Orange Creamsicle Milkshake (Kid-Friendly)

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I make this orange creamsicle milkshake when I want that orange-and-vanilla ice cream bar taste in a thick, frosty drink. It is creamy and sweet with a bright citrus edge, the kind of cold treat you pull through a straw slowly so it lasts.

Orange creamsicle smoothie in a mason jar with an orange slice garnish and fresh oranges in the background.

Creamsicles take me right back to summers as a kid, chasing down the ice cream truck for an orange push pop. This milkshake is how I brought that flavor to my own kids in a fun new way, and it is the one we reach for all summer long.

This is the thick, spoonable kind of shake, not a thin drink you sip in two seconds. The move that makes it work is going easy on the orange juice so the ice cream stays in charge. That one thing is what keeps it tasting like the bar instead of like a glass of orange juice.

Want the grown-up version instead? My boozy orange creamsicle milkshake is the same flavor with a splash of vodka for summer parties.

Family Favorite

What I Changed to Get That Real Creamsicle Taste

I went back in and kept adjusting the orange-to-vanilla balance until it tasted like the bar I remembered. Too much orange juice and it turned tart. Too much vanilla and the citrus disappeared. Leaning on a good vanilla ice cream is what finally got that orange-and-cream flavor right.

The One Thing I Always Tell People

If your milkshake comes out thin and drinkable instead of thick and frosty, you added too much liquid.

It is tempting to pour in extra orange juice concentrate to help everything blend. That is the fastest way to lose the texture. Start with the amount in the recipe and only add more if you truly need it.

If it does get away from you and turns thin, toss in another scoop of vanilla ice cream and blend again. That brings it right back. Blend the ice cream while it is still very cold, not softened, so you keep that frosty old-fashioned feel.

Orange creamsicle milkshake ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here is what matters most. The full list with amounts is in the recipe card below.

Orange juice concentrate: This is what gives the milkshake its punchy creamsicle flavor. Concentrate is stronger than regular juice, so it brings the bright orange taste without watering things down.
Vanilla ice cream: This is the body of the shake and the creamy half of that orange-and-cream flavor. A good vanilla makes it richer and smoother, so use one you actually like the taste of on its own.
Heavy cream: A little cream makes the shake softer and richer than ice cream alone. It rounds out the citrus so the whole thing tastes like a creamsicle, not cold orange juice.

Top view of a creamy orange smoothie in a mason jar with an orange slice garnish, surrounded by fresh oranges and a yellow striped cloth.

How to Make an Orange Creamsicle Milkshake

Step 1: Blend the Base Add the sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla to the blender and blend until smooth. Doing this first makes sure the sugar dissolves before the frozen ingredients go in. Blend the sugar, cream, and vanilla in a blender

Step 2: Add the Ice Cream and Orange Add the vanilla ice cream and orange juice concentrate. Blend only until smooth and thick. Stop as soon as it comes together so it stays frosty instead of melting down. Add the ice cream and orange juice concentrate in the blender.

Step 3: Freeze to Firm It Up Pour the milkshake into a container and freeze for 30 to 60 minutes. This is what takes it from a loose blend to that thick, spoon-worthy texture.

Step 4: Pour and Serve Pour into glasses and serve with a straw and an orange slice. Whipped cream on top is never a bad idea. Creamy orange smoothie in a mason jar with an orange slice garnish, surrounded by fresh oranges and yellow-striped straws.

Easy Ways to Switch It Up

Orange sherbet: Swap the orange juice concentrate for orange sherbet for a sweeter, even creamier shake. If you love that flavor on its own, my homemade orange sherbet is worth keeping around.

Creamsicle float: Add a splash of orange soda before blending for a fizzier, float-style drink.

Close up of a creamy orange smoothie in a mason jar with an orange slice garnish and striped paper straws.

Make It Ahead for a Crowd

This one is best made right before serving. Unlike a smoothie, it does not hold its texture in the fridge.

When I am making a batch for a summer get-together or a sleepover, I pre-measure the ingredients into separate containers and keep everything cold. Then I can blend each batch in under a minute without losing the texture.

For serving, I like chilled glasses topped with whipped cream and an orange slice. Small milkshake glasses or mason jars work well for a crowd because the shake is rich and a little goes a long way.

Orange Creamsicle Milkshake FAQs

Is a creamsicle the same as a dreamsicle?

They are nearly the same treat. Both are an orange ice pop with a creamy vanilla center. Creamsicle and Dreamsicle are brand names for that classic orange-and-vanilla bar, which is exactly the flavor this milkshake is going for.

Can I make this with regular orange juice instead of concentrate?

You can, but the orange flavor will be lighter and the shake can come out thinner. Concentrate is more intense, which is why it works so well here. If you use regular juice, start with less and lean a little harder on the ice cream.

Can I turn this into popsicles?

Yes. Pour the blended mixture into popsicle molds and freeze until solid. Run the molds under warm water for a few seconds to release the pops.

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