Ninja Creami Orange Creamsicle (Dairy Free)

If you grew up on orange creamsicle popsicles, you'll love this healthier Ninja Creami Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream recipe that's easy to make and fully dairy free and refined sugar free. We're turning a classic treat into a healthy dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Since getting a Ninja Creami ice cream maker almost a year ago, I've used it religiously and have so much fun developing healthy Ninja Creami recipes regularly. I love that you can take a few simple ingredients and easily turn it into a delicious homemade ice cream. I'm constantly amazed at the light, smooth, and creamy texture this machine quickly whips up. I'm not affiliated with Ninja Kitchen (although, I wouldn't say no to that deal!), I just truly enjoy their products and am fully obsessed with the Creami... and I think you should be too! I also love that I can create protein ice cream recipes for an even healthier sweet treat.

As a 90's kid, I grew up on classic ice cream bars like strawberry shortcake (check out my ice cream sandwich version here!) and orange creamsicle popsicles. Then as a teenager, my mom would make me orange creamsicle milkshakes with fresh Florida oranges that my grandparents would send us. Those milkshakes were so delicious, I had to make a Ninja Creami ice cream version! This delicious treat tastes fantastic in winter when oranges are in season or on summer days when you want a refreshing and lighter dessert. 

If you're new here, my goal is always to make delicious and allergy friendly versions of recipes. All of my recipes are completely gluten free and dairy free along with being free of a lot of other allergens and mostly refined sugar free as well. As someone with a chronic illness who is a foodie, I still want to be able to enjoy delicious food while supporting my health (you can read more here). I also want to show you that you can do the same, whether you have health issues or are just health focused, you can still eat flavorful meals and fun desserts. 

What Makes This Orange Creamsicle Recipe Healthy

• Fully paleo, gluten free, vegan, and refined sugar free. There is no dairy or artificial sweeteners in this recipe. We use full fat coconut milk for healthy fats
• Made with real orange juice, no flavorings! We only use natural ingredients here. The OJ adds natural sweetness and pure orange flavor.
• Made with a few simple and basic ingredients. I always use whole food ingredients in my recipes and this ice cream recipe is no different!
• You can make this recipe high protein for an orange creamsicle protein ice cream post-workout on a hot summer day 😉

Vegan Orange Creamsicle Ingredients

• Orange juice:​ I love using fresh squeezed orange juice, but you can always use store-bought. 
• Full fat coconut milk: using coconut milk keeps this recipe fully dairy free and vegan. Using full fat, canned coconut milk is key for a thick and creamy texture that resembles more of an orange sherbet than orange sorbet. Options like oat milk or almond milk won't yield the creamiest texture.
• Maple syrup: be sure to use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup. We only need a tablespoon or two as the orange juice adds plenty of natural sweetness.
• Vanilla extract, salt
• Protein powder: this is optional, but I love adding a scoop of Sprout Living Pea Protein (use code LEMONSNLYME20 for 20% off) for a protein boost. I also find this helps the texture and use it in all my recipes for the creamiest protein ice creams. You can use your favorite plain or vanilla protein powder. Note that the texture can be different depending on the protein powder you use and I have only tested this recipe with pea protein. If you don't want to add protein, I suggest adding a tablespoon of cream cheese (vegan or regular).

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream

1. ​Whisk or blend all of the ingredients together (you can use an immersion blender or regular blender).
2. Pour the ice cream base into a Ninja Creami pint container to the max fill line. Add the lid and freeze for 12-24 hours. Ninja recommends 24, but I find 8-12 will suffice if you just can't wait that long!
3. When ready to spin, microwave the base for 40 seconds or run the outside of the Ninja Creami container under hot water for a couple minutes. This helps soften the base so you don't have to re-spin it as much.
4. Place the pint in the outer bowl and add the outer bowl lid. Press the lite ice cream button.
5. If the ice cream is crumbly after the first spin, add a splash of milk or OJ (about ½-1 Tbsp) and re-spin until smooth.
6. Enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

• Milk: if you tolerate dairy, feel free to use heavy cream, whole milk, or a full fat milk of choice.
• ​For a stronger orange flavor, you could try adding a little bit of orange zest (½-1 tsp). I do not suggest adding orange extract as this will leave you with an artificial flavor.
• Sweetener: I think maple syrup tastes best in this recipe, but you could try using coconut sugar or even 1-2 dates. If using dates, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes then use a blender to combine all ingredients so the dates are fully incorporated.

How to Store Ninja Creami Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream

​If you don't finish the full pint in one sitting, you can refreeze this orange sherbet recipe. Smooth out the top of the leftover ice cream so you have a level surface. Place the lid back on and freeze. When ready to eat, follow steps 3-6 again, warming the base slightly and spinning the ice cream base on light ice cream. Re-spin as needed.

More of my Favorite Ninja Creami Recipes

Cinnamon Ice Cream

My Base Ninja Creami Recipe

Vegan Golden Milk Ice Cream