Fanta Ice Cream Float

Name: Fanta Ice Cream Float
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 3 cups vanilla ice cream (✅); 1.5 cans Fanta orange soda; whipping cream (✅); 4 Marchiano cherries (✅)

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A Fanta Ice Cream Float is a refreshing treat to cool down on a hot summer day. Combining the classic flavor of Fanta with creamy vanilla ice cream, this float is the perfect combination of sweet and refreshing. Best of all, it’s easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients.

So grab a glass, some ice cream, and your favorite flavor of Fanta, and get ready to enjoy a refreshing and delicious summer treat!

Table of Contents

What is an Ice Cream Float?

Ice cream floats are an old-fashioned treat that combine your choice of ice cream with your soda of choice. Some of the best-known ice cream float flavors are coke, root beer and orange.

The ingredients are layered in a drinking glass, topped with whipping cream and a cherry before served with a spoon or straw. You can easily create this recipe in 5 minutes, making it a great option for pool parties, birthday celebrations or backyard barbeques!

Do You Put the Ice Cream First in a Float?

If you want the excitement of the soda fizzing, add the ice cream first. Yes, it is possible for the soda to spill over the top of the glass, but that is part of the fun and the giggles from your kids are priceless! For a mess-free option, use a larger drinking glass or add the soda first then scoop in the ice cream.

What Soda is Best for an Ice Cream Float?

Ice cream floats are so fun for kids (and parents) of all ages to make because you can customize them to your preference. Our recipe calls for orange Fanta, which you can easily swap with your favorite carbonated soda.

If you are planning to serve a big group, have a variety of soda options to offer an “ice cream float bar”. It is such a cool way to feature this classic treat, especially when expecting a crowd.

Does Fanta Orange Have Caffeine?

No, all Fanta products are caffeine free so whether you are looking to make an ice cream float with orange, grape, pineapple, peach or berry Fanta, you do not need to worry about the caffeine content.

fanta, maraschino cherries, vanilla ice cream and whipped topping displayed

Ingredients

3 cups vanilla ice cream ✅
1.5 cans Fanta orange soda
whipping cream ✅
4 Marchiano cherries ✅

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

orange fanta poured over ice cream in cup

How To Make an Ice Cream Float

Layer the float: Scoop 2 scoops of ice cream into each glass. Add some soda then an additional scoop of ice cream.

Serve: Top with whipping cream and a cherry and serve immediately.

scoop of vanilla ice cream added to ice cream float

Ice Cream Float Flavors

Keep the summertime fun going by trying out different variations of ice cream floats. Here are more flavors to consider combining:

Vanilla ice cream with grape Fanta
Chocolate ice cream with cherry soda
Vanilla ice cream with lemon-lime soda or ginger ale
Strawberry ice cream with cream soda
Sherbet with sprite or 7Up

You can also add a layer of flavored syrup or drizzle it on the top of the float. From chocolate and peppermint to cherry and berry, pick any syrup flavor and give it a try!

Recipe Notes and Helpful Tips

Keep the ice cream or sherbet stored in the freezer until right before you are ready to make the floats. This will keep the texture and appearance of the floats just the way you like.
Serve immediately after making. This is a recipe you do not want to store in the fridge or freezer. Plus, the floats look irresistible as soon as the ingredients are layered so leftovers are extremely unlikely!
Have fun with the flavors by using any of our suggestions or combine a variety of ice cream flavors and/or soda flavors in the same glass to make your own.
Run the ice cream scoop under hot water to make it easier to scoop the ice cream from the container into the glasses.
Make our recipe dairy free by selecting a dairy free ice cream flavor.

orange ice cream float topped with maraschino cherry and whipped topping

Frequently Asked Questions

What ice cream flavor is best for ice cream floats?

Traditionally, a vanilla ice cream is used; however, you can absolutely swap it for chocolate, strawberry or your favorite creamy ice cream flavor. You could also pick a variety with candy pieces, fruit or dessert chunks like cookie dough and brownie bites.

How to serve?

Any tall drinking glass or mason jar along with a spoon or straw. We like to top off our floats with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry, but any other toppings like sprinkles or candies work great too. Think about how fun it would be to serve this Fanta ice cream float with gummy worms hanging over the side of the glass. Something to consider, especially if planning to serve to a group of kids!

What goes well with ice cream floats?

This treat is delicious all on its own and can be quite filling depending on how many scoops of ice cream you add to your glass. But, if you want to go above and beyond for your guests, you can offer Watermelon Slices, Banana Spring Rolls or Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins for more snacking options.

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

It can be fun to watch the soda fizz as you layer the float ingredients! An easy way to prevent a large mess is placing the drinking glass on a plate then adding the ingredients. This way if the soda does spill out, it goes on the plate instead of all over the counter.
Use a storebought whipping cream or whip up a homemade batch by following the step-by-step directions in our creamy Make-Ahead Whipped Cream recipe. This recipe will last up to several days in the fridge so whether you want to make this dessert a few days in a row or use the leftovers for another treat, you are good to go.
Boost the flavors in this already delicious Fanta ice cream float by pouring a little maraschino cherry juice into the drinking glasses. It adds a sweet taste and a swirl of color to your float.

More Easy Summer Desserts

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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