What is the difference between a creamsicle and a popsicle?

A popsicle is a general term for a frozen treat served on a stick and can be made with fruit juice, pureed fruit, yogurt, or other ingredients. A creamsicle traditionally combines a fruity orange flavor with a creamy vanilla component, giving it its signature orange and cream taste.

How do you make homemade orange creamsicles creamy?

The key to creamy homemade creamsicles is using ingredients with enough fat and richness to prevent the popsicles from freezing too hard or icy. Whole milk Greek yogurt, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk all help create a smooth, creamy texture. The sweetened condensed milk also adds sugar, which lowers the freezing point and helps keep the popsicles slightly softer.

Can I use store-bought orange juice?

Absolutely. Freshly squeezed orange juice gives these creamsicles a bright, fresh citrus flavor, but good-quality store-bought orange juice works very well too. I recommend choosing 100% orange juice without added sweeteners and using a pulp-free variety for the smoothest texture.

Can I make orange creamsicles without a popsicle mold?

Yes! If you don't have popsicle molds, you can use small paper cups or freezer-safe cups instead. Fill the cups with the orange and cream mixtures, cover the tops with aluminum foil, and insert a popsicle stick through the center of the foil. Once completely frozen, peel away the paper cup or briefly run the outside of a reusable cup under warm water to release the popsicle.

Why are my homemade popsicles icy?

Homemade popsicles can become icy when the mixture contains too much water and not enough fat or sugar. Orange juice naturally freezes quite firm, which is why this recipe adds Greek yogurt to the orange layer and uses heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk in the vanilla layer.

How long do homemade creamsicles last in the freezer?

Homemade orange creamsicles are best enjoyed within about two weeks for the freshest flavor and creamiest texture. They can technically stay frozen longer, but ice crystals may begin to form and the popsicles can absorb odors from the freezer.

Orange Creamsicles

Description

Orange Creamsicles are creamy, refreshing, and packed with fresh orange and vanilla flavor. An easy homemade frozen treat perfect for summer.

Ingredients

Scale

For the orange layer:

1 ½ cups (360 ml) orange juice, freshly squeezed or store-bought
1 tablespoon orange zest
¼ cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt

For the cream layer:

3/4 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
⅓ cup (80 ml) sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
pinch of salt

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Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, and Greek yogurt until well combined.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.
You can either create a swirled creamsicle effect or combine the mixtures for a uniform orange creamsicle flavor:
- For swirled creamsicles: Alternate spoonfuls of the orange mixture and cream mixture into each popsicle mold. Use a wooden skewer or butter knife to gently swirl the mixtures together 1 to 2 times. Do not overmix or the distinct orange and cream swirls will disappear.
- For uniform creamsicles: Combine the orange mixture and cream mixture in a large bowl and whisk until smooth, then pour the mixture evenly into the popsicle molds.
Fill the molds, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top for expansion. Insert popsicle sticks according to your mold's instructions.
Transfer the popsicle molds to the freezer and freeze for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely firm.
Run the outside of the popsicle molds under warm water for 10 to 15 seconds. Gently pull on the sticks to release the creamsicles and serve immediately.

Notes

How to store: Store orange creamsicles in their popsicle molds in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Once completely frozen, you can also unmold them and wrap each popsicle individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag.

How to prevent freezer burn: Wrap each creamsicle tightly and store in an airtight container or freezer bag with as much air removed as possible. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming and keeps the popsicles from absorbing other flavors in the freezer. For the best flavor and creamy texture, enjoy them within 2 weeks.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Freeze Time: 6 hours
Category: Dessert
Method: Freeze
Cuisine: American