What the heck is this?
Creamsicle Orange Fluff is that nostalgic, no-bake, ultra-creamy dessert that somehow lives at every potluck, picnic, and family reunion. It’s light, fluffy, citrusy, and tastes like someone melted a Dreamsicle and whipped it into a cloud of happiness. The ingredients are vintage (hello, instant pudding and mini marshmallows), but the flavor? Surprisingly timeless. One spoonful in and you’ll remember exactly why this dish never goes out of style.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– It’s no-bake and takes 10 minutes to make—aka minimal effort, maximum reward
– Bursting with orange-vanilla creamsicle flavor
– Cool, creamy, and perfect for hot days or party tables
– Kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and potluck-approved
– You can make it ahead and forget about it until dessert time
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
– 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
– 1 cup cold milk
– 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
– 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
– 1½ cups mini marshmallows
– 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
– 1 (3 oz) box orange Jell-O
– 1 cup cottage cheese
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Make the orange magic
In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire container of cottage cheese with the dry orange Jell-O powder (yep, don’t make the Jell-O—just dump the powder straight in). Stir until the mixture turns a dreamy, sherbet-orange shade.
Step 2: Stir in the fluff crew
Add the drained crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges to the bowl. Gently mix until everything’s looking fruity and juicy. Then toss in the mini marshmallows—this is where things start to look like a real retro salad.
Step 3: Make the pudding base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for 1–2 minutes until it thickens slightly. Fold in the whipped topping until smooth, creamy, and irresistible.
Step 4: Combine and chill
Add the pudding mixture to your fruity-fluff base and gently fold everything together until fully combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until cold and fluffy. You can also make it a day in advance—just give it a quick stir before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Scoop it into glass dessert cups for a cute presentation, or serve it family-style in a big vintage bowl. Want to go extra? Top with more mandarin slices, a sprig of mint, or crushed vanilla wafers.
Switch It Up
– Use peach or strawberry Jell-O for a fruity twist
– Swap in Greek yogurt for cottage cheese if you want it smoother
– Add a handful of chopped nuts or coconut flakes for crunch
– Skip the marshmallows if you prefer a more mousse-like texture
Make-Ahead Tips
This fluff is at its best when chilled for a few hours or overnight. Make it up to 2 days in advance—just stir before serving to re-fluffify.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use sugar-free pudding or Jell-O?
A: Absolutely! If you’re watching your sugar intake, both sugar-free pudding and Jell-O work just fine. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor is still dreamy.
Q: Can I make it without cottage cheese?
A: Yep—try using plain Greek yogurt or even ricotta for a similar creamy vibe. Just expect a slightly tangier flavor if using yogurt.
Q: Does it freeze well?
A: Not really. The texture gets weird once thawed. Best to keep it chilled in the fridge and enjoy within 2–3 days.
Creamsicle Orange Fluff: The Retro Dessert That’s Still the Life of the Party
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
Description
Creamsicle Orange Fluff is that nostalgic, no-bake, ultra-creamy dessert that somehow lives at every potluck, picnic, and family reunion. It’s light, fluffy, citrusy, and tastes like someone melted a Dreamsicle and whipped it into a cloud of happiness. The ingredients are vintage (hello, instant pudding and mini marshmallows), but the flavor? Surprisingly timeless. One spoonful in and you’ll remember exactly why this dish never goes out of style.
Ingredients
– 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
– 1 cup cold milk
– 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
– 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
– 1½ cups mini marshmallows
– 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
– 1 (3 oz) box orange Jell-O
– 1 cup cottage cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Make the orange magic
In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire container of cottage cheese with the dry orange Jell-O powder (yep, don’t make the Jell-O—just dump the powder straight in). Stir until the mixture turns a dreamy, sherbet-orange shade.
Step 2: Stir in the fluff crew
Add the drained crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges to the bowl. Gently mix until everything’s looking fruity and juicy. Then toss in the mini marshmallows—this is where things start to look like a real retro salad.
Step 3: Make the pudding base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for 1–2 minutes until it thickens slightly. Fold in the whipped topping until smooth, creamy, and irresistible.
Step 4: Combine and chill
Add the pudding mixture to your fruity-fluff base and gently fold everything together until fully combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until cold and fluffy. You can also make it a day in advance—just give it a quick stir before serving.
Notes
– Use peach or strawberry Jell-O for a fruity twist
– Swap in Greek yogurt for cottage cheese if you want it smoother
– Add a handful of chopped nuts or coconut flakes for crunch
– Skip the marshmallows if you prefer a more mousse-like texture
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~220 kcal per serving
- Fat: ~7g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Protein: ~3g