How to Make Homemade Orange Popsicles (Creamsicle Recipe)
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Creamsicles, or orange cream popsicles are so easy to make homemade and make a delicious and nutritious treat. The velvety cream makes the perfect base for the bright, tangy citrus. This popsicle recipe will have you in a summer state of mind, for sure!
Living on the South Dakota prairie means long harsh winters. We fill those winters with warm drinks, soups, and slower living. But you better believe that the first hint of summer weather means we’re busting out the popsicle molds and making a cold, sweet treat.
You are going to love these…
Homemade Orange Popsicles
Why Youโll Love This Popsicle Recipe
I can think of a lot of reasons to love this recipe. First, it’s simple. With just a few ingredients that you probably have in the pantry, you make a decadent treat. You can feel good about giving it to your kids. It is easy to make. In our family, it’s always a hit- even with 5 kids that have strong and differing tastes and opinions.
It’s super simple! Just whisk everything in a bowl, pour in into your molds, and freeze. You won’t need a blender, which makes this recipe easier to clean up than other recipes. We’re all about simple here a Plain Living. Especially during the summer when we just want to spend time outdoors.
Simple Ingredients for Creamsicles
Oranges to juice
You’ll need some oranges. This ingredient is super flexible. You a use any type of orange, or even orange juice if that’s what you have. We always have mandarins around, and they’re the perfect combination of tangy and sweet. You’ll get vitamin C and tons of flavor from any type of orange. Juice the oranges and strain out the seeds.
Cream- it’s in the name!
You can’t make a creamsicle recipe without cream. You’ll need heavy cream for your creamsicles. You can always opt for a lighter option with half and half, milk, or some kind of plain yogurt. We love cream and since it’s for the kids, I’m not really concerning myself with calories.
Make your creamsicles sweet with healthy options
For sweetener, we like to use maple syrup or honey. We almost always have those two ingredients in the pantry. using a natural sweetener makes me feel better about making treats all the time compared to store-bought sugar snacks with high fructose corn syrup or processed sugar. You can absolutely use regular sugar if that’s what you have.
I also like to stick with the syrup or honey because they’re liquid. It’s a lot easier to mix them into the popsicle mixture and avoid any grittiness.
Equipment Needed
You will need two main things for this creamsicle recipe: popsicle molds and popsicle sticks. Of course you’ll need a bowl to mix your batter up in. We’ve tried a few different molds and this is our favorite. I really like the shape that it makes.
For popsicle sticks, we just buy the cheap ones in bulk. You could get reusable ones like this if you want eco-friendly popsicles.
How to Make Your Homemade Orange Popsicle Creamsicles
Mix
Whisk together all of the ingredients in a bowl until thoroughly combined.
Mold
Carefully pour your mixture into your popsicle mold. Insert a popsicle stick into each cavity.
Freeze
Place the popsicles in the freezer to set up. Leave for 4 or more hours.
Un-mold and Serve
Gently remove the popsicle from the mold. Serve immediately on a hot day, or store in an airtight container in the freezer.
Tips to help when you’re making Homemade Popsicles
- Plan ahead for when you want to enjoy your popsicles so they’re frozen and ready when it’s time to eat them.
- Spend a few extra seconds mixing so everything is really well combined. You don’t want it to separate as it freezes
- When you un-mold, place the popsicles on a bed of ice in a large casserole dish to keep them from melting while you prepare to serve them
How to Store Orange Popsicle Creamsicles
Do NOT store your popsicles in the mold. They’re more likely to get freezer burned since they’re exposed to the air. Remove the creamsicle’s and select a storage option:
- Store individually in snacks size zip top bags
- store in a large tupperware style container with parchment or wax paper in between layers
- They’ll keep for about 20 minutes on a bed of ice while you’re serving them fresh
Make-Ahead and Batch Cooking Tips for Popsicles
Homemade popsicles are an awesome summer treat. Make up several recipes ahead of time so everyone can choose their favorite. Some of the recipes we enjoy are:
If you only have a few kids, or if you just want options, try cutting the recipe in half or 1/4th. Then make several different recipes to freeze all at once.
Printable Recipe Card
Homemade Orange Creamsicles
Equipment
- 1 whisk
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup orange juice fresh squeezed is best for flavor
- 1/4 cup maple syrup adjust to taste based on sweetness of orange juice
- 1 splash vanilla optional
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together until fully incorporated.
- Insert popsicle sticks into mold.
- Pour about 100ml or a scant 1/2 cup into each cavity.
- Place in freezer for 4 hours or overnight.
