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Creamsicle Orange Fluff is a delightful, nostalgic dessert that brings together the tangy flavor of oranges with the creamy sweetness of vanilla and cheesecake. This fluffy, mousse-like treat is perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or any time you crave a refreshing and easy-to-make dessert. The combination of orange Jell-O, vanilla cheesecake pudding, and Cool Whip, along with the juicy mandarin oranges and pastel mini marshmallows, makes for a vibrant and fun dish that both kids and adults will love.
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I first encountered Creamsicle Orange Fluff at a family reunion. My grandmother, who was known for her creative and delicious desserts, brought a large bowl of this colorful fluff. The sight of the pastel marshmallows and bright orange hue was instantly inviting, and the first taste was a burst of creamy citrus flavor that felt like a cool breeze on a hot summer day. Since then, this dessert has become a staple at our family gatherings, and I’m excited to share this beloved recipe with you.
Ingredients:
1 box Orange Jell-O
1 box instant vanilla cheesecake pudding mix
1 cup boiling water
½ cup cold water
8 ounces Cool Whip
1 small can of mandarin oranges
1 cup pastel-colored miniature marshmallows
Instructions:
Step 1: Dissolve the Jell-O
Boil Water:
Start by boiling 1 cup of water. Once the water is boiling, carefully pour it into a large mixing bowl.
Add Jell-O Powder:
Open the box of Orange Jell-O and pour the powder into the bowl with the boiling water.
Whisk to Dissolve:
Using a whisk, stir the Jell-O powder into the boiling water until it is completely dissolved. This usually takes about 2 minutes. Ensure that there are no granules left undissolved.
Step 2: Add Cold Water and Chill
Add Cold Water:
Pour ½ cup of cold water into the bowl with the dissolved Jell-O. Stir to combine.
Chill the Mixture:
Place the bowl in the refrigerator and chill for about 20 minutes, or until the mixture begins to thicken. You don’t want it to set completely, just to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Add Pudding Mix
Add Pudding Mix:
Once the Jell-O mixture has thickened, remove the bowl from the refrigerator. Add the box of instant vanilla cheesecake pudding mix to the bowl.
Whisk to Combine:
Whisk the pudding mix into the Jell-O until fully combined. The mixture will become thicker and creamier.
Chill Again:
Return the bowl to the refrigerator and chill for another 20 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken further.
Step 4: Incorporate Cool Whip, Oranges, and Marshmallows
Prepare the Add-ins:
While the mixture is chilling, drain the small can of mandarin oranges and measure out 1 cup of pastel-colored miniature marshmallows.
Add Cool Whip:
Once the mixture is thickened, remove it from the refrigerator. Gently fold in the 8 ounces of Cool Whip until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add Oranges and Marshmallows:
Carefully fold in the mandarin oranges and the pastel mini marshmallows. Be gentle to avoid breaking the orange segments.
Step 5: Final Chill
Chill the Fluff:
Place the bowl back in the refrigerator and let it chill for 1 to 2 hours. This allows all the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set properly.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish (Optional):
Before serving, you can garnish the Creamsicle Orange Fluff with additional mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and a few mint leaves for a fresh touch.
Serve:
Scoop the fluff into serving bowls or onto dessert plates. Enjoy this creamy, citrusy treat!