Have you ever wanted to turn your morning coffee into dessert? This Orange Creamsicle Creamer is like a little splash of sunshine in your cup.
It’s creamy, citrusy, and gives all the nostalgic vibes of those classic orange creamsicle popsicles.
The best part? It’s super easy to whip up at home with just a handful of ingredients.
You’ll save money, skip the artificial stuff, and impress yourself with how good homemade creamer can be.
Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (strained)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Orange Juice – Bottled juice can have a bitter aftertaste. Squeeze fresh oranges for the best flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Zest – The zest gives that burst of real orange flavor and pairs perfectly with the vanilla.
- Sweeten to Taste – Start with 1/4 cup sugar, but you can add a little more if you like it sweeter.
- Stir Before Serving – Homemade creamer can settle, so give it a shake or stir before pouring it into your coffee.
- Cool Before Storing – Let the creamer cool completely before transferring it to the fridge to avoid condensation.
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan
- Microplane or fine grater
- Whisk
- Strainer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight bottle or jar for storing
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter, dairy-free creamer.
- Sugar Alternatives: Swap sugar for honey, maple syrup, or a sugar-free sweetener like stevia.
- Extra Creamy: Use all heavy cream instead of splitting it with milk.
- Add a Twist: Stir in a pinch of ground cinnamon for a spiced creamsicle vibe.
Make-Ahead Tips
This creamer can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a shake before each use.
Instructions
1. Heat the base
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm but not boiling.
2. Add the orange flavor
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well combined.
3. Strain and cool
Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a heat-safe container to remove the zest. Let it cool to room temperature.
4. Store and enjoy
Transfer the cooled creamer to an airtight bottle or jar and refrigerate. Add it to your coffee, tea, or even drizzle it over desserts!
Leftovers and Storage Tips
- Store the creamer in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Shake or stir before each use to keep it smooth and well-blended.
Conclusion
This Orange Creamsicle Creamer is proof that a simple recipe can bring so much joy to your day. Whether it’s your morning coffee, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a fun twist for tea, it’s sure to become a new favorite. Try it out and let me know how it went—I’d love to hear your thoughts or answer any questions! Happy sipping!