- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Chill time: 1 hour
- Yields: 6–8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box (3 oz) Orange gelatin mix (like Jell-O)
- 1 box (3.4 oz) Vanilla instant pudding mix
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- Optional mix-ins: 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges (drained well) or 1 cup mini marshmallows
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Dissolve the Gelatin: In a large bowl, whisk the orange gelatin mix with 1 cup of boiling water until the powder is completely dissolved.
- Cool it Down: Stir in the 1/2 cup of cold water. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 15 to 20 minutes just until it cools down, but do not let it set completely.
- Whisk in the Pudding: Remove the cooled orange mixture from the fridge. Whisk in the dry vanilla instant pudding mix until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken slightly.
- Fold in the Fluff: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping using a spatula until the mixture becomes fluffy and a uniform pastel orange color.
- Add Mix-ins (Optional): If you want extra texture, gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges or mini marshmallows at this stage.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving so it sets up into a perfectly light, scoopable dessert.
Pro-Tip: This dessert can be made a day ahead of time and keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. It makes a perfect sweet side dish for summer barbecues or family gatherings!
