This Creamsicle Orange Fluff combines the tangy sweetness of orange Jell-O, creamy vanilla cheesecake pudding, and fluffy Cool Whip into a delightful, nostalgic dessert. Loaded with mandarin oranges and pastel marshmallows, it’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or a refreshing family treat. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick & Easy: Minimal prep time makes this perfect for last-minute gatherings.
No Baking Required: Ideal for warm days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love the creamy, citrusy flavor.
Versatile: Great as a standalone dessert or a fun side dish for a festive table.
Key Ingredients:
Orange Jell-O: The star of the show, providing a bright, citrusy base that screams “summer vibes.”
Instant Vanilla Cheesecake Pudding Mix: Adds a creamy, rich texture and enhances the overall flavor with a subtle cheesecake twist.
Cool Whip: Creates the signature fluffiness of this dessert, making it irresistibly light.
Mandarin Oranges: Juicy bursts of sweetness and a pop of color.
Pastel-Colored Miniature Marshmallows: Fun and whimsical, they add chewiness and visual appeal.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions:
Step 1: Dissolve the Jell-O
Boil Water: Heat 1 cup of water until boiling.
Add Jell-O Powder: Pour 1 box of Orange Jell-O powder into a large mixing bowl.
Whisk to Dissolve: Stir the powder into the boiling water with a whisk for about 2 minutes, ensuring no granules remain.
Step 2: Add Cold Water and Chill
Add Cold Water: Mix in ½ cup of cold water to the dissolved Jell-O.
Chill the Mixture: Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes, or until slightly thickened but not fully set.
Step 3: Add Pudding Mix
Add Pudding Mix: Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and add 1 box of instant vanilla cheesecake pudding mix.
Whisk to Combine: Stir the pudding mix into the Jell-O until smooth and creamy.
Chill Again: Return to the refrigerator for another 20 minutes to thicken further.
Step 4: Incorporate Cool Whip, Oranges, and Marshmallows
Prepare Add-ins:
Drain a small can of mandarin oranges.
Measure out 1 cup of pastel-colored mini marshmallows.
Add Cool Whip: Gently fold 8 ounces of Cool Whip into the thickened mixture until smooth.
Add Oranges and Marshmallows: Carefully fold in the drained mandarin oranges and mini marshmallows to avoid breaking the orange segments.
Step 5: Final Chill
Chill the Fluff: Place the mixture back in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to allow it to set and flavors to meld.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish (Optional): Top with extra mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, or fresh mint leaves.
Serve: Scoop into bowls or dessert plates and enjoy this creamy, citrus delight!
Serving Suggestions:
Creamsicle Orange Fluff shines brightest as a chilled dessert or a sweet side dish. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
At Barbecues: Serve alongside grilled meats for a refreshing contrast.
Holiday Buffets: Its bright color and creamy texture make it a festive favorite.
With Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant touch.
Pair it with citrusy drinks like orange spritzers or lemonade to complement the zesty flavors!
Storage & Meal Prep Tips:
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as they meld together!
Avoid Freezing: The texture changes when frozen, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Make Ahead: Prepare it the night before your event for a stress-free dessert that’s ready to go.
Variations to Try:
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:
Tropical Twist: Swap mandarin oranges for pineapple chunks and use pineapple Jell-O for a tropical spin.
Berry Bliss: Replace the oranges with strawberries or raspberries and use strawberry Jell-O.
Healthier Option: Use sugar-free Jell-O and pudding mix to cut down on sugar without sacrificing flavor.
Nutty Addition: Sprinkle in chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Let the little ones mix in their favorite colorful sprinkles or gummy candies for extra fun.
Conclusion:
Creamsicle Orange Fluff is more than a dessert—it’s a nostalgic trip to sunny days, family gatherings, and carefree moments. Its creamy, citrusy goodness is as delightful as it is easy to make, ensuring you’ll want to whip it up again and again. Whether you serve it in a fancy trifle dish or a simple bowl, this dessert always steals the show.
Creamsicle Orange Fluff: A Creamy Citrus Delight
Ingredients
- 1 box Orange Jell-O
- 1 box instant vanilla cheesecake pudding mix
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 8 oz Cool Whip
- 1 small can mandarin oranges drained
- 1 cup pastel-colored miniature marshmallows
Instructions
- Heat 1 cup of water until boiling. Pour 1 box of Orange Jell-O powder into a large mixing bowl. Stir the powder into the boiling water with a whisk for about 2 minutes, ensuring no granules remain.
- Mix in ½ cup of cold water to the dissolved Jell-O. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes, or until slightly thickened but not fully set.
- Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and add 1 box of instant vanilla cheesecake pudding mix. Stir the pudding mix into the Jell-O until smooth and creamy. Return to the refrigerator for another 20 minutes to thicken further.
- Drain a small can of mandarin oranges and measure out 1 cup of pastel-colored mini marshmallows. Gently fold 8 ounces of Cool Whip into the thickened mixture until smooth. Carefully fold in the drained mandarin oranges and mini marshmallows to avoid breaking the orange segments.
- Place the mixture back in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to allow it to set and flavors to meld.
- Top with extra mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, or fresh mint leaves if desired. Scoop into bowls or dessert plates and enjoy.