Cozy Fall Creamsicle Recipes That Skip the Popsicle Stick

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It’s no secret that I love a good food celebration, and today is National Creamsicle Day. So let’s have some fun with Fall Creamsicle recipes.

Traditionally, a creamsicle means orange-and-vanilla popsicles on a stick. Cold, sweet, and perfect for summer. But here’s the thing… summer is starting to give way to fall, and I wanted to take that nostalgic Creamsicle flavor we all love and give it a cozy, seasonal twist.

Small yellow-topped dessert squares are displayed on pink and white plates next to a glass of orange smoothie, with pink decorative leaves in the background.
A bright, airy kitchen with white cabinets, wooden dining table, and wicker chairs. Sunlight streams in through large windows, highlighting yellow flowers on the table and counter.
What's Cooking?

How I’m Celebrating National Creamsicle Day With Two Fall Recipes You’ll Love

A pink plate with a glass of orange smoothie and three small yellow square desserts on separate dishes, surrounded by pink artificial flowers.

Instead of frozen pops, today we’re celebrating with two recipes that are Creamsicle in spirit but fall in flavor: a Pumpkin Creamsicle Smoothie and Chai Creamsicle Bars with a Buttery Shortbread Crust. They’re creamy, spiced, and perfect for sipping or savoring on a crisp fall day.

If you’re ready to take your Creamsicle love beyond the popsicle mold, keep reading as these two recipes are proof that Creamsicle season can last all year long.

Why Creamsicle Flavor Works for Fall

Six small square pieces of cake are displayed on two pink pedestal plates and one white plate, all set on a pink tray with floral designs and pink decorative leaves.

The classic Creamsicle is made with sweet orange and creamy vanilla, a pairing that’s bright yet mellow. It’s a little tart, a little sweet, and perfectly balanced. For fall, I wanted to keep that same creamy citrus base but introduce warm spices and seasonal ingredients that make you want to grab a sweater and light a candle.

  • Pumpkin brings natural sweetness, earthiness, and that velvety texture we all love. Paired with orange and pumpkin spice, it becomes a cozy, vitamin-packed smoothie that tastes like pumpkin pie met an Orange Julius.
  • Chai spice (a mix of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves) gives the Creamsicle bars depth and warmth, making the orange flavor richer and more comforting.

The key is not to overpower the orange. You want the vanilla creaminess and the citrus brightness to still shine, just in a softer, more autumnal way.

A white, round pedestal cake stand with a raised edge and a wide, sturdy base—perfect for displaying your favorite cakes or even showcasing creamsicle recipes.
White Pedestal Cupcake Stand
Square pink ceramic plate with ornate embossed floral and lace patterns, perfect for serving sweet treats or showcasing your favorite creamsicle recipes in style.
Elegant Square Embossed Lace Plate
A light pink, round pedestal cake stand with a raised edge and a thick central stem—perfect for showcasing your favorite creamsicle recipes.
Pink Mosser Glass Cake Plate, 6 Inch

Recipe #1 – Pumpkin Creamsicle Smoothie

A glass of orange smoothie sits on a textured ceramic plate, with pink paper leaves in the background near a bright window.

This smoothie is quick, nourishing, and tastes like fall in a glass. It’s also packed with nutrients; pumpkin is loaded with vitamin A and fiber, and the Greek yogurt adds protein and probiotics.

Top view of an empty blender surrounded by a measuring cup of orange liquid, another of thick white substance, and a metal cup with orange puree.
Blender with banana pieces, orange liquid, and some spices inside, viewed from above on a wooden surface.
A close-up of a blender containing chopped orange fruits and ice being blended into a liquid.
A blender filled with a thick, orange liquid mixture is sitting on a kitchen counter.

It’s So Easy to Make

Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. If you like it sweeter, add more maple syrup or honey. If you want it colder and thicker, toss in a handful of ice cubes. Pour into a tall glass and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

    Tip: For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle the inside of your glass with a little caramel sauce before pouring in the smoothie.

