Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamsicle Orange Fluff is the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. It’s light and refreshing but still rich and satisfying. This dessert is super easy to make, requires no baking, and is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the sweetness or add your favorite mix-ins, like marshmallows, coconut, or fruit. It’s an ideal treat to make ahead and serve chilled for a cool and comforting dessert any time of the year.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
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1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (Cool Whip)
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1 (6 oz) package orange gelatin (like Jell-O)
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1 1/2 cups milk
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1 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
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1/2 cup mandarin orange segments, drained (optional)
Directions
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Prepare the pudding mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, orange gelatin powder, and milk. Stir for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and is smooth.
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Add sour cream: Gently fold in the sour cream until fully combined. The sour cream adds creaminess and a slight tang, making the fluff extra smooth.
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Fold in whipped topping: Add the whipped topping (Cool Whip) to the mixture and gently fold it in until it’s completely incorporated. Be careful not to deflate the fluffiness of the whipped topping.
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Add mix-ins (optional): If you’re using mini marshmallows or mandarin oranges, fold them in now. The marshmallows add a fun texture, while the mandarin oranges enhance the citrus flavor and add a juicy burst.
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Chill the fluff: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2-3 hours, or until it’s fully chilled and set. The fluff will firm up a bit and become even more delicious as it chills.
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Serve: After the fluff has chilled, serve it in individual bowls or as a big scoop in a serving dish. You can garnish with extra orange zest, mandarin oranges, or a sprinkle of grated coconut if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8-10 servings. It requires about 10-15 minutes of prep time and 2-3 hours of chilling time, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
Variations
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Add fruit: You can add fresh fruit, such as pineapple, strawberries, or blueberries, to the fluff for extra color and flavor.
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Use different flavors of gelatin: If you prefer a different fruit flavor, try swapping the orange gelatin for strawberry, raspberry, or lemon for a new twist.
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Add coconut: Fold in some shredded coconut for a tropical flair.
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Make it lighter: Use sugar-free or low-fat versions of the pudding mix, whipped topping, and sour cream for a lighter version of this treat.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover Creamsicle Orange Fluff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. There’s no need to reheat it—just enjoy it cold! If it thickens too much in the fridge, you can stir in a little extra whipped topping to loosen it up.
FAQs
1. Can I use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you can use freshly whipped cream in place of Cool Whip. Just be sure to whip it to stiff peaks before folding it into the mixture.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Creamsicle Orange Fluff is actually best made ahead of time and allowed to chill for a few hours or overnight. The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits.
3. Can I use regular orange juice instead of orange gelatin?
While fresh orange juice won’t give the same texture or flavor, you can experiment with orange juice concentrate for a more natural flavor. However, the gelatin is key to the fluff’s consistency.
4. Can I make this fluff without sour cream?
Yes, if you prefer, you can substitute the sour cream with more whipped topping or even Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy alternative.
5. Can I freeze Creamsicle Orange Fluff?
Since this dessert contains whipped topping, it may lose its fluffy texture when frozen, but you can freeze it for up to a month. Just be aware that the texture will change slightly once it’s thawed.
6. Can I add nuts to the fluff?
Yes, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for some crunch. Just fold them in with the marshmallows and fruit if using.
7. How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free version (like coconut yogurt) and use a dairy-free whipped topping and pudding mix. Be sure to check labels for hidden dairy ingredients.
8. Can I make this fluff with a different pudding flavor?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other pudding flavors like lemon, strawberry, or vanilla for different variations of the fluff.
9. Can I skip the gelatin?
Yes, you can skip the orange gelatin, but it will affect the texture and flavor. The gelatin helps set the fluff and adds to the citrus flavor, so consider substituting with orange juice concentrate or orange zest for a more natural taste.
10. Can I add more sweetness to the fluff?
If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can add a little extra sugar or honey to the mixture, but keep in mind that the gelatin and pudding mix already provide some sweetness.
Conclusion
Creamsicle Orange Fluff is the ultimate no-bake dessert that combines creamy, citrusy goodness with a light, fluffy texture. It’s incredibly easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a picnic. With its fresh orange flavor and creamy texture, this dessert is sure to be a favorite among friends and family!
Creamsicle Orange Fluff
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamsicle Orange Fluff is a light, creamy, and refreshing dessert that combines the tangy taste of orange with a smooth, fluffy texture. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this no-bake treat is perfect for summer gatherings, holiday parties, or any occasion. The creamy base and burst of citrus flavor will make it a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
-
1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
-
1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (Cool Whip)
-
1 (6 oz) package orange gelatin (like Jell-O)
-
1 1/2 cups milk
-
1 cup sour cream
-
1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments, drained (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the pudding mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, orange gelatin powder, and milk. Stir for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and is smooth.
-
Add sour cream: Gently fold in the sour cream until fully combined. The sour cream adds creaminess and a slight tang, making the fluff extra smooth.
-
Fold in whipped topping: Add the whipped topping (Cool Whip) to the mixture and gently fold it in until it’s completely incorporated. Be careful not to deflate the fluffiness of the whipped topping.
-
Add mix-ins (optional): If you’re using mini marshmallows or mandarin oranges, fold them in now. The marshmallows add a fun texture, while the mandarin oranges enhance the citrus flavor and add a juicy burst.
-
Chill the fluff: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2-3 hours, or until it’s fully chilled and set. The fluff will firm up a bit and become even more delicious as it chills.
-
Serve: After the fluff has chilled, serve it in individual bowls or as a big scoop in a serving dish. You can garnish with extra orange zest, mandarin oranges, or a sprinkle of grated coconut if desired.
Notes
Add fresh fruit like pineapple, strawberries, or blueberries for more color and flavor.Swap orange gelatin for other flavors like strawberry, raspberry, or lemon.Add shredded coconut for a tropical flair.For a lighter version, use sugar-free or low-fat versions of the pudding mix, whipped topping, and sour cream.
