Looking for a quick and delightful dessert that’s sure to please any crowd? Creamsicle Orange Fluff is a refreshing, light, and creamy treat that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. This dessert combines the nostalgic flavors of a creamsicle with the lightness of a fluffy mousse. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make and requires no baking. Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 box Orange Jello (3 oz)
- 1 box instant vanilla cheesecake pudding mix (3.4 oz)
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- 8 ounces Cool Whip (thawed)
- 1 small can of mandarin oranges (11 oz, drained)
- 1 cup pastel-colored miniature marshmallows
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Jello
- Dissolve the Jello: In a large bowl, dissolve the orange Jello in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.
- Add Cold Water: Stir in ½ cup of cold water. Set aside to cool slightly, but do not let it set.
Step 2: Mix in the Pudding
- Add Pudding Mix: Once the Jello has cooled slightly, whisk in the instant vanilla cheesecake pudding mix. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients
- Fold in Cool Whip: Gently fold in the Cool Whip until well combined and the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Mandarin Oranges: Carefully fold in the drained mandarin oranges.
- Mix in Marshmallows: Add the pastel-colored miniature marshmallows and fold them in gently.
Step 4: Chill the Dessert
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the mixture is fully set and chilled.
Cook Notes and Variations
- Fruit Variations: You can substitute the mandarin oranges with other canned fruits like pineapple chunks or peaches. Just make sure to drain them well.
- Pudding Flavor: If you prefer a different flavor, you can use instant vanilla or white chocolate pudding mix instead of the vanilla cheesecake flavor.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: If you prefer homemade whipped cream, you can substitute it for Cool Whip. Whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Garnish: For an extra special touch, garnish with additional mandarin orange segments, a sprinkle of orange zest, or even a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Keto and Low-Carb Version
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, you can make a few adjustments to this recipe to suit your dietary needs:
- Sugar-Free Jello: Use sugar-free orange Jello.
- Pudding Mix: Find a sugar-free instant pudding mix or make a homemade version with a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum.
- Whipped Cream: Use homemade whipped cream with no added sugar instead of Cool Whip.
- Marshmallows: Omit the marshmallows or use a sugar-free alternative.
Delightfully Easy Creamsicle Orange Fluff
Creamsicle Orange Fluff is the perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s light, creamy, and bursting with the refreshing flavors of orange and vanilla. This no-bake dessert is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ, a family gathering, or just as a sweet treat for yourself, it’s sure to be a hit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this dessert ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare Creamsicle Orange Fluff up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
Q: How long can I store Creamsicle Orange Fluff in the refrigerator? A: This dessert can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I use a different type of Jello? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different Jello flavors to create new variations of this fluff dessert.
Q: What if I don’t have Cool Whip? A: You can substitute Cool Whip with an equal amount of homemade whipped cream. Simply whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Q: Can I add other mix-ins? A: Yes, you can customize your Creamsicle Orange Fluff by adding other mix-ins like shredded coconut, crushed pineapple, or even chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Delicious Creamsicle Orange Fluff Awaits!
This easy-to-make dessert is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Its light and fluffy texture combined with the refreshing citrus flavor makes it the perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Creamsicle Orange Fluff with your loved ones!
