I Dream of Dreamsicles!

Dreamsicle Ice Cream

I love ice cream and sweets as I’m sure you’re well aware if you’re a frequent visitor to At Home with Vicki Bensinger.  You might also recall that I write a column in a local St Louis, Missouri magazine called Uptown St. Louis.  In the July/August 2013 issue I wrote about my favorite all time summer dessert.  Depending on your age you may recall it as a “Dreamsicle,” “Creamsicle,” or “Push-Up.” Whichever one you had the pleasure of tasting, you surely remember it’s luscious flavor. 

In the July/August issue of Uptown St. Louis I set out to recreate the Dreamsicle.  Here’s my article, I hope you enjoy it.

In the event you’d like to save this recipe to your ZipList Recipe Box to recreate for yourself at home, I’ve included the recipe below.

Dreamsicle Ice Cream

Ingredients:

* 1 cup water

* 1 cup sugar

* Juice from 2 large oranges

* Zest from 2 large oranges

* 2 ½ cups buttermilk

* 1 Tbsp. orange extract

Directions:

1. Combine water, sugar, orange juice, zest, and extract in a small saucepan.  Gently bring mixture to a boil.

2. Allow to boil for 1 minute until sugar has dissolved, then remove from heat to cool completely.

3. Add buttermilk and stir to combine.  Cover and place in refrigerator for about 2 hours to chill.

4. Place chilled mixture in an ice-cream machine following manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have an ice-cream machine do one of the following, by pouring the mixture into:

Push-Pop containers

* small paper cups topped with foil, then insert Popsicle stick through foil to hold in place

* place in a large plastic container with lid

5. Place in freezer until frozen.  Serve.

Note:  Orange extract contains alcohol which keeps the ice-cream from freezing solid.  If preferred, substitute with an orange liqueur like Grand Marnier.

To release popsicles from cups set briefly in warm water.

Don’t have time to make homemade ice cream, but dying for a Dreamsicle?  Make a Dreamsicle Float!  It’s so quick and easy, you can have one every day!  Here’s all you need:

Dreamsicle Float

Ingredients:

* Tall glass

* Vanilla ice cream

* Orange soda

Directions:

Place scoops of vanilla ice cream in a tall glass, then pour soda over the top.

What’s your favorite childhood ice cream!

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19 comments

  1. What a fun, refreshing summer treat Vicki. I can totally remember running after the ice cream truck and how exciting it was to hear that sound. Your article looks great, so professional! You’re a star! 🙂

  2. You’re so sweet. To this day when I hear the ice cream truck I feel like a kids again. I get so excited – don’t you? Thank you for the compliment.

  3. Your Dreamsicle Ice Cream is making me drool a little! I love this creamy orange treat. It’s so much fun to enjoy these in the push pops! I know my kids would love them. 🙂

  4. Have been eating lots of berry popsicles last two weeks….love the stuff…so cooling and good for you too. i have to try yours with buttermilk too. Looks great to me too.

  5. I loved Mr. Softee dreamsicles, too! Since I got my ice cream attachment for the Kitchen-aid mixer, making ice cream treats has never been easier. This is definitely on the “will make” list”!

    • I wonder what parts of the U.S. Mr. Softee was in? Too bad they’re no longer around. I hope you try my Dreamsicles with your new Kitchen-Aid ice cream maker.

  6. It’s so hot here in Japan and I’m eating ice cream at least once a day… this doesn’t happen in cool San Francisco. 😀 Your dreamsicles sound perfect right now. I’m about to go to bed but it’s too hot to sleep…

    • Oh goodness it must really be hot if you can’t go to sleep. Is there air-conditioning where you are or is it just so hot that it’s unbearable?

      I think you and your family will enjoy these Dreamsicles, they’re refreshing, light and very satisfying. I hope it cools off soon. Enjoy your time with your family.

  7. It’s been quite some time since I’ve had a dreamsicle! And I’ve never made one. Of course now you have me craving one. 😉 Really something I should tackle one of these days! Thanks for this.

  8. I wasn’t exposed to these till my kids ate push ups…but I have a feeling they’d like your homemade version even better!!!

  9. You mean you never had a Dreamsicle or Creamsicle as a child? I’ve always been a chocoholic so I’m not sure what possessed me to try one. Maybe one of my sisters, or parents gave me a lick and I fell in love. Whatever it was I was hooked. They’re so refreshing. I hope you try these. I think your family will love them.

  10. Buttermilk? Now that was an interesting twist on a popsicle recipe. I love this recipe and all of the ways you show it being used! That float has me running the grocery store tomorrow. I gotta have it!

  11. Vicki, I love ice cream but rarely make it at home. No doubt this looks lovely!

  12. They were my favorite as a kid! I’ve tried making them before but wasn’t that happy with the result – I’ll try your recipe!

  13. This was probably my all time favorite treat (back in the day)…thanks for sharing your article and recipe 😉

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