The first time I brought this to a church picnic I doubted anyone would notice it among all the pies. By the end of lunch the bowl was wiped clean and three people requested the recipe
Ingredients
- Orange Jell O powder: bright flavor and color use a good quality box for the best citrus pop
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: brings creamy sweetness pick a brand you know is smooth
- Boiling water: fully dissolves the gelatin so there are no grainy bits
- Cold water: cools the mix to prep it for blending
- Thawed Cool Whip: gives the light melt in your mouth texture look for a fluffy container
- Canned mandarin oranges: juicy citrus tang and texture buy ones packed in juice for natural sweetness
- Mini marshmallows: add adorable sweetness and chewiness the fresher the better
- Optional coconut pineapple nuts sour cream or orange extract: for personalization
- Tip: check the date on your pudding and Jell O boxes for max freshness and flavor
- Note: canned fruit should be well drained for a creamy salad not watery
Instructions
- Dissolve the Orange Jell O:
- Pour the orange Jell O powder into a large mixing bowl and add one cup of boiling water. Whisk briskly for two full minutes making sure every last granule dissolves to create a super smooth orange base. If you cut corners here you will end up with lumpy bits later
- Add Cold Water:
- Now pour in the cold water and give it a gentle stir. This helps cool the Jell O mix down so you are not scrambling hot when you add your next layer
- Chill Slightly:
- Place the bowl in the fridge and chill for about fifteen minutes. Watch for that perfect syrupy look not quite set but thicker than juice. This texture binds it perfectly with the pudding later
- Whisk in Vanilla Pudding:
- Sprinkle the vanilla pudding mix slowly over the thickened Jell O whisking constantly. This keeps things lump free and blends into a luscious pale orange base reminiscent of a melted creamsicle. Chill again for about twenty minutes so it thickens just enough to fold other ingredients in easily
- Fold in Cool Whip:
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