Orange Creamsicle Cups

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Orange Creamsicle Cups combine two beloved flavors in a convenient, individual serving. The zesty orange layer is both sweet and tart, and it perfectly contrasts with the rich, creamy vanilla layer, making every bite a refreshing and indulgent experience. These cups are incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, so they’re ideal for a stress-free dessert option. They’re visually appealing, portable, and incredibly satisfying—a great choice for any occasion!

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

• 1 packet unflavored gelatin

• 1/4 cup water

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for sweetness)

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

Directions

1. Prepare the Orange Layer:
   In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the 1/4 cup of water. Let it bloom for 5 minutes, allowing the gelatin to absorb the water and soften.

2. In a saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice and sweetened condensed milk over medium heat. Stir until fully combined and heated through, but do not let it boil.

3. Once the orange mixture is heated, add the bloomed gelatin and stir until dissolved and smooth. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

4. Pour the orange mixture evenly into small cups or molds (about 6-8 servings depending on the size of your cups). Place them in the refrigerator and allow them to set for at least 2 hours.

5. Prepare the Vanilla Cream Layer:
   In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), vanilla extract, and powdered sugar (if using) until soft peaks form. If you like a sweeter cream layer, adjust the powdered sugar to taste.

6. Once the orange layer has set, spoon or pipe the vanilla cream over the top of each orange layer, smoothing the tops with a spoon or spatula.

7. Optionally, sprinkle with orange zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

8. Place the cups back into the fridge to chill for an additional 1-2 hours or until the vanilla layer is firm.

9. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Chilling time: 3-4 hours (for both layers to set)

Variations

• Orange-vanilla swirl: For a fun twist, you can swirl the orange and vanilla layers together before they set.

• Different fruit flavors: Try using other citrus fruits like lemon, lime, or grapefruit for a variation on the classic orange flavor.

• Add a crunch: Add a layer of crushed graham crackers, cookies, or crushed pretzels between the orange and vanilla layers for a crunchy texture.

• Dairy-free version: Substitute the heavy cream and sour cream with coconut cream and non-dairy yogurt to make this recipe dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store these Orange Creamsicle Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The layers will stay fresh and firm as long as they are kept chilled.

• Freezing: You can also freeze them for a longer storage option. Just note that the texture might change slightly once thawed, but they will still taste delicious.

• Reheating: These are best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Just take them out of the fridge or freezer and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without gelatin?

Yes, you can use agar-agar as a plant-based alternative to gelatin, or use a premade gelatin substitute.

Can I use store-bought orange juice for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought orange juice works fine, but fresh-squeezed juice will give you a much brighter and fresher flavor.

How can I make the vanilla cream layer even fluffier?

To make the vanilla cream layer extra fluffy, you can whip the heavy cream separately before folding in the sour cream or yogurt, ensuring it stays light and airy.

Can I use low-fat or fat-free cream for the vanilla layer?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat or fat-free cream, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor might be less rich than when using full-fat heavy cream.

How far in advance can I make these cups?

You can make these cups a day ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. They will hold their shape and flavor very well for up to 4 days.

Can I add other fruits to the orange mixture?

Yes! You can blend in some diced strawberries, mango, or even pineapple to the orange mixture for a more tropical flavor.

Can I make these cups in a large dish instead of individual cups?

Yes, you can pour the layers into a large glass dish (like a 9×9-inch pan) and serve it as a dessert that you can scoop. Just be sure to adjust the chilling time for a larger surface area.

Is there a non-dairy version of this dessert?

Yes, you can substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use a dairy-free yogurt alternative to make this recipe dairy-free.

Can I use a whipped topping instead of the homemade vanilla cream layer?

Yes, you can substitute whipped topping for the homemade cream layer, but homemade cream will provide a fresher, more decadent flavor.

What can I use as a garnish for these cups?

Garnish with orange slices, mint leaves, or a drizzle of additional caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.

Conclusion

Orange Creamsicle Cups are the perfect summer treat that combines creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors in an easy-to-make, individual-sized dessert. With their vibrant orange flavor and rich vanilla cream topping, they’re sure to be a crowd favorite. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them after dinner, or looking for a fun treat to make with kids, these creamsicle cups offer a refreshing and nostalgic taste of summer in every bite!