“Berries and Cream” might be all the rage on TikTok these days. But me? I’m all about the oranges and cream. Well, an orange creamsicle, to be exact. This Orange Creamsicle Protein Smoothie is a delicious blend of citrus and non-dairy “cream,” rolled together into one dreamy drink. Oh, and as the name suggests, it’s also packed with protein, making it perfect for breakfast, lunch, post-workout, or any time that you’re craving a delicious and healthy smoothie treat!
This recipe is also gluten-free, vegan-friendly, paleo-friendly, refined sugar-free… and fits pretty much any diet and/or lifestyle!
I don’t know if I am aging myself (probably), but I grew up drinking Orange Julius. I used to look forward to going to the mall with my mom, and begging her to buy me a delicious, creamy Orange Julius. Gosh, they are so delicious and oh-so-addicting. Well, my version tastes EXACTLY like Orange Julius.
However, unlike Orange Julius, which contains refined sugars, dried egg whites and artificial flavors, mine is sweetened by the fruit only, contains nothing artificial, and it’s packed with protein to keep you fuller, longer. You are going to love it.
I love smoothies SO much, because they literally take five minutes (or less) but give me tons of vitamins, nutrients, and protein. It’s the perfect drink to fill me up in the mornings after my workout, or to satisfy my sweet tooth after dinner. This is why I love creating smoothie recipes for you all – aside from cookies, they’re the recipes I make the most, because I just love them so much!
And this smoothie is no exception. If you love citrus and creamy things, then you will fall in love with this smoothie. It’s perfect for the winter time, when your immune system could use and extra boost, or anytime that you’re craving a sweet, creamy, orangey treat!
What You Need to Make This Orange Creamsicle Protein Smoothie
- Banana: Bananas are one of my favorite ingredients. Not only are they full of potassium, but they are naturally super sweet! I recommend freezing your bananas so that they give this smoothie a thicker consistency. You can freeze them whole, slice them in half, or do what I do and slice them into coins (it’s easier on your blender!)
- Cauliflower: Frozen cauliflower is one of my favorite smoothie ingredients, because it adds in a serving of veggies without altering the flavor! Make sure yours is frozen though, so it helps give this smoothie a thicker consistency.
- Orange Juice: Orange juice will help give that bright, vibrant, citrusy flavor! If you want to make fresh-squeezed orange juice, that would be amazing in this recipe. But for the sake of keeping things quick and easy, any store-bought orange juice works!
- Non-Dairy Milk: Any non-dairy milk works well in this recipe! I use almond milk because it’s what I usually keep on-hand, but any non-dairy milk will work. 🙂
- Coconut Milk: In this recipe, I recommend using full-fat coconut milk. It’ll really help you to get that rich, creamy consistency that is essential for a creamsicle! You can also use “light” coconut milk here, but I still recommend full-fat.
- Almond Extract: Almond extract adds a slightly toasty flavor to this smoothie, that really helps to balance out the sweetness. Don’t skip this!
- Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla extract adds a subtle flavor that truly makes this taste like an orange creamsicle!
- Unflavored Protein Powder OR Collagen Peptides: To truly make this a protein smoothie, we need to add some protein. You can pick your favorite UNFLAVORED protein powder here (the flavored ones just don’t mesh well with this smoothie) or you can use collagen peptides instead (which are packed with protein and have zero flavor.) And if you’re looking for a plant-based option, I recommend using ground flax meal here, as your protein source!
- Garnishes: I like garnishing my smoothie with a little coconut whipped cream and orange zest, but this is totally optional.
How to Make This Orange Creamsicle Protein Smoothie
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Start by adding all of your smoothie ingredients to a blender.
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Then, blend until it’s smooth and reaches your desired consistency. If you like it thicker, you can add in more ice. If you like it more liquid-y, add in more of your liquids (orange juice, non-dairy milk, or coconut milk).
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Pour it into a large glass and garnish with your desired toppings.
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Serve and enjoy!
Other Smoothie Recipes You’ll Enjoy
If you loved this Orange Creamsicle Protein Smoothie recipe, then you need to try out these other ones, too!
German Chocolate Cake Smoothie
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Smoothie
Healthy Birthday Cake Smoothie
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! And, since I practically live on Instagram, be sure to tag me in your creations so that I can repost them! xx
Ingredients
For the Smoothie:
- 1 Banana, frozen – I like to cut mine into coins, but that is totally optional.
- ¾ Cup Cauliflower, frozen
- ½ Cup Orange Juice
- ½ Cup Non-Dairy Milk, I use almond milk, but any non-dairy milk works well! You can also use water, if you prefer.
- ⅓ Cup Full Fat Coconut Milk, from the can; you can also use "light" coconut milk, if you prefer.
- ½ Teaspoon Almond Extract
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Scoop Unflavored Protein Powder OR Collagen Peptides, For a plant-based option, you can also use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal instead.
For the Garnishes:
- ½ Teaspoon Orange Zest
- Whipped Coconut Cream
Instructions
- Start by adding all of your smoothie ingredients to a blender.
- Then, blend until it's smooth and reaches your desired consistency. If you like it thicker, you can add in more ice. If you like it more liquid-y, add in more of your liquids (orange juice, non-dairy milk, or coconut milk).
- Pour it into a large glass and garnish with your desired toppings.
- Serve and enjoy!
Rate & review
SELECT A RATING and tell me what you think!
What others are saying
I was very surprised! The almond and vanilla extract made ALL the difference…never thought the almond extract would take it over the top! I did not have cauliflower so I added half a carrot. I used a 2 peeled oranges and a bit of cashew mylk to thin it out. Fantastic!
THANK YOU!
Those are all great substitutes, Brenna! And isn’t almond extract such an unexpectedly fun ingredient?! Thank you so much for making this recipe, and for leaving the sweetest review!
So pretty and tasty too … once you try it you want to make it again and again. Delicious 😋
Loving this all year round! Hoping for some fall inspired smoothie recipes!!