Creamy, dairy-free orange creamsicle smoothie made with citrus, banana, and vanilla—refreshing, nourishing, and naturally vegan.
Love fruity smoothies? Try my strawberry banana smoothie, dairy-free blueberry smoothie, or acai smoothie recipe next. Or cool off with a vegan strawberry milkshake.
I grew up loving that classic creamsicle flavor — sweet, citrusy, and ultra-creamy. This smoothie brings all that nostalgia in a healthier, naturally sweetened way, made with mandarins, frozen banana, and vanilla. It’s naturally dairy-free, creamy, and loaded with antioxidants and fiber.
There's so much to love about this orange creamsicle smoothie — it tastes like a treat but it's made with whole fruit, naturally sweetened, and loaded with vitamin C and fiber. Sweet and creamy enough for dessert, and a delicious breakfast.
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Why this dairy-free orange creamsicle smoothie works
- Creamy & dreamy creamsicles — Frozen bananas + oat milk make this rich and smooth.
- Naturally sweet & citrusy — No added sugar, just fruit + optional maple syrup.
- Naturally dairy-free & plant-based — No heavy cream, just whole-food ingredients.
- Full of vitamin C & fiber — A delicious way to get more fruit into your day.
- Tastes like an Orange Julius! — That nostalgic, creamy orange smoothie flavor, but in a nutrient-dense way.
Substitutions and additions for this dairy-free orange creamsicle smoothie
- For a boost of protein: Add 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder (or your favorite protein powder) to your smoothie.
- Instead of mandarins: Use navel oranges, Cara Cara oranges (sweeter), or blood oranges for a fun twist.
- Amounts: 1 large orange, or 2 medium oranges (peeled & seeds removed), about 1 cup of fruit total.
- Instead of whole fruit: Use ½ cup fresh orange juice and reduce milk to ⅓ to ½ cup.
- Blend in 1 tablespoon of hemp, flax, or chia seeds for extra plant-based protein.
- Almond Extract: Skip if you prefer.
- For a richer texture: Use ½ cup dairy-free yogurt + ¼ cup milk instead of ¾ cup milk.
- Instead of maple syrup: Use ½ Medjool date or agave syrup.
In the kitchen tips
- For the smoothest blend — Blend citrus with milk first, then add frozen ingredients.
- Freeze mandarins/orange slices before blending your smoothie for an ultra-chilled smoothie.
- Milk: For the creamiest smoothie, I like to use a thicker milk like oat, soy, almond, or homemade cashew milk.
- Orange creamsicle smoothie popsicle: Double or triple the recipe, stir in ½ to 1 cup coconut yogurt for a creamier texture, then pour into popsicle molds and freeze for 4–6 hours.
- Balance sweetness naturally — A tiny pinch of sea salt elevates the flavor (really!).
- Top with cacao nibs: A touch of dark chocolate pairs perfectly with this creamsicle smoothie.
- Extra creamy? — Use oat milk + 2 tablespoon coconut yogurt.
- Too thick? — Add a splash of coconut water or more milk.
More healthy smoothies to try:
Oat-Based Smoothies:
Also try:
Storage & meal prep
- Freeze smoothie packs — Pre-portion ingredients (except liquid) for quick blending.
- Store in the fridge — Keep in a jar for up to 24 hours.
- Take it to go — Use an insulated tumbler to keep it cold.
- Ice cube tray— Pour the leftovers of your smoothie into ice cube trays, then blend later for an instant frosty orange smoothie!
Orange Creamsicle Smoothie FAQs
Yes! Reduce liquid to ~½ cup and blend until thick. Top with granola, fresh fruit, cacao nibs, or shredded coconut.
Yes, but frozen bananas make it thicker and creamier. If using fresh, add extra ice (or swap in ¼ cup frozen mango or frozen orange slices) to maintain texture.
The combination of vanilla, almond extract, creamy oat milk, and fresh mandarins gives this smoothie that nostalgic, creamy orange flavor.
Yes! Swap in 1–2 tablespoon coconut cream for a thicker, indulgent texture.
Use cashew milk + 2 tablespoon coconut yogurt for an extra-rich texture.
I can’t wait for you to try this orange creamsicle smoothie! If you make it, tag @becomingyouwithjulie on Instagram — I’d love to see yours! And if you have a sec, a quick comment or rating helps more than you know. Thanks so much for being here! 💛
📖 Recipe
Orange Creamsicle Smoothie (Dairy-Free)
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsweetened plant-based milk, oat or cashew milk for creaminess
- 4 mandarins, peeled (seeds removed if needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon flax, hemp, or chia seeds
- Pinch of salt
- 1.5 frozen bananas
- 1 cup ice, adjust to preference
- Optional add-ins: 2 tablespoons coconut or cashew unsweetened yogurt, ½ teaspoon orange zest (or mandarin zest), 1 teaspoon maple syrup, 1 tablespoon cacao nibs
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender in the order listed.
- Blend on high for 45–60 seconds, or until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or texture if needed, add a splash of milk to thin or a bit more ice for extra chill.
- Pour into a glass. For a fun creamsicle effect, swirl in yogurt and sprinkle with orange zest using a microplane zester. Enjoy immediately.
Nutrition
Julie Gaeta is a plant-based recipe creator, certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, and mom of nine who's been plant-based for over 20 years. She's cooked approximately 4,382 pots of beans and can't vacation without her juicer and pasta pot. Her work has been featured in HuffPost, Yahoo, YourTango, and other major outlets. She helps others simplify wellness and feel good again through her blog, coaching, and weekly newsletter.
Julie Gaeta says
This smoothie is hard to put down. It’s creamy, citrusy, and just so good—light and refreshing, it feels like dessert. And the almond extract adds the perfect twist.