Introduction

Mandarin Orange Fluff is a light, fruity dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a creamy texture and bursts of citrus flavor, it’s both refreshing and easy to prepare.

A white bowl is filled with a creamy light orange fruit salad that has visible orange mandarin slices and small white marshmallows mixed evenly throughout. Around the bowl on a white marbled surface, there are separate small white bowls, one filled with mandarin slices and another wooden bowl full of mini white marshmallows. Nearby pieces of fresh pineapple and whole mandarins add color to the scene, along with a white cloth with blue stripes partially visible on the side. The overall look is soft, creamy, and colorful with a fresh fruit theme. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 as needed to incorporate everything evenly. Return the bowl to the refrigerator for another 15 minutes.
Step 3: Remove the bowl again and gently fold in the cool whip until fully combined.
Step 4: Add the mini marshmallows, well-drained mandarin oranges, and well-drained crushed pineapple. Fold everything gently to combine without crushing the fruit or marshmallows.
Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving. This resting time allows the mixture to thicken and the marshmallows to soften, enhancing the texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, add a cup of shredded coconut or chopped nuts for texture.
You can substitute cool whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
Make sure to drain the canned fruits very well to avoid a watery fluff.
Try mixing in other fruits like chopped strawberries or blueberries for a twist.

Storage

Store Mandarin Orange Fluff covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, gently stir to restore texture as the fluff may settle and thicken further. Avoid freezing as it will alter the creamy texture.

How to Serve

A close-up image showing a spoon holding a creamy dessert with visible chunks of bright orange mandarin slices mixed with smooth, pale orange whipped cream. The background shows blurred white bowls filled with the same dessert, set on a white marbled surface. The dessert has a soft, fluffy texture with juicy fruit pieces peeking through the creamy mixture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned?

Yes, fresh mandarin segments can be used, but make sure to remove excess juice and drain well to avoid thinning the fluff.

Is this dessert suitable for make-ahead occasions?

Absolutely! This dish can be prepared a few hours ahead or even the night before, making it ideal for parties and gatherings.

Mandarin Orange Fluff Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 120 reviews

Mandarin Orange Fluff is a light and refreshing dessert that combines the zesty sweetness of orange jello and mandarin oranges with creamy vanilla pudding, fluffy cool whip, and soft mini marshmallows. This no-bake treat is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a chilled snack on warm days.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

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

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 Jello: 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 to let it start setting.
Add Pudding Mix: Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and whisk in the instant vanilla pudding mix, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the pudding. Return the bowl to the refrigerator for another 15 minutes to thicken.
Fold in Cool Whip: Take the bowl out again and gently fold in the cool whip until evenly combined, creating a fluffy base.
Add Fruit and Marshmallows: Add the mini marshmallows, well-drained mandarin oranges, and well-drained crushed pineapple to the mixture. Fold gently to combine all ingredients without breaking them down.
Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the fluff mixture for at least 2 hours. This chilling period allows the fluff to thicken and the marshmallows to soften, enhancing the texture and flavor before serving.

Notes

Ensure the canned fruits are drained very well to avoid excess liquid diluting the fluff.
For extra texture, you can add chopped nuts or shredded coconut if desired.
This recipe can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator to deepen flavors.
Use fresh whipped cream instead of cool whip for a homemade version.
Keep the fluff covered in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Keywords: Mandarin Orange Fluff, Jello dessert, no-bake dessert, fruit fluff salad, easy summer dessert