This copycat Paleo Orange Julius smoothie tastes like a creamsicle, but only has 4 ingredients. So creamy and delicious, this one is a hit with every one in our family. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, egg-free, with no refined sugar. This drink is only sweetened by honey! Such an easy refreshing drink, treat, or breakfast add-on.
A Flexible Recipe
There are multiple ways to make it, depending on what you have on hand. You can make it in a blender more like a smoothie. Or, you can mix it in a blender then thicken it in an ice cream maker. The ice cream maker is our favorite method as it turns out nice and thick like a Sonic Orange cream slush. Also, if you let it go even longer, like a sorbet. Yum!
What ice cream maker do I have and recommend? I have and LOVE this Cuisinart one. It works quickly, is easy to use and to clean.
Want this Paleo Orange Julius to have a little more staying power? Add a scoop of collagen for increased nutrition and protein. My favorite collagen is BUBS, as it is flavorless and blends in like a dream.
Ingredients
Such simple ingredients for this recipe, that you can find at most grocery stores. That makes this Paleo Orange Julius budget-friendly and accessible!
- Orange juice or orange juice concentrate (depending on which method you use) – Orange juice I look for one that’s “100% juice”, no added sugar. Orange juice concentrate you will find in a small can in the frozen section. Still look for one that says “100% juice.” Concentrate means it was made mostly from fresh fruit, with the liquid filtered out to make it thicker. It’s more concentrated in flavor and usually you add water to it to drink it as juice. In this recipe it’s a helpful option to not have to freeze any orange juice overnight, as concentrate is already frozen.
- Coconut milk – I love using canned coconut milk for this recipe as it’s rich, thick and creamy. I love this kind by Thai Kitchen – the thickness of canned coconut cream but in a pourable carton. You can use any dairy-free milk or choice (or a creamer like vanilla nut pods), just keep in mind it will be a little thinner. You can add a scoop of ice or a frozen banana if you want to counter balance that with a little extra thickness.
- Honey – Just 100% pure honey
- Vanilla – Pure vanilla is ideal. But if that is expensive or inaccessible for you, imitation vanilla works here too!
Other Cold Treats You Might Like
If you love this easy Paleo Orange Julius, here are some other EASY cold treats you will love!
- My Paleo Ice Cream in so many flavors: Chocolate or Vanilla, Peanut Butter, Mint Chip
- Paleo Shamrock Shake
- Chunky Monkey Smoothie
Be ready to put this one on repeat!
Paleo Orange Julius
Ingredients
Blender Method 1
- 1/2 12 oz OJ frozen concentrate can
- 1/2 cup coconut milk *can sub other non-dairy milk
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup water
- 2 heaping cups ice
Blender Method 2
- 2 cups orange juice, frozen into cubes
- 1 cup non-frozen orange juice
- 1/2 cup coconut milk *can sub other non-dairy milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup honey
Ice Cream Maker Method
- 3 cups orange juice
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup honey
Optional ingredient for all: 2-3 scoops collagen powder
Instructions
Blender Method (1 or 2)
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and combine at high speed until well combined and frothy. Serve immediately.
- Extras can be stored in the freezer, thawing to eat. OR my kids loved making these into creamsicle like popsicles!
Ice Cream Maker
- Blend well all ingredients prior to adding to ice cream maker. Mix in ice cream maker to desired thickness. This is our favorite method as it turns out nice and thick like a Sonic Orange cream slush or, if you let it go even longer, like a sorbet. Yum!
I made the second option with frozen orange juice. I wanted to make it before going to the store so I used almond milk instead of coconut milk. It was delicious and creamy. I had made a few alterations as I made it. The first thing I did was I started out with half the amount of honey, and left it that way. Since we like our smoothies to be on the thicker side I added 4 extra regular ice cubes at the end.
I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe and thank you for sharing the modifications you tried and how they worked for you!
“Best smoothie ever!!!” – My 5 year old 😂 So good! Love the clean ingredients!
Well that’s just the cutest review of all time! I’m so glad it was a hit with your little one. Thank you!
I tried the first blender method and I gotta say- it is perfection!
Hooray! I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe. Thank you!
Made this for my kids as a special treat. Very good
This recipe is so good!! My kids love it!!! It is really easy to make too!
I’ve made this several times this summer and my whole family loves this treat. I’ve even omitted the honey a few times and my kids don’t miss the extra sweet. I add chia seeds or protein powder if it’s serving as a breakfast smoothie.
I’m so happy your family has enjoyed this recipe! Thank you!
Made this this morning with breakfast and it was excellent. My 5 year old needed a little motivation to start day 2 of virtual learning and a special smoothie with breakfast was just it. Absolutely delicious!
Thank you!