The sound of an ice cream truck rolling down a neighborhood avenue, drawing youngsters in with its cheerful tune, is a cherished reminiscence that permeates so many American childhoods. Consequently, having fun with a traditional ice cream truck deal with — whether or not in its authentic kind or a contemporary take — can evoke a way of nostalgia for thus many people.

Maybe it’s a cone of artisanal comfortable serve ice cream that reminds you of Mr. Softee or a field of fudgesicles tucked away within the freezer for these moments while you want a second of consolation, however the flavors of an ice cream truck do handle to echo into maturity. And now considered one of them is perhaps making a comeback for an excellent larger second.

Orange creamsicle has spent the previous 12 months regularly making its method again into the highlight, and also you’ll seemingly be seeing extra of it this summer time. With an sudden mixture of citrus and dairy, creamsicle-inspired sweets really feel each refreshing and decadent on the identical time. And as different classic types like bucket hats and 80s maximalism expertise a resurgence, the meals business appears to be capitalizing on the rising curiosity in all issues retro.

What’s a creamsicle?

The very first creamsicle was a selected deal with (titled merely Creamsicle) launched by the Popsicle model in 1937. On the time, Popsicle was owned by the Joe Lowe Firm, and the primary Creamsicle featured vanilla ice cream on a stick, lined in orange sherbet. At present, the phrase “creamsicle” is trademarked by Unilever — a subsidiary of this shopper items big, Good Humor, now owns the Popsicle model — nevertheless it’s usually used colloquially to explain snacks, dishes, and drinks that aren’t Unilever merchandise.

I’ve at all times used the phrases “dreamsicle” and “creamsicle” interchangeably, however in popular culture, there are numerous exact definitions for each. Some sources say {that a} creamsicle is a popsicle or ice cream bar with a vanilla ice cream middle coated in orange sherbet, whereas a dreamsicle is equivalent with one exception: its middle is created from vanilla ice milk as a substitute of a custard-based ice cream. 

Creamsicle can be the identify of a creamy, orange-flavored cocktail; nonetheless, some sources declare that the time period particularly refers back to the ice cream pop product offered by Good Humor. Moreover, there are orange floats, which some folks additionally name creamsicle floats, that includes vanilla ice cream topped with orange soda. 

All through the sophisticated net of dreamsicle versus creamsicle — and the much more intensive vary of variations on these names like “orange cream” — there are three frequent flavors sometimes present in something edible that falls below this class: orange, vanilla, and cream or milk.

Who’s serving creamsicle-inspired gadgets now?

Final March, Wendy’s introduced the launch of a brand new limited-edition Frosty taste: the Orange Dreamsicle Frosty. At the moment, a spokesperson for the quick meals chain described the frozen dairy dessert as “a singular spin on a well-known taste, packing a spoonful of candy orange notes mixed with the traditional easy vanilla Frosty for a dreamy orange cream expertise.”

Practically one 12 months later, Coca-Cola introduced in January 2025 that it might be releasing a brand new taste of its traditional soda: Coca-Cola Orange Cream. When launching the product, the model cited will increase in Google search site visitors and a rising curiosity in orange cream flavors as inspiration for the comfortable drink. (You may nonetheless snag these orange and pink ombré cans in grocery shops now, however they’ll solely be obtainable till early 2026.)

For anybody who isn’t a fan of fizz or is on the lookout for one thing hydrating, coconut water firm Vita Coco launched an Orange & Creme taste to its coconut water “treats” lineup in March. In a put up asserting the launch of the flavored coconut water, Vita Coco described it as “candy, tangy goodness meets childhood nostalgia.”

It’s not solely shopper packaged items manufacturers which can be riffing on traditional creamsicles — though eating places have taken a bit extra liberty with the standard elements, typically changing citrus with different orange-hued produce.

In April, New York Metropolis-based café Edith’s launched a limited-edition Carrot Dreamsicle Slushie in collaboration with Philadelphia sandwich store Center Baby. Whereas it was named the “Wellness From Scratch” smoothie, content material creator Nara Smith’s smoothie collaboration with upscale grocery chain Erewhon showcased a suspiciously creamsicle-like taste profile and look, that includes almond milk, kefir, orange juice, mango, pineapple, banana, lemon, vanilla collagen, and coconut cream.

How will you take pleasure in a creamsicle at house?

This citrusy, creamy taste profile might be loved by way of store-bought merchandise, fast two-minute recipes at house, or extra elaborate cooking tasks. Merely put, you possibly can take pleasure in creamsicle treats no matter how a lot effort you need to make investments.

For the best possibility, seize a Good Humor Creamsicle Bar, Coca-Cola Orange Cream, or Vita Coco Treats in Orange & Crème at retailers nationwide. You may as well look ahead to treats that channel this nostalgic taste combo at native ice cream retailers and cafes. For those who’re internet hosting a cocktail party quickly, I extremely advocate making a batch of Buttermilk Creamsicle Panna Cotta. It’s wealthy and tangy, might be ready forward of time, and is refreshing for warm summer time climate. 

I really like all these choices, and there’s no mistaken solution to devour the creamsicle combo of orange, vanilla, and dairy. However for me, there’s one final dish that really appreciates the great thing about this traditional snack: pouring fizzy orange soda over a tall glass stuffed with vanilla ice cream.