Orange Fluff is a light, creamy, and delicious dessert thatโ€™s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. It combines the sweet and tangy flavor of orange gelatin with fluffy whipped topping, mandarin oranges, and marshmallows, creating a refreshing treat. This simple dessert can be made with or without cottage cheese or yogurt for added creaminess, and you can also add shredded coconut for a tropical twist!


Servings: 6-8

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 3 hours (or until set)


Ingredients:

  • 1 box (3.4 ounces) instant orange gelatin mix
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1 can (15 ounces) mandarin orange segments, drained
  • 1 tub (8 ounces) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup cottage cheese or vanilla yogurt (optional for added creaminess)
  • ยฝ cup shredded coconut (optional for tropical flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Gelatin

  • In a medium-sized bowl, add the instant orange gelatin mix.
  • Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the gelatin and stir until completely dissolved, about 2 minutes.
  • Add 1 cup of cold water to the gelatin mixture, and stir to combine. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool down slightly.

2. Mix the Ingredients

  • Add the mandarin orange segments to the gelatin mixture.
  • Gently fold in the whipped topping and mini marshmallows.
  • If youโ€™re adding cottage cheese or vanilla yogurt, fold it into the mixture now to add extra creaminess.
  • For a tropical twist, you can also fold in shredded coconut.

3. Chill the Dessert

  • Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl or individual serving dishes.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until the mixture has set and is firm.

4. Serve and Enjoy!

  • Once set, serve your Orange Fluff chilled as a refreshing dessert or side dish.

Additional Notes:

  • Make-Ahead Tips: This dessert can be prepared the day before and stored in the fridge overnight, making it a great option for parties or potlucks.
  • Variations: Feel free to swap out the mandarin oranges for fresh orange slices or use other fruits like pineapple or berries for different flavor profiles.
  • Sweetness Level: If you like it sweeter, you can add a bit of sugar or honey to taste.

Dietary Info (Approximate per Serving):

  • Calories: 120-150 kcal (depends on toppings and added yogurt/cottage cheese)
  • Protein: 2-4g (from whipped topping and optional cottage cheese/yogurt)
  • Carbs: 25-30g
  • Fat: 3-5g

Enjoy this refreshing, easy-to-make dessert with a citrusy twist! Itโ€™s light and fluffy, making it perfect for warm weather or a simple treat any time of year. Let me know if you need any other variations!