Growing up in the United States, I remember my first sip of the iconic Orange Julius milkshake recipe. That blend of frothy, creamy, citrusy goodness felt like pure sunshine in a cup. Every time my family went to the mall, the highlight for me was grabbing an Orange Julius — a tradition that I know many of us have cherished over the years.
Recently, I was reminiscing about that classic treat and wondered, “Could I recreate this delicious drink at home?” Thanks to the Ninja Creami, I was able to take that nostalgic flavor and turn it into a delightful milkshake. In this post, I’ll share my Orange Julius Milkshake Recipe, a wonderfully refreshing drink with a creamy twist that’ll bring you right back to those days at the mall.
Why the Ninja Creami is Perfect for an Orange Julius Milkshake Recipe
If you haven’t heard of the Ninja Creami, it’s a game-changer for making ice cream, milkshakes, and even smoothie bowls at home. What makes it ideal for recreating an Orange Julius milkshake? The Creami’s advanced technology allows you to control texture, ensuring every sip is as velvety and creamy as the original — if not better.
The Ninja Creami is designed to take frozen ingredients and blend them into a smooth, drinkable treat. It’s easy to use and lets you experiment with flavors and textures, bringing back that old-fashioned Orange Julius flavor with a few simple steps. Now, let’s dive into what you need for this Orange Julius Milkshake Recipe.
Servings | Prep time | Freezing Time | Calories |
2 | 10 minutes | +8 hours | 250 Kcal |
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate the Orange Julius milkshake recipe:
Pro tip: The quality of your orange juice concentrate matters! Look for one with no added sugars or preservatives for the purest flavor.
Instructions
Prepare the Orange Base
Start by mixing the orange juice concentrate, milk, and vanilla protein powder in a blender. The protein powder adds a subtle vanilla flavor along with a boost of nutrition, making the shake a great post-workout treat or even a quick meal replacement. If you’re using whole milk, this will give a richer, creamier texture. For a dairy-free option, almond or coconut milk works great, giving it a lighter taste. Cold ingredients make for a better frosty texture, so chill your milk beforehand.Add Vanilla Extract for Flavor
The vanilla extract is what brings the unique Orange Julius flavor profile. Stir it in, and taste to make sure you’re happy with the sweetness and flavor. For those who like it sweeter, feel free to add a touch of honey or agave syrup.Freeze the Mixture for the Ninja Creami
Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint, and freeze it for about 8 hours or overnight. The longer you let it freeze, the better the consistency. This step takes patience, but trust me — it’s worth the wait to achieve that perfect texture.Creamify the Mixture
Once frozen, place the pint in the Ninja Creami and use the “milkshake” function. This will blend the frozen mixture into a perfectly smooth and creamy shake. If it’s too thick, add a little extra milk or orange juice and blend again for your desired consistency.Adjust Texture and Flavor
Want it creamier? Re-spin it for an even richer result. If it’s not quite thick enough, you can add a few ice cubes and blend again for a frostier consistency.
Tips for Making the Best Orange Julius Milkshake
Choosing the Right Orange Juice Concentrate: Look for high-quality orange juice concentrate without added sugars or artificial flavors. This concentrate gives your shake that intense orange flavor reminiscent of the original Orange Julius.
Perfecting Sweetness: If you prefer a slightly sweeter milkshake, consider adding a natural sweetener like honey or agave. Since orange juice concentrate is naturally sweet, you may not need much, but a small touch can enhance the flavor.
Adjusting Consistency: If your shake is too thin, add ice cubes or a small amount of vanilla ice cream for extra creaminess. If it’s too thick, a little milk or orange juice will do the trick.
Variations on the Orange Julius Milkshake Recipe
For a unique twist, try these variations to take your Orange Julius milkshake to the next level:
Creamy Vanilla Twist
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream before freezing to make this shake even richer and creamier. It’s perfect for those who want an extra indulgent treat.
Tropical Citrus Fusion
Experiment by adding a splash of pineapple juice or coconut milk to the mix. This gives a tropical spin on the classic, making it feel like a summer beach vacation in a glass.
Protein-Packed Orange Julius
For a health boost, add a scoop of vanilla protein powder before freezing. This version makes a fantastic post-workout treat or even a quick breakfast option on the go.
Serving and Topping Ideas
When it’s time to enjoy your Orange Julius milkshake, pour it into a frosty glass for a refreshing experience. For a bit of garnish, try these fun topping ideas:
- Orange slice on the rim: Adds a fresh, citrusy look.
- Whipped cream: A small dollop on top makes it feel like a dessert.
- Sprinkle of orange zest or cinnamon: This adds a nice visual touch and a burst of flavor.
Pro tip: Use reusable straws for an eco-friendly option!
Enjoy this milkshake on a hot afternoon, as a movie night treat, or even after a workout for a refreshing pick-me-up.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with the Orange Julius Milkshake Recipe
Even with simple ingredients, making the perfect Orange Julius Milkshake can sometimes be tricky. Here are some common issues and solutions to ensure you get the ideal creamy, frothy milkshake every time.
Milkshake is Too Runny or Thin
- Problem: After blending, the milkshake is too liquid and doesn’t have the thick, creamy consistency of the original Orange Julius.
- Solution: Add a few more ice cubes or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream to thicken it up. If you’re using the Ninja Creami, consider running it through an extra spin cycle. This will help it reach a richer, more velvety texture.
- Tip: Make sure all ingredients, especially the orange juice concentrate, are very cold before blending, as warmer ingredients can thin out the shake.
Milkshake is Too Thick or Icy
- Problem: The milkshake is overly thick and difficult to drink with a straw, or it has an icy texture instead of a smooth, creamy one.
- Solution: Add a splash of milk or orange juice to thin it slightly, then blend again. You can add liquid gradually to control the consistency.
- Tip: Avoid adding too many ice cubes during the initial blending, as this can lead to an icy texture rather than a creamy one.
Lacks the Classic Orange Julius Sweetness
- Problem: The milkshake tastes too tart or lacks the natural sweetness you’d expect from an Orange Julius.
- Solution: For a slightly sweeter flavor, add a natural sweetener like honey, agave syrup, or a touch of maple syrup. Adjust in small amounts until you reach the desired sweetness.
- Tip: Using a high-quality orange juice concentrate is key since it contains natural sugars and flavor.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories | 250 kcal | Protein | 5g |
Fat | 7g | Saturated Fat | 4g |
Carbohydrates | 38g | Sugars | 30g |
Try These Delicious Recipes Next!
If you loved this Orange Julius ice cream, here are a few other refreshing treats to try:
- Top 5 Protein-Packed Ninja Creami Ice Cream Recipes
- Ninja Creami Chocolate Malt Ice Cream Recipe
- Ninja Creami Recipe: The Ultimate Vanilla Ice Cream You’ll Love
FAQs for Making the Perfect Orange Julius Milkshake
Can I Make This Without the Ninja Creami?
Yes! If you don’t have a Ninja Creami, a high-speed blender will also work. Simply blend all the ingredients with ice until smooth for a similar taste. While it won’t be as thick as with the Creami, you’ll still get that refreshing Orange Julius flavor.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, pop it back in the Ninja Creami or blender for a quick re-spin to refresh the texture.
Can I Make It Vegan or Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute whole milk with coconut, almond, or oat milk to keep it vegan or dairy-free. You can also add coconut cream for a richer, dairy-free option.