Mandarin Orange Fluff Recipe
Introduction
Mandarin Orange Fluff is a light, sweet, and fruity dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a creamy texture and bursts of citrus, it’s a refreshing treat that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 3 oz box orange jello mix
- 1 cup (236ml) boiling water
- 1/2 cup (118ml) cold water
- 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding
- 8 oz Cool Whip
- 2 cups (86g) mini marshmallows
- Two 15 oz cans mandarin oranges (drained very well)
- 20 oz can crushed pineapple (drained very well)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange jello mix and boiling water. Whisk until the jello is completely dissolved. Pour in the cold water and whisk again to combine. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Remove the bowl from the fridge and whisk in the instant vanilla pudding mix, scraping down the sides to ensure everything is incorporated. Return the bowl to the refrigerator for another 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Take the bowl out of the fridge and gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully blended.
- Step 4: Add the mini marshmallows, well-drained mandarin oranges, and well-drained crushed pineapple. Fold gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the mixture to thicken and the marshmallows to soften, creating the perfect fluffy texture.
Tips & Variations
- For extra texture, try adding chopped walnuts or shredded coconut.
- Use fresh mandarin segments if canned fruit isn’t available, just be sure to drain well.
- For a tangier twist, substitute the crushed pineapple with fresh pineapple chunks.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of marshmallows slightly.
Storage
Store the Mandarin Orange Fluff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a gentle stir if separation occurs. This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and does not freeze well due to the whipped topping and fruit content.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Mandarin Orange Fluff ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate. The flavors meld nicely, and the marshmallows soften further, enhancing the texture.
What can I substitute for Cool Whip?
You can use whipped cream made from heavy cream as a fresh alternative. Whip until soft peaks form and fold in carefully to maintain the fluffiness.
PrintMandarin Orange Fluff Recipe
Mandarin Orange Fluff is a light, creamy, and fruity dessert salad made with orange jello, instant vanilla pudding, cool whip, mini marshmallows, and well-drained mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple. This easy no-cook recipe comes together quickly and is chilled to perfection, making it a refreshing and sweet treat perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Gelatin and Pudding Base
- 3 oz box orange jello mix
- 1 cup (236ml) boiling water
- 1/2 cup (118ml) cold water
- 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding
Mix-ins
- 8 oz cool whip
- 2 cups (86g) mini marshmallows
- two 15 oz cans mandarin oranges (drained very well)
- 20 oz can crushed pineapple (drained very well)
Instructions
- Dissolve the Jello Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange jello mix with 1 cup of boiling water. Whisk thoroughly until the jello is completely dissolved. Then, add 1/2 cup cold water and whisk again to combine. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to let the gelatin mixture begin to set.
- Add the Pudding Mix: Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and whisk in the instant vanilla pudding mix, making sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to fully incorporate the pudding powder. Return the bowl to the fridge for another 15 minutes to let the pudding thicken.
- Fold in the Cool Whip: Take the bowl out of the fridge and gently fold in the cool whip until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Incorporate Fruits and Marshmallows: Add the mini marshmallows along with the well-drained mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple. Carefully fold these ingredients into the mixture to keep the fluff light and airy.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling step allows the fluff to set and the marshmallows to soften, resulting in a creamy, luscious texture ready to serve.
Notes
- Ensure the canned mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple are drained very well to avoid watery fluff.
- For an extra festive touch, garnish with a few whole mandarin orange segments or a sprinkle of mini marshmallows on top before serving.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on serving needs.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Mandarin Orange Fluff, Jello Salad, Cool Whip Dessert, Instant Pudding Dessert, Fruit Salad, No Cook Dessert
