Name: Orange Creamsicle Smoothie
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup (180ml) orange juice; 1/2 cup (120g) vanilla Greek yogurt; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 medium banana, sliced and frozen; 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (dairy or non-dairy); 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste); 1/2 cup ice (optional, for thicker texture)

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Why You’ll Love Orange Creamsicle Smoothie Recipe

You’ll love this smoothie because it strikes the perfect balance of creamy vanilla and bright citrus—just like those nostalgic creamsicle pops. The frozen banana gives it a thick, spoon‑able texture without the need for ice (which can water it down). Plus, it uses just a handful of wholesome ingredients and takes only about 5 minutes to pull together. Whether you’re grabbing a post‑workout treat or a quick breakfast on the go, this hits the spot.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 frozen ripe banana, previously peeled & sliced
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ cup orange juice
¾ cup vanilla Greek yogurt
1 orange, peeled and sliced
Optional: 2 teaspoons orange zest

Directions

Make sure you have a strong, powerful blender to break down the frozen banana and orange.
On high, blend the frozen banana chunks, vanilla extract, and orange juice together until thick, creamy, and smooth — about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
Add the vanilla Greek yogurt, the sliced orange, and orange zest (if using). Blend until everything is fully combined and the mixture is silky smooth.
Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Yield: serves 2
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes

Variations

Swap the vanilla Greek yogurt for plain Greek yogurt plus an extra ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for a slightly tangier flavor.
Add a handful of spinach or kale for a green‑boost without sacrificing the creamy orange flavor.
Replace half the orange juice with coconut milk or almond milk for a richer, dairy‑lighter version.
Add a scoop of protein powder (vanilla or unflavored) for a post‑workout version.
For a frozen treat twist, pour the blended mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for creamsicle‑style pops.

Storage/Reheating

This smoothie is best enjoyed immediately after blending. If you have leftovers (though you’ll probably drink the whole thing), you can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours—but the texture may thin out and separate slightly. Give it a quick stir or re‑blend briefly before drinking. Freezing into popsicles (as noted above) is another option and works well for storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh banana instead of frozen?

You can, but using fresh banana will result in a thinner texture. The frozen banana gives the smoothie its thick, creamy “soft‑serve” consistency.

2. Do I have to use vanilla Greek yogurt?

No — you can use plain Greek yogurt and add a bit more vanilla extract if desired. This will yield a slightly tangier flavor but still work great.

3. Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, but because regular yogurt is thinner than Greek yogurt, the smoothie may be less thick. You might want to increase the frozen banana or add a few ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency.

4. What kind of orange juice works best?

Either store‑bought or freshly squeezed orange juice will work. If you like pulp you can use pulp‑included version; if not, choose no‐pulp. The key is the citrus flavor.

5. Can I make this dairy‑free or vegan?

Yes. To make it dairy‑free, use a plant‑based yogurt (vanilla flavor) and a non‑dairy milk (like almond or oat) instead of yogurt and/or juice as needed. The texture may vary slightly.

6. Can I skip the orange zest?

Yes, the orange zest is optional. It adds an extra burst of citrus aroma, but the smoothie will still be delicious without it.

7. How thick should the smoothie be?

It should be thick and creamy — thick enough to eat with a spoon if you like. If it’s too runny, add a bit more frozen banana or use less orange juice.

8. Can I add other fruits?

You could, but keep in mind you may alter the flavor away from the classic creamsicle taste. For example, adding a handful of frozen mango or pineapple could work, but you may need to adjust the orange juice and vanilla accordingly.

9. How can I make it more of a dessert treat?

You could top it with whipped cream, a sprinkle of orange zest, or even a shortbread cookie on the side. For extra indulgence, swirl in a little white chocolate melted drizzle just before serving.

10. Can I make this ahead for a busy morning?

Yes — you can measure and prep the frozen banana slices and orange segments ahead of time and store them in the freezer. When ready, dump into the blender and add juice, yogurt, and vanilla extract to blend. It keeps things fast on a busy morning.

Conclusion

If you’re craving a smoothie that tastes like summer meets dessert, this orange creamsicle smoothie is your go‑to. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a creamy, bright, refreshing drink that hits both the vanilla and citrus notes of the classic treat — no freezer pops required. Whether it’s breakfast, a post‑workout recharge, or an afternoon pick‑me‑up, this smoothie delivers. Enjoy!