Last summer, my neighbor Mrs. Chen knocked on my door at 2:17 p.m., clutching an empty pitcher and grinning like she’d just won the lottery. “That orange punch you made for Canada Day,” she said, “my grandkids are still talking about it!” That’s when I knew this Orange Dreamsicle Punch recipe was something special—creamy, citrusy, and nostalgic enough to make grown adults hum the ice cream truck song.
Contents
Ingredients
- 2 cups orange juice, freshly squeezed or store-bought
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream, softened (500ml)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (125ml)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (30g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups lemon-lime soda, chilled (500ml)
- 1 cup orange sherbet (250ml)
- Ice cubes for serving
- Orange slices and whipped cream for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine orange juice and softened vanilla ice cream in a large pitcher.
- Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and frothy—about 30 seconds of vigorous stirring.
- Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Fold the whipped cream and vanilla extract into the orange mixture gently.
- Chill the base mixture for 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Add cold lemon-lime soda just before serving, stirring once.
- Scoop orange sherbet into individual glasses or punch bowl.
- Pour the Orange Dreamsicle Punch over sherbet and serve immediately.
Pro Tips & Variations
Boozy twist: Add 1/2 cup vanilla vodka for adults-only gatherings—y’all’re gonna love this upgrade! Make-ahead hack: Prepare everything except the soda up to 4 hours early; the flavors actually meld beautifully. Tropical spin: Swap half the orange juice for pineapple juice and use coconut ice cream instead.
Boom!
Storage & Food Safety
Store leftover Orange Dreamsicle Punch in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though it’s best consumed fresh. The carbonation will flatten, but you can revive it with fresh soda. Keep dairy-based punches below 40°F and discard after 4 hours at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
Nutrition & Serving Ideas
Each 8-ounce serving contains approximately 180 calories, 8g fat, 28g carbohydrates, and 3g protein. This punch pairs wonderfully with summer barbecues, birthday parties, or lazy Sunday brunches. The creamy texture—almost like drinking a liquid creamsicle—makes it perfect alongside grilled burgers or fresh fruit salad.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Protein | 3g |
FAQs
Can I make this dairy-free? Absolutely! Use coconut ice cream and cashew cream instead of dairy products. The taste stays remarkably close to the original—my lactose-intolerant brother couldn’t tell the difference.
How far ahead can I prep this? Mix everything except the soda up to 4 hours early. The sound of that first fizzy pour is half the fun, so save the soda addition for showtime.
What if I don’t have sherbet? No worries—extra vanilla ice cream works perfectly. You’ll lose some of that tangy orange punch, but it’s still deliciously creamy and refreshing for summer sipping.
I’ve been perfecting comfort-food recipes in my Halifax kitchen for over 15 years, sharing favorites that bring families together around the table.