    Yield: one smoothie

    Pumpkin Creamsicle Smoothie

    A clear glass filled with a thick, orange smoothie sits on a marble countertop next to an empty glass.
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup pumpkin purée (canned or fresh)
    • ½ cup orange juice (fresh-squeezed if possible)
    • ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt (or plain, with extra maple syrup)
    • 1 frozen banana
    • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
    • 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
    • Ice cubes (optional, for a thicker smoothie)

    Instructions

    1. Blend – Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
    2. Taste & Adjust – If you like it sweeter, add more maple syrup or honey. If you want it colder and thicker, toss in a handful of ice cubes.
    3. Serve – Pour into a tall glass and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

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    Vitamix Explorian Blender

    A group of orange and white striped paper straws with small pumpkin illustrations, standing upright in a container—perfect for serving festive drinks or your favorite creamsicle recipes.
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    Ninja 72oz Countertop Blender

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    CWHHRN 15OZ Glass Cups with Lid and Straw

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    6 Pack Amber Highball Beverage Glasses
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    2 Pcs Ribbed Glass Cups, 18 Oz

    Recipe #2 – Chai Creamsicle Bars With Buttery Shortbread Crust

    Two square slices of layered custard cake are placed on a pink ceramic plate, with a light wooden surface and blurred background.

    These bars are a decadent nod to the Creamsicle’s orange-and-vanilla magic, but with a chai-spiced twist that makes them perfect for fall. They start with a rich shortbread crust, get topped with a creamy orange-chai filling, and are baked until just set. They’re dreamy with a cup of tea or coffee.

    Shortbread Crust

    A glass baking dish lined with parchment paper contains an even layer of unbaked dough, spread flat with visible utensil marks on the surface.
    A square glass baking dish lined with parchment paper holds a single layer of baked shortbread with a lightly golden surface and visible fork marks.

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Mix in vanilla, then gradually add flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Press dough evenly into the prepared pan. Chill in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes. Bake.

      Chai Creamsicle Filling

      A chai tea bag steeps in a saucepan of milk on a stovetop. The tea tag labeled "Twinings Chai Decaffeinated" hangs outside the pot.
      A metal mixing bowl with three cracked eggs and batter, with a whisk resting inside, sits on a wooden surface.
      A square glass baking dish filled with a yellow baked custard or cheesecake, with browned spots and lined with parchment paper.

      Warm the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just steaming. Remove from heat, add chai tea bags, and steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags and let cream cool slightly. In a medium bowl, whisk together orange zest, orange juice, condensed milk, and egg yolks until smooth. Slowly whisk in the chai-infused cream. Pour filling over cooled shortbread crust. Bake at 350°F for 15–18 minutes, or until the center is just set (a slight jiggle is fine). Let bars cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.

        Yield: 24 bars

        Chai Creamsicle Bars With Buttery Shortbread Crust

        Four square pieces of yellow cake are displayed on three decorative plates, one white and two pink, with pale pink leaves in the background.
        Prep Time 20 minutes
        Cook Time 40 minutes
        Total Time 1 hour

        Ingredients

        • Shortbread Crust
        • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
        • ½ cup granulated sugar
        • 1 tsp vanilla extract
        • 2 cups all-purpose flour
        • ¼ tsp salt
        • Chai Creamsicle Filling
        • ½ cup heavy cream
        • 2 chai tea bags
        • Zest of 1 orange
        • ½ cup fresh orange juice
        • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
        • 3 large egg yolks

        Instructions

        Shortbread Crust

        1. Prep Pan – Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
        2. Cream Butter & Sugar – Beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
        3. Add Vanilla & Dry Ingredients – Mix in vanilla, then gradually add flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
        4. Press & Chill – Press dough evenly into the prepared pan. Chill in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes.
        5. Bake – Bake for 28–35 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Cool before adding filling.

        Chai Creamsicle Filling

        1. Infuse Cream – Warm the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just steaming. Remove from heat, add chai tea bags, and steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags and let cream cool slightly.
        2. Mix Filling – In a medium bowl, whisk together orange zest, orange juice, condensed milk, and egg yolks until smooth. Slowly whisk in the chai-infused cream.
        3. Bake – Pour filling over cooled shortbread crust. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is just set (a slight jiggle is fine).
        4. Cool & Chill – Let bars cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.
        © Leslie

        Serving Tip: Dust lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a thin vanilla glaze for a pretty finish.

