Slide right back into your childhood with these dreamy creamsicle popsicles. The homemade popsicles take everything you love about the classic dessert and upgrade it for a timely treat.
Refreshing Creamsicle Popsicles
There's nothing like a refreshing popsicle on a hot day — especially if it's a creamsicle popsicle. There is something about the bright orange flavor and the fluffy whipped cream that hit the spot after a day in the sun. This version of the classic popsicle brings out the natural flavors and is better than anything you'd get in the store.
Unlike the store-bought version of this classic treat, I've swapped in fresh oranges instead of the artificial or orange juice concentrate. This creates a very bright and refreshing flavor, just like drinking a glass of fresh orange juice. It's tangy and subtly sweet without all the fake flavors.
The creamsicle wouldn't be complete without a creamy filling swirling throughout the orange flavor. That's where the whipped topping comes into play. Heavy cream is whipped up with sweetened condensed milk to make a play on whipped cream. I like to add the zest from the oranges to keep the flavors flowing, no matter what part of the popsicle you get. The creamy whipped topping, plus the bright orange flavors, create a summer treat that will make your tastebuds dance.
Need more dessert ideas to cool off with this summer? Try my mango and raspberry swirl popsicles and chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches.
Why I Love These Creamsicle Popsicles
- Ultra Refreshing - The fresh orange juice plus the cream whipped filling make this a cooling treat that is excellent for a summer day.
- Simple - These popsicles are so simple to make. The hardest part about the recipe is waiting for them to freeze overnight.
- Throwback - The popsicles take everyone right back to their childhood. Remind me again why we don't eat these as adults!?
Ingredients Needed For Creamsicle Popsicles
See below for all the details on what you'll need to make the full recipe.
- Oranges - Use Naval or Cara Cara oranges.
- Heavy Cream - Heavy cream goes in both the orange and whipped filling.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk - Adds a touch of sweetness to the popsicles.
- Orange Zest - Adds a pop of bright orange flavor.
- Vanilla Extract - Balances out the flavors in the popsicles.
Directions For How To Make Creamsicle Popsicles
- Prepare.
Set aside a popsicle mold with popsicle sticks.
- Make the orange base.
In a blender, combine the oranges, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Set to the side. Strain if wanted to remove the pulp.
- Make the whipped cream base.
In a medium-sized bowl with a whisk or in the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks are reached, about 5-6 minutes. When the cream has soft peaks, fold in the sweetened condensed milk and orange zest.
- Assemble the popsicles.
Take the popsicle mold and alternate adding the orange filling with the whipped cream. The orange filling will pour much easier into the mold than the whipped cream. You might have to use a spoon and make sure that the filling is spread out evenly in the popsicle mold.
- Freeze the popsicles.
Place the popsicles in the freezer and freeze overnight.
- Take popsicles out of the mold.
When you are ready to eat the popsicles, take them out of the mold and let them sit out for a minute or so to get soft. If you have trouble removing the popsicles from the mold, run the mold under warm water for a few seconds.
Serving Suggestions
These popsicles stand out on their own and are a delicious and refreshing summer treat. They're perfect for a hot afternoon snack or summertime dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Creamsicle popsicles are excellent for making a big batch and saving them in the freezer all summer long. You can store the popsicles in a large plastic bag or wrap them individually. The popsicles will last in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Tips and Variations
- Popsicle Molds - Popsicle molds can be a little complicated to navigate if you are trying to layer or it's a thicker liquid. Use a spoon or even pipe in the whipped cream to make sure it evenly sits in the mold. Here is the mold I like to use.
- Variations - Oranges not your thing or can't find them in the store? Swap them out with other summer fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
- Let Them Freeze - Waiting for the popsicles to freeze can feel like a lifetime. Do yourself a favor and let them freeze fully overnight. That way, they won't come out all slushy from the popsicle mold.
FAQs
The two names for popsicles describe orange-flavored popsicles. While they are similar, a dreamsicle has a milk ice center, while a creamsicle has an ice cream center.
Yes, popsicles can be made without molds! If you don't have a popsicle mold, try using a paper cup, cupcake tin, or plastic cup in the freezer.
Store the popsicles in individual plastic bags in the freezer for best results and to keep them fresh and in one piece.
Creamsicle Popsicles
Equipment
- Popsicle Mold
Ingredients
Orange Base
- 3 large oranges, peeled and sliced
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon honey (optional)
Whipped Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- zest of an orange
Instructions
- Prepare a popsicle mold with popsicle sticks. Set to the side.
- In a blender, blend the oranges, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth and creamy. If you don't want pulp in the popsicles, strain the orange base until it runs clean.
- Make the whipped cream mixture. In a medium-sized bowl with a hand mixer or whisk or in the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, about 5-6 minutes. When the whipped cream is ready, fold in the sweetened condensed milk and orange zest.
- Assemble the popsicle. Take the mold and alternate filling it with the orange juice mixture and the whipped cream mixture. The whipped cream mixture will be thick and will be best added to the popsicle mixture with a spoon.
- Place the filled popsicle mold in the freezer and freeze for 12 hours or overnight. When ready to remove the popsicles, let them thaw for a minute on the counter. If they won't come out of the mold, run the mold under warm water.
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