.
- Can’t find orange concentrate at the store? Just swap in some orange sherbet and a splash of orange juice instead.
- Want to make it extra fun? Pour a little orange soda or sparkling water over your milkshake for a fizzy twist that’s part milkshake, part float.
- This recipe makes one big milkshake or two smaller ones, but feel free to double or triple it if you're serving a crowd! Just make sure your blender is big enough!
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