(A fluffy, creamy, citrusy dessert that tastes like childhood summers.)
Overview
This is a retro dessert salad — sweet, tangy, and fluffy — that takes almost no time to throw together. If you grew up eating ambrosia or Jell-O fluff at family BBQs, this is your upgraded, orange creamsicle-inspired cousin. It tastes like a melted dreamsicle popsicle in a bowl — light, creamy, and refreshing.
Quick Snapshot
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour (recommended)
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6–8
- Category: Dessert, Salad
- Vibe: Creamy, nostalgic, citrusy
Ingredients
Base Mixture:
- 1 (3 oz) box orange Jell-O
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1–1.5 cups mini marshmallows (optional, but fluffy!)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or vanilla Greek yogurt (for richness – optional)
Garnish:
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
- Extra mandarin orange segments
- Grated orange zest or coconut flakes
Instructions
STEP 1: Make the Orange Base
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the orange Jell-O into 1 cup boiling water until fully dissolved.
- Add 1/2 cup cold water and stir. Let it cool slightly for 10–15 minutes (not fully set).
STEP 2: Add the Vanilla Pudding
- Stir in the dry instant vanilla pudding mix (do NOT prepare the pudding beforehand).
- Whisk until smooth and thickened slightly. Let cool completely at room temperature or in the fridge for 15 minutes.
STEP 3: Make It Fluffy
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip until well combined. The mixture should become light and creamy.
- If using, fold in sour cream or Greek yogurt for a richer flavor and texture.
STEP 4: Add Fruit & Fluff
- Fold in drained mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and crushed pineapple if using.
- Mix gently to avoid breaking the oranges.
STEP 5: Chill & Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until set and fluffy.
- Top with additional orange segments, zest, or mint just before serving.
Storage Instructions
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Do not freeze — it changes the texture.
Nutrition Info (per serving – approx. 1/2 cup)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160–180 kcal |
| Carbs | 22–25g |
| Sugar | 18–22g |
| Fat | 5–7g |
| Protein | 1–2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Varies depending on brand and portion size.
Variations
Creamy Boost
- Use a mix of whipped cream cheese and Cool Whip for a cheesecake twist.
- Add 1/2 tsp orange or vanilla extract to boost flavor.
Fruit Swaps
- Try with crushed peaches or strawberries.
- Swap orange Jell-O for pineapple, lime, or strawberry.
High Protein Version
- Replace Cool Whip with whipped Greek yogurt or a protein yogurt blend.
- Use sugar-free Jell-O and pudding mixes for a lighter, diabetic-friendly version.
Pro Tips
- Drain canned fruit very well to avoid a watery texture.
- Fold gently so oranges stay whole and salad stays fluffy.
- Add marshmallows right before serving if you want them extra pillowy.