If you’ve ever found yourself dreaming about the nostalgic flavor of a classic Orange Creamsicle in a glass, this Orange Creamsicle Milkshake Recipe is your new best friend. It blends that perfect balance of creamy vanilla and bright, tangy orange into a luscious, frosty treat that instantly transports you back to carefree summer days. Trust me, once you try this shake, it’ll quickly become a go-to indulgence for sharing with family or just savoring on a sunny afternoon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Top view of a clear food processor bowl filled with two parts: a foamy, creamy white liquid base covering most of the bowl, and three uneven dollops of bright orange puree placed near the center and edges, showing a soft, thick texture. The bowl has a black handle at the top and sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for just a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients that come together to create that irresistible creamy and citrusy flavor. Each one plays a vital role, from the rich smoothness of heavy cream to the vibrant refreshment of the orange juice concentrate.

2 cups heavy cream: Provides a rich and velvety base that makes the milkshake luxuriously creamy.
1 cup sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness that balances the tartness of the orange.
1 tbsp vanilla: Enhances the classic creamsicle flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
2½ cups vanilla bean ice cream: Imparts indulgence and freezes the shake to that perfect thick consistency.
12 oz orange juice concentrate: Brings that unmistakable bright citrus punch that defines the creamsicle experience.

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Milkshake Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Cream, Sugar, and Vanilla

Start by combining the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla in a blender. This mix forms the smooth, sweet foundation of your milkshake, so blend it just enough to dissolve the sugar while keeping the cream light and airy. This step ensures every sip will have that luscious sweetness and fragrance.

Step 2: Add Ice Cream and Orange Juice Concentrate

Next, scoop in the creamy vanilla bean ice cream and pour the orange juice concentrate right into the blender. Blend everything together until you get a perfectly smooth, thick mixture. This is where the magic happens, as creamy vanilla and tangy orange meld into that iconic creamsicle flavor.

Step 3: Chill to Perfection

Once blended, pop the milkshake into the freezer for 30 to 60 minutes. This extra chill sets the texture just right so it’s thick, cold, and perfect to sip through a straw on a warm day.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Pour the shake into tall glasses, add a straw, and garnish with a fresh orange slice if you like. Your Orange Creamsicle Milkshake Recipe is now ready to brighten any moment with its creamy citrus delight!

How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Milkshake Recipe

The image shows two clear glass jars filled with a creamy light orange smoothie. Each jar has two yellow and white striped straws sticking out from the top, and a bright orange slice decorated on the jar’s rim. The jars are surrounded by several orange slices and whole oranges spaced naturally around them on a white marbled surface. In the background, an orange and white striped cloth adds a splash of color and texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple is best here—try a vibrant slice of fresh orange on the rim or a sprig of mint to add a splash of color and a subtle hint of freshness. A maraschino cherry also pairs wonderfully if you’re feeling nostalgic.

Side Dishes

This creamy, citrusy shake pairs wonderfully with light, summery snacks like crisp waffle cones, buttery shortbread cookies, or even a fresh fruit salad. These sides keep the meal bright and refreshing without overwhelming the delicate balance of flavors in the shake.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, serve the milkshake in frosted mason jars with fun striped straws. You could also layer the shake with crushed vanilla wafers or tiny chunks of frozen orange segments for extra texture and burst of flavor. Presentation is all about capturing that retro creamsicle charm with a modern, fun vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, keep them covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Make sure to stir before serving to restore that creamy texture, as some separation might occur.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers for up to a week in a freezer-safe container. Just thaw in the fridge for a bit and give it a quick blend to bring back its smooth, creamy consistency before enjoying.

Reheating

This milkshake is best served cold and isn’t suited for reheating. However, letting it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before blending again will soften it enough for an ideal sipping experience without losing that dreamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh orange juice instead of concentrate?

Fresh orange juice is wonderfully natural but less concentrated, so the shake might be less tangy and vibrant. If you’re using fresh juice, consider reducing sugar slightly or adding a bit of orange zest to boost flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream and ice cream with coconut cream and a dairy-free vanilla ice cream to maintain creamy texture while keeping it vegan-friendly.

Can I make smaller servings?

Certainly. You can easily halve or quarter the ingredients to suit fewer servings, just keep the blending times adjusted so everything mixes smoothly without overprocessing.

Does the sugar amount affect the texture?

Yes, sugar not only sweetens but also helps maintain a smooth texture in the shake. Decreasing sugar too much can make the shake less creamy and more icy.

What’s the best way to get that thick shake consistency?

Using good quality vanilla bean ice cream and chilling the milkshake after blending are key. The ice cream adds body, and the chilling step firms it up to that perfect sippable thickness.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Creamsicle Milkshake Recipe isn’t just a drink, it’s a joyful blast from the past crafted with simple ingredients and whole-hearted love. I encourage you to blend one up and savor the smooth, velvety taste that so perfectly captures summer’s sweetest simplicity. Once you do, this creamy, citrusy delight will no doubt become a cherished favorite in your kitchen too.