The dairy-free orange creamsicle ice cream cake that’ll rock your summer

As the blogger behind The Rawtarian and host of The Raw Food Podcast, Laura-Jane Koers is best known for her I-can’t-believe-it’s-not-cooked recipes. And in her new cookbook, Cook Lively!, the Nova Scotia-based recipe developer is offering up her favorite tried-and-true recipes as well as many new ones—including a blast from her past.

“I’ve always loved the creamy, citrusy flavor of the orange creamsicles from my youth,” Koers says. “The sweet, tangy flavor takes me back to warm summers riding my bike around my neighborhood or wandering free at the beach on lazy summer days.” After years of creating raw vegan sweet treats (think cashew cheesecakes and banana cream pies), Koers decided it was time to re-awaken those childhood tastebuds. The result: a super simple orange creamsicle ice cream cake recipe (“all you need is a quick whiz in the blender,” Koers says) that’s kid-friendly and adult-approved.

“The sweet, tangy flavor takes me back to warm summers riding my bike around my neighborhood or wandering free at the beach on lazy summer days.”

Of course, a key factor when it comes to making a creamsicle is that it is, in fact, creamy. So how’d she pull off the spot-on consistency without any dairy? “The recipe gets its texture from unsalted, unroasted cashews, which are also full of heart-healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals” Koers says. “And the orange flavor comes from a real orange, so you’re getting all the benefits of whole food ingredients instead of just a few drops of orange extract.”

Scroll down to learn how to make your summer creamsicle dreams come true.

Laura-Jane Koers’ Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream Cake with Suspended Blueberries

Yields 1 medium cake (8 servings)

Ingredients
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk1 cup peeled, chopped orange1/2 cup cashews3 Tbsp pure maple syrup2 Tbsp lemon juice1/2 Tbsp pure vanilla extract1/8 tsp fine sea salt1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

Directions:

1. Line an 8-inch springform pan (or a standard pie plate or loaf pan) with parchment paper. Set aside.

2. Add all the ingredients to your blender except the blueberries. Blend until smooth, with a texture similar to a smoothie.

3. Add the blueberries to the blender (but do not blend). Stir gently to distribute the berries.

4. Pour the mixture into the pan. Smooth out with the back of a spoon.

5. Cover and freeze for at least 8 hours (and longer if possible), or until it is firm and you can cleanly slice it with a knife.

6. Once ready to eat, top with additional orange slices and blueberries, if desired, and then slice. Store in the freezer at all times.

Each week we spotlight a healthy-delish recipe that’s truly genius (and easy to make) from someone who’s wowed us in the food world. We’re talking buzzy cookbook authors and Instagram foodies to brilliant chefs. You can find more mouthwatering must-try ideas from the Recipe of the Week archive.

The only thing more summery than a creamsicle ice cream cake is a rosé cocktail to wash it down. And if you’re on a creamy dessert kick, try this dairy-free chocolate pudding.