Creamsicle Orange Fluff is an updated version of the old-fashioned Creamsicle orange fluff that so many people remember from childhood. When we were little, we pleaded for this sweet treat. Straight off the ice cream truck, it tasted just like an orange creamsicle, with that mix of bright citrus and creamy sweetness that felt cool and refreshing on a hot day. This fluffy dessert takes those same nostalgic flavors and turns them into a chilled, spoonable treat that you can serve in a big bowl or in individual cups on your holiday table.
You can whip up this sweet treat with only a handful of simple ingredients, most of which are pantry or fridge staples. Nevertheless, for this to turn out correctly, a few things must be done in the right order: you need to let the orange jello dissolve, give it time to thicken, and fold everything together gently so it stays light and airy. Do not be afraid; it is actually very pleasant and easy once you know what to expect. The result is a fluffy, creamy dessert with a soft set that tastes just like an orange creamsicle.
Orange Creamsicle Fluff Recipe Items
- Orange jello, one package
- 1 box of vanilla cheesecake pudding mix, prepared quickly
- ½ cup of cold water and 1 cup of boiling water
- 0.8 liters Delicious Cool Whip
- One miniature orange juice can
- 1 cup of little, pastel-colored marshmallows
Fluffy Orange Creamsicle Recipe
- Boil some water and put the orange flavored jello in a big bowl. Use a heat-safe mixing bowl that is large enough to hold all of the ingredients that will be added later. Pour the dry orange jello powder into the bowl first so it is ready, then carefully pour in the 1 cup of boiling water. The hot water is what activates the gelatin and helps the jello dissolve properly, so make sure it is fully boiling before you add it.
- Continue whisking until it dissolves entirely. Whisk steadily, scraping along the bottom and sides of the bowl, until you can no longer see any granules of jello powder. The mixture should look completely clear and smooth, without cloudy streaks of undissolved gelatin. Taking an extra minute to whisk here will help you avoid any gritty bits later and ensures the finished fluff has a silky, uniform texture.
- Stir in the ice water and let aside to thicken, about 20 minutes. Measure out ½ cup of cold water and pour it into the warm jello mixture. The contrast of hot and cold helps the jello start to cool and set more quickly. Stir gently until the cold water is fully combined and the liquid feels cooler to the touch on the outside of the bowl. Set the bowl aside at room temperature or in a cool spot and allow it to sit undisturbed for about 20 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened slightly and feels more syrupy than watery. It should not be fully set like firm jello, but it should be noticeably thicker, which helps the other ingredients blend in smoothly.
- Toss in the pudding mix and stir to incorporate. Sprinkle the vanilla cheesecake pudding mix over the thickened orange jello and begin stirring right away to prevent lumps. Use a whisk or a spatula to blend until the pudding mix is completely dissolved and the mixture becomes creamier and more opaque. This step should give you a smooth, slightly thick, custard-like base. If you see any small clumps of pudding mix, keep stirring and pressing them against the side of the bowl until they disappear.
- Put it in the fridge for 20 minutes to thicken. Slide the bowl into the refrigerator and let it chill, uncovered or loosely covered, for about 20 minutes. During this time, the mixture will continue to firm up and become more mousse-like in consistency. You want it thick enough to support the other ingredients without them sinking straight to the bottom but still soft enough that you can easily fold in the Cool Whip, orange juice, and marshmallows without losing the fluffiness.
- Put the oranges, Cool Whip, and marshmallows in this big bowl. Once the base has thickened, take the bowl out of the refrigerator. Add the 0.8 liters Delicious Cool Whip, spooning it in gently. Then add the contents of the miniature orange juice can and the little, pastel-colored marshmallows. The Cool Whip provides the fluffy, creamy body of the dessert, the orange adds bright citrus flavor and extra moisture, and the marshmallows give soft, chewy bites and a fun, colorful appearance.
- Combine by folding. Instead of stirring vigorously, use a gentle folding motion to combine everything. Slide your spatula down the side of the bowl, scoop underneath the mixture, and lift it up and over the top. Turn the bowl slightly after each fold. Continue folding until the Cool Whip, orange jello pudding base, juice, and marshmallows are evenly distributed and the color looks uniform and creamy. Folding carefully helps keep the mixture airy and prevents the marshmallows from breaking down too much.
- Allow to chill for at least one and a half hours. Transfer the bowl back to the refrigerator, smoothing the top of the mixture if you like. Let it chill undisturbed for at least 1½ hours, or longer if you have time. As it chills, the dessert will firm up further and the flavors will blend together. The marshmallows will soften slightly, the Cool Whip will hold its structure, and the jello base will give the fluff a light, mousse-like set that is easy to scoop.
- Serve with a few mint leaves, oranges, and marshmallows (if desired). When you are ready to serve, you can spoon the Creamsicle Orange Fluff into a large serving dish or individual cups or bowls. If you wish, garnish the top with a few fresh mint leaves, slices or segments of orange, and a few extra little, pastel-colored marshmallows to hint at the flavors and textures inside. These simple touches make the dessert look bright, fresh, and festive on your holiday dessert table.
- Have fun! This dessert is meant to be playful and nostalgic, so enjoy the process of making it and sharing it with others. The creamy, citrusy flavor and soft, fluffy texture are perfect for celebrating, and every spoonful tastes like a cool orange creamsicle in dessert form.