        Hobnail Style 4 Piece Mixing Bowl Set

        Four boxes of Tazo Organic Chai Black Tea, each with the USDA Organic label and a statement showing 96 tea bags in 6 packs—perfect for pairing with your favorite creamsicle recipes.
        TAZO Organic Chai Black Tea Bags
        A square, gray ceramic baking dish with textured sides and an extended handle on one corner, perfect for baking creamsicle recipes, shown on a white background.
        Ceramic Bakeware, 8×8 Baking Dish

        Cuisinart Stainless 1-Quart Saucepan w/Lid

        Stainless Steel Mini Whisks

        Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup, Set of 3

        Tips for Perfect Fall Creamsicle Recipes

        A glass of thick orange smoothie sits on a white ceramic plate, surrounded by pale pink artificial leaves on a white wooden surface.
        • Balance is key – The orange should still be noticeable, even with warm spices.
        • Use fresh zest – Orange zest adds fragrance and flavor without extra acidity.
        • Sweetness control – Taste before adding extra sugar or maple syrup; pumpkin and orange can vary in sweetness.
        • Temperature matters – For the smoothie, ice thickens it but can mute the spices. For the bars, chilling them fully makes for cleaner cuts and a creamier texture.

        Serving Ideas for a National Creamsicle Celebration

        A glass filled with orange smoothie sits on a pale ceramic plate, with pink decorative leaves in the background.

        If you want to make these recipes part of a little fall gathering (because let’s be honest, food holidays are always more fun with friends), here are some ideas:

        • Mini Versions – Serve the Pumpkin Creamsicle Smoothie in small glass jars for tasting portions.
        • Tea Party Style – Cut the Chai Creamsicle Bars into small bites and pair them with hot chai lattes.
        • Cozy Table – Add burnt orange napkins, cinnamon stick bundles, and cream-colored pumpkins for a subtle nod to the theme.

        Hiware Glass Teapot with Stainless Steel Infuser & Lid

        A glass jar labeled "Whole Cinnamon Sticks" with a bamboo lid, filled with cinnamon sticks, sits next to a bundle of loose sticks—perfect for adding warm flavor to your favorite creamsicle recipes.
        Cinnamon Sticks
        Four short, wide drinking glasses in pastel pink, blue, green, and amber, each with a thick, slightly flared base, are displayed against a white background—perfect for serving your favorite creamsicle recipes.
        Creative Co-Op Hand Blown Footed Drinking Glasses, 6 Ounces

        Faux Creamy White Pumpkins, Set of 6

        Four orange and white checkered paper napkins are stacked with each one slightly rotated, creating a layered pattern.

        3-ply Orange and White Gingham Beverage Napkins

        A gold teacup with a spoon, perfect for savoring your favorite teas or enjoying delightful creamsicle recipes.
        Vintage Coffee Mugs 14 Oz

        The Fun of Reinventing Seasonal Flavors

        One of my favorite things about cooking is taking something familiar and twisting it. The Creamsicle is such a classic, as it instantly makes you think of childhood summers, but it doesn’t have to be limited to the hot months or to popsicle molds.

        By pairing orange and vanilla with fall spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg, you get something that feels fresh and nostalgic at the same time. The Pumpkin Creamsicle Smoothie is my weekday breakfast treat, and the Chai Creamsicle Bars are my “wow” dessert when friends stop by.

        National Creamsicle Day

        A glass of orange smoothie next to two small lemon bars on a pink ceramic plate, with pink decorative leaves in the background.

        Today’s celebration of National Creamsicle Day is proof that food traditions can evolve with the seasons. These recipes are creamy, comforting, and a little unexpected — exactly how I like to celebrate.

        If you make either of these, I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on Instagram @my100yearoldhome so I can share them with our community. And who knows — maybe next year we’ll have an entire fall Creamsicle menu.

        Happy National Creamsicle Day, and happy fall baking and blending!

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