A healthier version of the popular mall food court drink. Serve Homemade Orange Julius Recipe with breakfast, brunch or anytime you crave a refreshing drink.
Homemade Copycat Orange Julius Recipe
Today I am sharing one of our favorite drinks – the copycat Orange Julius. This beloved food court drink conjures up memories of hanging out at the mall with my friends.
I’ve had the Copycat Orange Julius recipe in my recipe box for years. Over time I’ve made quite a few changes to make healthier drink.
Even though I’ve “healthied up” my recipe, this version still tastes like an Orange Julius – a creamy, dreamy orange vanilla dreamsicle. Yummy!
What’s the Secret Ingredient?
My current version of this recipe includes a surprise ingredient: yellow squash. You can’t taste the squash at all, pinkie promise. You’re just going to have to trust me on this!
Confession time – I’m not a big fan of squash. I’m also not a proponent of hiding veggies in food but I make an exception for this recipe. If The Teens knew I put squash in this drink they would never, ever drink it again – game over. Mums the word, okay?
Ingredients Needed
Orange Juice Concentrate – use your favorite with or without pulp.
Almond Milk – I like to use vanilla flavored.
Oranges – Peeled Navel oranges work well.
Yellow Squash – uncooked & unpeeled.
Ice Cubes
Vanilla – use pure vanilla if you have it.
How to Make Orange Julius at Home
Toss all the ingredients in the blender jar and blend until smooth. That’s it! Couldn’t be any easier.
In addition to posting the recipe as I currently make it, I am including some of the ingredients from my original version for additional options. I think this drink is sweet enough without adding any sugars or honey, though.
I no longer cringe (or try to trade) when I receive yellow squash in my Bountiful Basket because I know exactly how I will use them.
I got the idea of adding yellow squash to my Copycat Orange Julius from the Fresh Blends cookbook by Blendtec.
Homemade Orange Julius Recipe with Secret Ingredient
Ingredients
- 3 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate
- 1/2 cup Vanilla almond milk
- 1-2 oranges,, peeled and cut in half
- 1/4 cup yellow squash, chopped, raw
- 1/2 - 3/4 cup ice cubes
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in blender jar and attach lid.
- Blend until smooth and serve.
Notes
- Add 1 tbsp. of honey or 2 tbsp. of sugar if you like a sweeter drink.
- Other milks can be substituted for the almond milk.
Nutrition
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Susan Tielis says
Absolutely delicious!
Lori1 says
Glad you enjoyed it, Susan!