Description
Okay, so imagine if Halloween and an ice cream parlor had a baby, and that baby was absolutely obsessed with being the most adorable thing at every party. That’s exactly what these Easy Funny Pumpkin Floats are. We’re talking orange cream soda topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and enough colorful candy to make your inner kid do a happy dance, all served in glasses with cute jack-o’-lantern faces that’ll make everyone smile before they even take a sip.
This is the kind of treat that makes Halloween fun instead of scary — perfect for kids’ parties, family movie nights, or when you want to be the house that goes all out (but with like, zero actual effort). The best part? They look way more complicated than they actually are. It’s basically fancy root beer floats with a Halloween makeover, and honestly? Adults get just as excited about these as kids do.
Ingredients
For the Floats:
- 4 cups orange cream soda (or orange soda + a splash of vanilla extract)
- 8 scoops vanilla ice cream (or orange sherbet for extra Halloween vibes)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Fun Stuff:
- 4 clear glasses or mason jars
- Black vinyl stickers or black permanent marker (for jack-o’-lantern faces)
- Rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils
- Assorted Halloween candy (gummy bears, candy corn, mini marshmallows, Swedish fish)
- Black and white striped paper straws
- Orange sugar for rim (optional but extra)
For the Rim (Optional but Awesome):
- 2 tbsp corn syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup orange sugar or regular sugar mixed with orange food coloring
Instructions
If you’re doing the sugar rim, dip glass rims in corn syrup, then roll in orange sugar. Set aside.
Create jack-o’-lantern faces on your glasses using black stickers or a food-safe marker.
Triangle eyes, triangle nose, and a big grin work perfectly. Don’t overthink it — wonky faces are actually cuter.
In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Don’t overwhip — we want it fluffy, not butter. Taste and add more sugar if needed.
Add 2 generous scoops of ice cream to each glass.
Slowly pour orange soda over the ice cream, leaving room at the top for whipped cream.
The foam will bubble up — that’s the fun part! Let it settle for a minute.
Pile on the whipped cream like you’re building the world’s happiest mountain.
Go generous — this is not the time to be modest with portions.
Sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles first (they stick better to the whipped cream).
Top with your favorite Halloween candies — gummy bears, candy corn, mini marshmallows, whatever makes you happy.
Add those striped straws because they’re basically mandatory for the full effect.
These are best enjoyed right away while the soda is still fizzy and the ice cream is perfectly creamy.
Take pictures first because they disappear fast and you’ll want proof of your awesomeness.
Notes
- Serve with extra napkins (trust me on this one)
- Set up a candy topping station and let everyone customize their own
- Perfect for Halloween movie marathons
- Great as a dessert after pumpkin carving
- Pair with Halloween cookies or popcorn for the full spooky snack experience
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~52g
- Protein: ~4g