Creamsicle Ice Cream Recipe

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This Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream Recipe is a delicious and nostalgic treat that combines a sweet cream base with an orange flavor. Fresh orange juice and zest add just the right amount of citrus to make this taste like the treat we grew up with!

Take a look at all my KitchenAid Ice Cream Recipes!

An oblong container of orange ice cream cones inside.

Orange Ice Cream Recipe

Do y’all remember the ice cream truck coming to your neighborhood with ice cream treats? We lived in the country when I grew up so we had to go to “town” to get our treats, and I used to be a huge fan of orange creamsicle pops. I also loved a classic root beer float, an actual ice pop, or a bowl of orange sherbet. Which was your favorite treat during your childhood?

What is orange creamsicle ice cream?

Orange creamsicle ice cream is a type of ice cream that is flavored with orange and vanilla, typically resembling the taste of a creamsicle popsicle. The ice cream is usually made by blending orange flavoring with vanilla ice cream or a custard base and may contain added sugar and cream for richness and texture.

We love our homemade ice cream and rotate between all the flavors. Try our Nutella Ice Cream, Black Forest Ice Cream, Raspberry Ice Cream, Caramel Swirl Ice Cream, or Reese’s Peanut Butter Ice Cream next!

Plus a copycat Chunky Monkey Ice Cream Recipe!

Why This Recipe Works:

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS – By using simple ingredients, orange creamsicle ice cream can capture the essence of the original frozen treat, without the need for artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. These ingredients yield a perfect creamy texture.
REFRESHING – The creamy orange flavor provides a bright and citrusy taste that can be refreshing on a hot summer day. The cold temperature of the ice cream also makes it a great summer treat for beating the heat.
NOSTALGIC – Orange creamsicle ice cream is nostalgic because it has been a beloved treat for many generations and is often linked to happy memories of childhood. If you are a Gen X, you’ll remember this beloved ice cream flavor!

Side view of a bowl of orange creamsicle ice cream with a spoon.

What you’ll need to make this Orange Creamsicle Recipe:

Simple ingredients for a delicious frozen treat. You’ll soon be making this orange creamsicle ice cream recipe on repeat!

Heavy Cream – This is the main ingredient in ice cream, providing a rich and creamy texture.
Whole Milk – Milk is also used to create the ice cream base and to adjust the fat content.
Eggs – Egg yolks are used to create a custard base for the ice cream, which adds richness and a smooth texture.
Sugar – Sugar is added to sweeten the ice cream and balance out the flavors.
Vanilla – Vanilla extract is added to complement the orange flavor and create a more complex taste.
Orange Juice plus Orange Zest – Orange zest and orange juice are added to provide the orange flavor to the ice cream. Likewise, you could use a citrus juicer to juice fresh oranges.
Salt – A small amount of salt is added to enhance the flavors and balance out the sweetness.

The labeled ingredients in bowls for the ice cream recipe.

** This recipe is for a 2-quart ice cream maker. If using a smaller size, you will need to adjust recipe quantities. Make sure your ice cream machine has enough room for the ice cream to expand as it freezes. If it doesn’t have room, it will stay in liquid form!

How to make Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream:

Step 1
Temper eggs. Combine the egg yolks and 1/4 cup of sugar in a mixing bowl. Add the whole milk to a saucepan and heat over medium heat to a temperature of 165 degrees. (Do not boil.)

When the milk is hot, pour 1/2 cup at a time into the eggs/sugar mixture, whisking constantly. Then pour the egg mixture back into the pan and heat again to 165 degrees.

Step 2
Add remaining ingredients. Pour the hot mixture into an 8-cup measuring cup or large bowl. After it cools off some, add the remaining sugar, heavy cream, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk well.

Step 3
Zest the orange. Use a grater to zest one large orange. Add the zest to the mixture and whisk again.

Step 4
Chill. Chill the ice cream mixture in the refrigerator until VERY cold.

A large measuring cup full of the ice cream mixture with orange zest on top.

Step 5
Churn ice cream. Start your 2-quart ice cream maker (I use a KitchenAid Attachment with a stand mixer – linked below.) and pour the chilled ice cream mixture into the bowl (the attachment) while it’s running. Churn orange creamsicle ice cream until it becomes thick and creamy.

You’ll see the ice cream start to thicken and rise toward the top of the bowl. The mixer may slow down slightly. (This should take 25-35 minutes or so.)

Step 6
Freeze. Pour creamsicle ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Place the airtight container in the freezer to set up further. Initially, the ice cream will be very soft so freezing it for a couple of hours helps firm it up.

Overhead view of a Kitchenaid attachment full of orange ice cream.

An ice cream scoop rolling up a scoop of ice cream.

Step 7
Serve. Serve orange creamsicle ice cream in cones or serving bowls.

TIP: We like to use the leftover homemade ice cream to make an orange creamsicle float. Add creamsicle ice cream and orange soda to a blender and mix until creamy. YUM!

Tips for using a KitchenAid Ice Cream Attachment:

Freeze the bowl ahead of time: The Kitchenaid ice cream maker attachment comes with a freezer bowl that needs to be frozen before use. Make sure to freeze it for at least 15 hours prior to making your ice cream.
Chill your ingredients: Before making your ice cream mixture, make sure to chill all the ingredients, including the milk, cream, and any mix-ins you plan to use. This will help the mixture freeze faster and prevent ice crystals from forming.
Don’t overfill the bowl: Make sure not to overfill the freezer bowl with the ice cream mixture, as this can prevent it from churning properly. Leave about 1 inch of space at the top.
Start the mixer on a low speed: When you’re ready to start churning your ice cream, begin with the mixer on a low speed. You can gradually increase the speed as the mixture thickens.
Be patient: Churning ice cream can take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the recipe and the consistency you’re looking for. Be patient and don’t be tempted to stop the mixer too early, as this can result in a soupy texture.
Add mix-ins at the end: If you plan to add any mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or nuts, wait until the ice cream is almost fully churned before adding them in. This will ensure that they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Transfer to a container and freeze: Once the ice cream is fully churned, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze it for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm enough to scoop. Enjoy your homemade ice cream!

A hand holding an orange ice cream cone with another beside it.

Creamsicle Ice Cream FAQs:

Why should I temper eggs for ice cream?

Tempering eggs is an important step in making custard-based ice cream, as it helps to create a smooth and creamy texture, while also ensuring that the eggs are fully cooked and safe to eat.
If the eggs were simply added to the hot liquid all at once, they could cook too quickly and result in a lumpy, grainy texture in the ice cream. Additionally, if the eggs are not fully cooked, they may contain harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.

Can I add orange extract to creamsicle ice cream?

Yes, you can add orange extract to add even more orange flavoring to the ice cream.

Do I have to use an ice cream maker to make this recipe?

Yes, you should use a machine to make this recipe. If wanting a no-churn recipe, you’ll need to use a combo of heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk plus add-ins. No-churn ice cream is normally denser and creamier due to the higher fat content while churned ice cream is lighter and fluffier.

Overhead view of a bowl of orange ice cream.

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

xoxo ~Sue