Ninja Creami Orange Creamsicle (Dairy Free)

If you grew up on orange creamsicle popsicles, you’ll love this Ninja Creami Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream. This healthier version is dairy-free, vegan, paleo, and refined sugar free, but still ultra creamy and nostalgic.

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 them into a delicious homemade ice cream. I'm constantly amazed at the light, smooth, and creamy texture this machine quickly whips up, especially when making Ninja Creami ice cream without dairy!

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 yummy, 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. 

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 and it can be made fully AIP. We use full fat coconut milk for healthy fats and maple syrup for an unrefined sweetener.
• Made with real orange juice, no flavorings! This orange creamsicle ice cream uses whole food ingredients. The OJ adds natural sweetness and pure orange flavor.
• Made with simple ingredients. This 5 ingredient Ninja Creami recipe is easy to make with natural ingredients.
• You can make it high protein! I share how to make this vegan orange creamsicle recipe a high protein dessert below. Great for a healthy dessert option or an awesome post-workout treat on a hot summer day!

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 many other allergens and refined sugar. As someone with a chronic illness who is also a foodie, I still want to be able to enjoy delicious food while supporting my health. 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. 

Vegan Orange Creamsicle Ingredients

• Orange juice: the secret ingredient for best results is using fresh squeezed orange juice, especially during citrus season, but you can always use store-bought. 
• Full fat canned coconut milk: using coconut milk keeps this recipe fully dairy free and vegan. 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 Ninja Creami recipes for the creamiest protein ice creams. You can use your favorite plain or vanilla protein powder. 

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.

Substitutions and Variations

• Milk: if you tolerate dairy, feel free to use heavy cream, whole milk, or a full fat milk of choice. If you don't have full fat coconut milk, you can use ½ cup of (dairy free) yogurt and ½ cup of milk of choice.
• Sweetener: I think maple syrup tastes best in this recipe, but you can use agave syrup, 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.
• For a stronger orange flavor, 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.

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 ice cream. 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.

FAQ

More of my Favorite Ninja Creami Recipes

Whether you are looking for Ninja Cream Protein Ice Cream Recipes or just delicious and unique ice cream flavors, I've got you covered!

My base Vanilla Ice Cream recipe is my go-to Ninja Creami ice cream recipe for the creamiest ice cream without gums or filler.

Switch up your ice cream game with my Cinnamon Ice Cream recipe.

Want a dessert that doubles as an anti-inflammatory power house? Try my Vegan Golden Milk Ice Cream.

My Dairy Free Salted Honey Ice Cream is another fan favorite.

If you try this recipe, please leave a rating and review below! Tag me on social media or drop any questions in the comments.