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How to Make an Orange and Vanilla Creamsicle® Float
A Creamsicle® float is a classic treat that takes only minutes to make and captures the same nostalgic flavor as the frozen bar it's named for. This homemade version starts with a Good Humor Creamsicle® Bar at its core, blended into an easy, retro-inspired float ready whenever the craving hits.
What is a Creamsicle® Ice Cream Float
Orange and vanilla are the two flavors at the heart of our Creamsicle® float recipe, and it's exactly as refreshing and nostalgic as it sounds. Our version starts with a Good Humor Creamsicle®Bar as the base, then topped with chilled orange soda and a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. It's part fizzy drink, part frozen treat, with a bright, zesty orange flavor and cool vanilla finish that's perfect for hot summer afternoons.
What You'll Need to Make This Recipe
A blender and a few basic kitchen tools are all you need to make this refreshing float.
- Blender
- Tall float glass
- Measuring cup
- Spoon or spatula
- Straw and long spoon for serving
How to Make a Creamsicle® Float
- Remove the stick from the Creamsicle® Bar, break the bar into pieces, and add them to a blender with the milk.
- Blend until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a tall float glass.
- Slowly top with the chilled orange soda.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and spoon the whipped topping on top (if using).
- Garnish with a fresh orange slice or a little orange zest if desired.
- Serve immediately with a straw and a long spoon.
Variations & Substitutions
A few easy changes can make this float your own while keeping that classic orange-and-vanilla flavor at the center.
- Extra creamy: Add a second scoop of vanilla ice cream or a splash of heavy cream for an even richer, smoother float.
- Soda swap: Orange sparkling water works well if you'd like a lighter, less sweet drink with the same citrus character.
- Smoothie-style: Blend the Good Humor Creamsicle® Bar with orange juice and vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt for a thick, easy-to-sip smoothie.
- Try a different fruit: Blend in a handful of chopped mango for a tropical twist or add a few raspberries and swap the orange soda for lemon-lime soda for a bright, berry-inspired take.
For more dessert inspiration, check out our Guide to Sweet and Salty Desserts.
How to Serve a Creamsicle® Soda Float
- A tall glass or mason jar lets you see every layer, from the creamy Creamsicle® base to the fizzy orange soda and scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
- Serve the float as soon as it's assembled so the soda stays bubbly and the ice cream holds its shape.
- You'll want both a wide straw and a long spoon here: one for the fizzy float, one for scooping up the creamy base at the bottom.
- Chill the glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving to keep the float colder for longer.
- Making floats for a group? Blend the Creamsicle® base ahead of time, then let everyone top their own with orange soda, vanilla ice cream, and garnishes just before serving.
When to Serve
This float is the ideal fit for all kinds of warm-weather moments:
- Summer cookouts and pool parties
- Kids' birthday parties and dessert bars
- Hot afternoons when something cold and refreshing sounds just right
- Fourth of July and Memorial Day celebrations
- Easy weekend desserts that come together in minutes
- Anytime you're in the mood for an orange-and-vanilla frozen treat at home
If you're looking for more citrus-forward drinks, try our Orange Creamsicle® cocktail recipe or our Cider Mocktail Float.
Make Your Own Creamsicle® Float at Home
Ready to make your own Creamsicle® float? Grab a Good Humor Creamsicle® Bar and get started.
FAQs
A Creamsicle® float combines sweet, citrusy orange flavor with rich, creamy vanilla for a nostalgic taste that's part frozen treat, part soda fountain classic. In this version, the Good Humor Creamsicle® Bar blends into the drink, creating layers of bright orange flavor, smooth vanilla creaminess, and an irresistible fizzy finish from the orange soda.
Good Humor products are not gluten-free. We do not operate allergen-free manufacturing sites; however, we do have allergen management programs in all our facilities. The intent of these programs is to avoid unintentional cross-contamination of allergens between products. Our product labels adhere to the FDA’s strict regulations regarding the declaration of ingredients and allergens. We do not use the terms “Natural” or “Artificial Flavorings” to hide the existence of any allergens. However, recipes can change. We strongly recommend that allergic consumers refer to ingredient declarations every time they purchase processed foods.
