Orange Creamsicle Dessert - An Easy, No Bake Recipe (2024)

If you are looking for an easy, yet delicious dessert to make for your next gathering, then you are going to love this Orange Creamsicle Dessert recipe.

All the flavors of the classic ice cream bar made into a scoop-able dessert that can feed a crowd. It is light, refreshing, and perfect to serve for any occasion.

Because it is served cold, it is a great addition to any summer backyard barbecue. The coldness of the dessert and the airy texture is the perfect compliment after eating hot grilled food.

However, this dessert is also elegant enough to be able to be served as part of any holiday dinner as well. In fact, it is often served at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter in many homes.

Although, some people actually serve it as a side dish rather than a dessert. You may have even heard it called Orange Creamsicle Salad.

For me, just like Strawberry Pretzel Dessert Squares, this recipe is so sweet and delicious that I prefer to eat it after my meal. However, if you want to add a scoop of it to your dinner plate, by all means, do so!

Orange Creamsicle vs. Orange Dreamsicle

Some people refer to the iconic dessert treat as either a creamsicle or a dreamsicle. So what is the difference?

Though these terms have been used interchangeably, it turns out there actually is a difference between the desserts. While both have an orange sherbet exterior, the vanilla cream center is not the same.

A Creamsicle has a vanilla ice cream center. And a Dreamsicle is made with a vanilla ice milk center.

Regardless of what you call it, the combination of orange and vanilla makes for a delicious dessert!

More Than Just A Dessert

As mentioned above, this orange creamsicle dessert recipe is often times served as a side dish at both picnics and holiday meals. However, one quick search on the term creamsicle and you will find hundreds of recipes that uses this classic flavor combination.

There are multiple drink recipes that uses the flavor of both vanilla and orange to make an appetizing beverage. From cocktails, smoothies, floats and milkshakes you can enjoy the combination of flavors in every sip.

However, there are also other types of recipes that use this iconic combination. Creamy dessert bars, ice cream, and of course popsicles are popular ways to get that classic flavor.

Although, if you look even deeper you will find Breweries and Dispensaries also serving up creamsicle combinations. Not only does the flavor taste that good, it takes many of us back to happy childhood memories.

Orange Creamsicle Dessert Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 ounces Orange Jell-O
• 1 cup Boiling Water
• 1/2 cup Cold Water
• 3.4 ounces Instant Vanilla Pudding
• 4 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
• 8 ounces Cool Whip
• 2 1/2 cups Mini Marshmallows
• 22 ounces Mandarin Oranges, drained

INSTRUCTIONS

Before you begin your orange creamsicle dessert, be sure to set the cream cheese out so that it can soften to room temperature. Also, be sure to place the mandarin oranges in a colander so that the juices can drain.

In a large bowl add the orange Jell-O powder. Then pour in the boiling water.

Whisk the mixture together until the powder has dissolved. Then add the cold water and stir.

Place the bowl in refrigerator for 20 minutes so that it can chill. Once the 20 minutes are up, remove the bowl from the fridge and stir in the instant vanilla pudding powder until it is well incorporated.

Place the bowl back in refrigerator for another 20 minutes. You want the mixture to begin firming up, but not completely solid.

Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and then add the softened cream cheese and cool whip. Stir the orange creamsicle dessert mixture until you achieve a consistent light orange color throughout.

Add the mini marshmallows and drained mandarin oranges and stir until well incorporated. Cover the bowl and then place it back in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

Serve cold.

Serving & Storing

Keep the bowl covered and in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Scoop the orange creamsicle dessert into a bowl and eat it with a spoon.

If you want to make individual servings, scoop the mixture into small plastic cups. Then cover each one with plastic wrap.

Just like when making Mini Cheesecakes, it is a great way for someone to enjoy a single serving dessert on the go.

Recipe Variations

Once you have the basics of this recipe, you can adapt the recipe in various ways.

1. Add a box of instant tapioca pudding to make a thicker dessert.

2. Although it would no longer be an orange creamsicle dessert, use raspberry Jell-O and crushed pineapple instead of the orange Jell-O and vanilla pudding.

3. Lime Jell-O, tapioca pudding and drained and crushed pineapple is also a family favorite.

4. If you need to serve more than 8-10 people, this recipe can easily be doubled.

When To Serve Orange Creamsicle Dessert

1. Backyard Barbecues and Cookouts – As mentioned above, this dessert is great to serve after a hot meal cooked on a grill. The cold dessert is a welcome and refreshing treat that everyone can enjoy!

However, if you are leaving it out on a serving table, it is best to place the bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice. This way the dessert stays chilled.

2. Family Reunions – Because family reunions are all about sharing memories, it is a great time to serve this nostalgic dessert. One taste and you can be sure that someone will mention a memory about eating the special ice cream treat at Grandma’s house.

3. Holiday Celebrations – Of course you might think about serving this for your Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day picnics. However, many people also serve it at large gatherings at Easter, Thanksgiving & Christmas.

It is a great dessert alternative for someone who is gluten free and can’t enjoy a piece of pie at the dessert table.

Enjoy! Mary

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