Arby’s Orange Cream Shake Recipe: Fast Food Nostalgia in a Glass

This shake delivers that classic Arby’s orange cream flavor in your own kitchen. The combination of bright citrus and creamy vanilla creates a nostalgic treat that’s surprisingly simple to make.

With just a few pantry staples and 5 minutes of blending, you can recreate this fast food favorite. The key is using orange sherbet for that signature tangy-sweet flavor.

What you get is a thick, creamy shake with perfect balance between zesty orange and smooth vanilla. It’s the exact taste that made the original so beloved.

Serve immediately for the best texture. This recipe makes two generous portions.

Ingredients for Arby’s Orange Cream Shake

Pantry staples plus a quick stop at the freezer aisle. Nothing fancy, just good stuff.

The sherbet is the star here. Look for bright orange color—brands like Edy’s or Breyers hit that nostalgic Arby’s flavor. The vanilla ice cream should be premium (think Haagen-Dazs or Ben & Jerry’s), not the budget kind with ice crystals. Whole milk is non-negotiable—skimming it makes the shake thin and sad. If your orange sherbet is rock-hard, let it sit out for 10 minutes before blending.

No sherbet? Orange sorbet plus a splash of cream gets you close. Vanilla frozen yogurt works in a pinch (but the texture won’t be as thick). Short on milk? Half-and-half at half the amount actually improves the richness. Want more orange punch? Add extra zest—it brightens the whole thing. The sugar can be skipped if your sherbet is super sweet, but I’d keep it for balance.

This is best served immediately—it melts fast. Keeps in the freezer for 1-2 days if you must, but stir well before re-serving. Leftovers? Turn them into popsicles (freeze in molds for 4 hours).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Orange Cream Shake

Here’s the method. Straightforward, tested, works every time.

Step 1: Soften and Prep the Base Ingredients

Start by letting the 2 cups Orange Sherbet and 2 cups Vanilla Ice Cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. This makes them easier to blend smoothly without straining your blender.

While they soften, measure out the 0.5 cup Whole Milk, 0.25 cup Orange Juice, 1 tsp Vanilla Extract, 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar, and 6 pieces Ice Cubes. Having everything ready to go prevents the sherbet and ice cream from melting too much before blending.

Step 2: Blend the Liquid Components

Pour the 0.5 cup Whole Milk, 0.25 cup Orange Juice, 1 tsp Vanilla Extract, and 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar into your blender. Pulse for 10-15 seconds until the granulated sugar is fully dissolved.

This step ensures the sugar doesn’t leave a grainy texture in your final shake. If you’re using the optional 0.25 cup Heavy Whipping Cream, add it now and blend for another 5 seconds to incorporate.

Step 3: Add the Frozen Elements

Add the softened 2 cups Orange Sherbet, 2 cups Vanilla Ice Cream, 1 tsp Orange Zest, and 6 pieces Ice Cubes to the blender. Start on low speed, then gradually increase to high.

Blend for 20-30 seconds until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed. The shake should be thick but pourable—if it’s too thick, add a splash more milk and blend again.

Step 4: Check Consistency and Adjust

Pour the shake into a tall glass and check the texture. It should coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily. If it’s too thin, add another 1-2 pieces Ice Cubes and blend briefly.

For extra richness, stir in the 0.25 cup Heavy Whipping Cream by hand after blending instead of adding it to the blender. This keeps the texture ultra-creamy without over-thinning.

Step 5: Serve Immediately for Best Texture

Pour the shake into chilled glasses and serve right away. The orange zest adds a bright, citrusy aroma that makes it taste just like the classic fast-food version.

If you’re not serving immediately, store it in the freezer for up to 30 minutes—any longer and it’ll freeze solid. Give it a quick stir before serving to recombine the ingredients.

Health Benefits of This Recipe

Vitamin C Boost

This shake packs a serious vitamin C punch from the orange sherbet and juice, providing about 70% of your daily needs per serving. That bright citrus flavor isn’t just delicious—it supports immune function and skin health. 💪

Calcium Rich Treat

The combination of whole milk, ice cream, and heavy cream delivers a significant dose of calcium—about 30% of your daily value. Perfect for growing kids or anyone looking to strengthen bones and teeth.

Energy from Natural Sugars

The natural sugars from orange juice and sherbet provide a quick energy boost without the crash of processed sweets. I find this makes a great post-workout pick-me-up, especially on those Pacific Northwest rainy days.

Protein for Satiety

With 6-8 grams of protein per serving from the dairy components, this shake offers more staying power than you’d expect. It’s why I’ll sometimes make one for Lily as an after-school snack—keeps her full until dinner.

Antioxidant Benefits

Oranges contain flavonoids and other antioxidants that help combat free radicals. The zest adds even more of these beneficial compounds, making every sip work a little harder for your health.

Hydration Helper

While not a replacement for water, the milk and orange juice contribute to your daily fluid intake. On hot Portland summer days, I’ll blend in extra ice for a frosty, hydrating treat. 💛

Frequently Asked Questions