Orange Creamsicle Fluff with Cottage Cheese

This mandarin orange creamsicle fluff is a creamy, fruity mix of Cool Whip, cottage cheese, and marshmallows with a hint of coconut for extra sweetness. It's the kind of old-fashioned dessert that feels like something Grandma always served at holidays. You'll love how simple it is to make for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas gatherings. Pin it now so you'll have this nostalgic favorite ready for your next family celebration!

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Why is this the best orange creamsicle fluff with cottage cheese recipe

It's a simple recipe. This recipe uses only 6 ingredients, and you probably already have them all in your pantry.

It's easy. Orange creamsicle fluff with cottage cheese couldn't be easier. Mix the 6 ingredients. Refrigerate for an hour (or until you're ready to serve). This is probably the easiest dessert you could throw together!

It tastes amazing! The combination of Jell-O with light whipped topping, creamy cottage cheese, tangy mandarin oranges, pillowy marshmallows, and the crunchy texture of shredded coconut is out of this world good.

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Kids love it! Orange Creamsicle Fluff with cottage cheese is always a hit with my kids, and I bet your kids will devour it, too.

It's versatile. You can see a long list of variations near the bottom of the page. This is a perfect recipe to make your own, all year long!

The ingredients are always in season. This recipe is great for summer picnics and potlucks, but also wonderful for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas dinner. Because you're using canned fruit, it's always in season!

What you'll need to make orange creamsicle fluff salad

Equipment

You'll need a large bowl, measuring cups and spoons, and a rubber spatula, but no special gadgets or tools are required.

Ingredients  

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See the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page for all measurements and nutritional information.

• Shredded coconut - I prefer to use sweetened coconut, but you could use unsweetened if you prefer.
• Cool Whip - I use Cool Whip Light, but you could use the regular or a store brand and be good.
• Orange jello - The store brand or the name brand will work.
• Mandarin oranges - These need to be well-drained.
• Mini marshmallows - If you have to use big marshmallows, you'll need to cut them into quarters.
• Cottage cheese - This is what makes the orange creamsicle fluff creamy. Cottage cheese is a powerhouse because it has a good bit of protein with no added sugar. If you don't want to use cottage cheese or can't find it, you could use an equal amount of cream cheese. Make sure you soften it before you try to mix it in.

How to make orange creamsicle fluff

1. Combine the Cool Whip and orange Jello powder in a large mixing bowl and mix until no white streaks remain.
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2. Add the remaining ingredients and fold them in until fully combined.
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3. Cover and chill for one hour or longer in the refrigerator. Keep in the fridge until ready to serve.
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Substitutions & variations

Orange creamsicle fluff is a vintage recipe, so there are about as many variations as there are Grandmas. Some recipes use sour cream, vanilla yogurt, or cream cheese. Some recipes use fresh orange sections instead of mandarin oranges. Some recipes include chopped pecans. This is my favorite way to make orange creamsicle fluff, but you can adjust it to your preferences.

Swap strawberry, peach, or raspberry Jello instead of orange Jell-O, and add crushed pineapple, fruit cocktail, chopped peaches, or sliced strawberries.

Keep the orange Jell-O, but mix in vanilla pudding mix for an extra creamy, dreamy flavor. Top with graham cracker crumbs.

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Storing leftovers

This can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You'll want to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid when storing it, or it will dry out. Do not freeze.

All fluff salads taste better if they sit overnight, and this one is no exception. If you can, make it the day before and give the flavors a chance to soak in. You'll want to stir it well after storing it, as some of the liquid settle out. Folding it over a few times simply redistribute those juices evenly.

The marshmallows will get much gooier once stored. Don't be alarmed, this is ok and, in my opinion, makes it even better.

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Check out more delicious dessert recipes:

• Cranberry Fluff Salad - This is pink fluff.
• Mandarin Orange Fluff Jello Salad - This is different than the recipe above and includes pineapple and instant pudding mix.
• Pistachio Fruit Salad AKA Watergate Salad - This is green fluff.
• Cherry Fluff Salad - This is another pink fluff, made with cherry pie filling.
• Orange Creamsicle Cake

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