If you’re looking to relive the fizzy, sweet nostalgia of summertime melts in a bowl, look no further than this Orange Crush Sherbet. It’s shockingly easy, velvet-smooth, and packed with citrusy fun. The star ingredient is—you guessed it—Orange Crush soda, which lends both a zippy orange flavor and a brilliant, happy color. Blended with creamy condensed milk and a hint of vanilla, the result is a scoopable treat that’s far richer than any store-bought sherbet. No fancy gadgets needed, just a quick stir and a little patience while it chills. The whole family will adore this classic, playful dessert!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of straightforward ingredients team up to create a wildly flavorful dessert. Each one has a special role in making the Orange Crush Sherbet irresistibly creamy, tangy, and vibrant.
- Orange Crush soda (chilled): The fizzy, fun backbone of the sherbet! Cold soda keeps everything crisp and bright.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds luscious creaminess and just the right touch of sweetness to balance out the citrus.
- Vanilla extract: A splash brings the flavors together, rounding off any sharpness with warm, mellow notes.
- Pinch of salt: Just a dash makes all the other flavors pop—it really does make a difference.
- Orange food coloring (optional): For those who love a bold, eye-catching orange, a droplet or two makes it extra vivid.
How to Make Orange Crush Sherbet
Step 1: Mix the Base
Grab a large mixing bowl and pour in the chilled Orange Crush soda, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The trick is to make sure the soda is nice and cold, which helps the flavors blend smoothly and keeps everything light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Color and Whisk
If you love your sherbet with a burst of sunshine color, now’s the moment to add a drop or two of orange food coloring. Whisk everything together until it’s totally combined and silky-smooth—no streaks or lumps should remain.
Step 3: Freeze the Mixture
Pour the creamy orange blend into a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top, cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, and transfer it to your freezer. For the best texture, give the sherbet a good stir every hour for the first 2 to 3 hours. This helps break up ice crystals and guarantees ultra-smooth scoops later.
Step 4: Let It Set and Serve
Allow the sherbet to firm up completely in the freezer for 4 to 6 hours, or until it’s scoopable. Once ready, just dig in with your favorite ice cream scoop and serve immediately. The Orange Crush Sherbet is at its best when slightly soft and creamy!
How to Serve Orange Crush Sherbet
Garnishes
Brighten up each serving with a playful garnish! Try topping your Orange Crush Sherbet with a sprinkle of zest, a slice of fresh orange, or even a few mini marshmallows for a soda-fountain throwback. A sprig of mint not only adds color but also a dash of freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair your sherbet with buttery shortbread cookies, crisp vanilla wafers, or a handful of fresh berries on the side. It’s a wonderful palate cleanser for spicy barbecue or after a summer picnic spread. You can even spoon it over a slice of pound cake for an extra decadent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow-factor, serve Orange Crush Sherbet in hollowed-out orange halves or vintage soda glasses with striped paper straws. Layer with whipped cream for an impromptu creamsicle parfait, or float scoops in a glass of more Orange Crush for a fun ice cream soda.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover sherbet back in its freezer-safe container, making sure it’s sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn or ice crystals. It will keep for up to 2 weeks, but it’s so tasty you might not have much left over!
Freezing
Orange Crush Sherbet freezes beautifully—just make sure you give it an air-tight cover. If it’s rock hard after a few days, leave the container at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping.
Reheating
While you won’t need to “reheat” this frozen treat, a brief rest on the counter will soften it to the perfect scoopable texture. If you want it ultra-silky, stir it while it thaws just a bit to recreate that freshly churned consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different soda instead of Orange Crush?
Absolutely! Experimenting with grape, strawberry, or even lemon-lime sodas can create fun, unique sherbet flavors. Just make sure it’s a sweet, full-sugar soda for the best creamy results.
Does this recipe require an ice cream maker?
No ice cream machine needed for this one! The simple freeze-and-stir technique is all you need to achieve the perfect Orange Crush Sherbet texture.
How do I avoid icy or grainy sherbet?
Stirring the sherbet every hour for the first few hours as it freezes helps break up any forming ice crystals, keeping the texture smooth and creamy.
Can I make Orange Crush Sherbet ahead of time?
Definitely! Make it a day or two in advance, then store it in a tightly sealed container in the freezer until you’re ready to serve. Just let it soften a bit at room temperature before enjoying.
Is this sherbet gluten-free?
Yes, this Orange Crush Sherbet is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it a fun treat for those with dietary considerations.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as joyful as whipping up a batch of homemade Orange Crush Sherbet and sharing those bright, citrusy scoops with friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic treat or a new summer favorite, give this recipe a try—you’ll love how easy, refreshing, and fun it is!
Print
Orange Crush Sherbet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus 4–6 hours freezing time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Enjoy the refreshing and creamy Orange Crush Sherbet, a delightful frozen treat perfect for hot summer days. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this no-churn ice cream is bursting with citrus flavor and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Orange Crush soda (chilled)
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional orange food coloring (for a brighter color)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chilled Orange Crush soda, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Add Color: If desired, mix in orange food coloring to enhance the color.
- Freeze Mixture: Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 4–6 hours until firm.
- Stir Occasionally: For a smoother texture, stir the sherbet every hour during the first 2–3 hours of freezing.
- Serve: Once fully frozen, scoop the sherbet and enjoy!
Notes
- You can experiment with different fruit sodas like grape or strawberry for unique flavors.
- For best results, use full-sugar sodas for a creamier texture.
- No ice cream maker needed for this simple recipe!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
