Meet your new favorite summertime treat: a creamy, tangy, nostalgic Orange Crush Sherbet. This recipe whips up an irresistibly bright dessert with almost zero effort and just a handful of simple ingredients. Each bite explodes with citrusy orange soda fun and a silky, luscious texture, making it the perfect quick fix for your sweet tooth or a cheerful finish to any meal. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, Orange Crush Sherbet will steal the spotlight every time.

Orange Crush Sherbet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Orange Crush Sherbet is all about simplicity. This handful of ingredients is your ticket to a dazzling homemade sherbet with bright orange flavor, creamy undertones, and that classic, dreamy texture.

Orange Crush soda (2 cups, chilled): Using your Orange Crush soda ice-cold keeps the flavors extra vibrant and helps the sherbet freeze faster.
Sweetened condensed milk (1 cup): Brings the ultra-creamy texture and just the right amount of sweetness, no other sugar needed!
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla makes the orange flavor deeper and richer, like a classic creamsicle.
Whole milk or heavy cream (1/2 cup): For a softer, more scoopable sherbet; heavy cream gives it extra decadence, but whole milk works great too.
Pinch of salt: Just a tiny bit heightens all the flavors and balances that bold citrus zing.
Optional orange zest (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a zingy, aromatic punch if you love intense orange flavor.

How to Make Orange Crush Sherbet

Step 1: Mix All the Flavors Together

Grab a large mixing bowl and pour in your chilled Orange Crush soda, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, milk or cream, and a pinch of salt. If you’re a fan of extra orange punch, toss in the optional orange zest here. Use a whisk to blend everything together gently—just until the mixture is smooth, dreamy, and evenly combined. You want a silky, unified base that hints at all the good things to come!

Step 2: Freeze and Stir

Carefully pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container—something with a tight-fitting lid works best. Place it in your freezer for a cool 4 to 6 hours. For the first 3 hours, make sure to pull it out every hour and give it a spirited stir. This step is the secret to keeping your Orange Crush Sherbet super creamy, without those pesky ice crystals.

Step 3: Scoop and Enjoy

Once it’s fully frozen and delightfully scoopable (think classic sherbet texture), it’s time to dig in! If it’s too firm right out of the freezer, just let it sit for a few minutes to soften up before serving. Grab your favorite scooper and make some perfect spheres to share—or keep them all for yourself!

How to Serve Orange Crush Sherbet

Garnishes

Give your Orange Crush Sherbet a stunning finish by topping each scoop with a fresh orange twist, a few mint leaves, or even a handful of citrus zest. A dollop of whipped cream turns it into a nostalgic soda fountain treat, and a sprinkle of rainbow nonpareils adds fun and color for kids (or kids at heart)!

Side Dishes

This sherbet pairs beautifully with crunchy butter cookies or delicate shortbread, which add a lovely contrast to its creamy texture. For a true summer party vibe, serve alongside fresh fruit—think sliced strawberries, blueberries, or juicy pineapple—for a sweet and refreshing dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Orange Crush Sherbet into playful floats by dropping a scoop into a glass of sparkling water or more Orange Crush soda. Nestle scoops into orange halves for an eye-popping presentation, or layer it with vanilla ice cream for a showstopping parfait. You can even blitz it into a frozen cocktail for grown-up gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Orange Crush Sherbet at its best by storing any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the freezer. Press a piece of parchment directly onto the surface before closing the lid to prevent freezer burn and keep the texture velvety smooth.

Freezing

If made ahead, Orange Crush Sherbet keeps well for up to two weeks in the freezer. The flavor and texture are at their brightest within the first few days, but it’s still delicious after longer storage—just check for any ice crystals on top and give it a vigorous stir before serving.

Reheating

While you won’t be reheating sherbet in the traditional sense, letting the container sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping will make serving much easier. Avoid microwaving, as it can create unwanted melting and mess up that perfect sherbet texture.

FAQs

Can I use other flavors of soda for this sherbet?

Absolutely! While Orange Crush Sherbet is a classic, you can swap in grape, strawberry, or even lemon-lime soda for new twists. It’s a fun way to experiment with your favorite fizzy drinks.

Do I need an ice cream maker?

No fancy equipment necessary! This recipe is completely no-churn. Just mix, freeze, and stir—your regular freezer does all the work, and you’ll still get that luscious, scoopable texture.

How do I avoid icy or grainy sherbet?

The key is to stir every hour for the first 3 hours of freezing. This step helps break up ice crystals, ensuring your Orange Crush Sherbet stays creamy and smooth.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can try using coconut cream and sweetened condensed coconut milk in place of the dairy ingredients. The flavor will be a little different, but you’ll still get that magical soda-shop vibe!

Why add salt to the recipe?

Just a pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and makes the orange flavors pop, so don’t skip it! It brings balance and complexity to every creamy spoonful.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something playful, bright, and effortlessly impressive, you’ve got to make Orange Crush Sherbet! It’s a serious crowd-pleaser and so easy to whip up. One taste and it’s sure to become a go-to summer treat for your family and friends—you’ll be hooked after the very first scoop!

Orange Crush Sherbet Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours (including freezing)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the refreshing and vibrant flavors of Orange Crush Sherbet. This easy-to-make frozen treat combines the zesty taste of orange soda with creamy sweetened condensed milk for a delightful dessert experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Orange Crush Sherbet:

2 cups Orange Crush soda (chilled)
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
pinch of salt

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together chilled Orange Crush soda, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, milk or cream, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Freeze Mixture: Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for 4–6 hours. Stir every hour for the first 3 hours to maintain a creamy texture.
Serve: Scoop the sherbet and enjoy the fruity goodness!