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This Easy Funny Pumpkin Float recipe instantly brightens fall parties and family movie nights. With nothing more than a scoop of ice cream and a pour of orange soda, you have a kid-pleasing treat that captures the Halloween spirit without elaborate steps or fancy gadgets.
I whipped these up last October for a neighborhood trick or treat night and the giggles that followed made this one of our new family traditions. Every year now my niece insists hers must have double candy corn and the silliest face sticker in the pack.
Ingredients
- Orange soda chilled: this gives the float its pumpkin color and bubbly fun look for bright autumn vibes choose a soda with little to no bitterness
- Vanilla ice cream: creates the creamy sweet pumpkin belly choose a variety that is extra rich and full bodied for best results
- Whipped cream: brings whimsy and a melty topping canned is fastest but homemade adds extra flair
- Halloween sprinkles: add color and festivity brightens up each float use fresh sprinkles for the best crunch
- Candy corn: classic fall candy completes the pumpkin theme fresh and soft is best
- Black jack o lantern face stickers or decorated cups: optional but these make the float hilarious and memorable stick with food safe labels only
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Decorate the Cups:
- Use a little corn syrup or frosting to coat the rim of your clear cups then dip each rim into a plate of sprinkles pressing gently so they stick in a colorful ring
- Add the Ice Cream:
- Drop two big scoops of vanilla ice cream into each cup making sure the scoops sit tall above the rim if possible for the pumpkin effect
- Pour the Soda:
- Slowly add chilled orange soda over the ice cream pouring gently to avoid spills and to let the fizz build generously as it reaches the top
- Add Fun Toppings:
- Finish with a cloud of whipped cream a generous handful of Halloween sprinkles and a few candy corn candies For an extra laugh press a face sticker onto the cup or use a pumpkin decorated pick Add a striped straw for sipping
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I get the most excited about choosing quirky sprinkles for this recipe last year we found mini ghosts and witch hats My little cousin wore a pumpkin shirt as she sipped her float and loved seeing herself in the cup’s reflection
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
These floats are best served immediately to keep the ice cream cold and bubbly If you want to prep ahead you can decorate the cups and set up a toppings station Kids love assembling their own floats and the chilled orange soda ensures the fizz is just right
Ingredient Swaps
If orange soda is too sweet try using orange sparkling water or even natural tangerine juice and club soda You can swap vanilla ice cream for a dairy free or lactose free version and top with coconut whipped cream For extra autumn flavor use spiced or pumpkin flavored ice cream
Serving Ideas
Line up the decorated cups on a tray for a party display and offer toppings in little bowls so everyone gets creative Use black food safe markers to draw pumpkin faces on the outside of the cups for extra laughs These floats also work great alongside cookies and caramel apples
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Fall Family Traditions
Making these together can become a cozy October activity I remember the first time my nephew tried one he wore a witch hat and called it his magic drink now he asks for them every time Halloween rolls around
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep the sprinkles on the cup rim?
Dip the rim in corn syrup or frosting before applying sprinkles. This helps them adhere and stay in place.
- → What type of orange soda works best?
Use your favorite brand of orange soda—regular, diet, or a natural version all work well with vanilla ice cream.
- → Can I make these in advance?
It's best to assemble the floats just before serving to keep the ice cream from melting and the soda fizzy.
- → Are there dairy-free options?
Substitute dairy-free vanilla ice cream and whipped cream to create a vegan-friendly treat for guests with dietary needs.
- → How can I add extra Halloween flair?
Try using black face stickers on cups for a jack-o-lantern look or add themed straws and candies as fun finishing touches.