That Orange Thing
Brighten up your table with “That Orange Thing,” a creamy, fruity, and delightfully nostalgic recipe that combines the tangy sweetness of orange gelatin with the luscious textures of whipped topping and cream cheese. This no-bake dessert-salad hybrid is brimming with vibrant flavors from juicy mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and a hint of fluffy mini marshmallows. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or casual family dinners, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, then chills to perfection in the fridge. With its crowd-pleasing combination of citrusy zing and velvety richness, “That Orange Thing” is sure to become a favorite addition to your dessert repertoire. Serve it chilled for a refreshing treat that’s as fun to eat as it is to make!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 oz Orange gelatin powder (Jell-O)
- 2 cups Boiling water
- 2 cups Cold water
- 15 oz Canned mandarin oranges, drained
- 20 oz Crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 cups Mini marshmallows
- 8 oz Whipped topping (Cool Whip or similar), thawed
- 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
Instructions
In a large heat-resistant bowl, dissolve the orange gelatin powder in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved, about 2 minutes.
Pour in 2 cups of cold water and mix well. Allow the gelatin mixture to sit at room temperature until slightly cooled, about 15-20 minutes.
While the gelatin is cooling, use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
Fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture in batches until fully incorporated. Set aside.
Once the gelatin has cooled but is not yet set, carefully fold in the drained mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple.
Next, add the mini marshmallows and gently stir to combine.
Fold the whipped cream cheese mixture into the gelatin-fruit base. Mix gently but thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Transfer the mixture into a large serving dish or casserole pan, spreading it out evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
Serve chilled as a side dish or dessert, scooping portions directly from the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
443 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.8 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.7 g | 49% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 31 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 190 mg | 8% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 80.9 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.4 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 70.4 g | ||
| Protein | 4.7 g | 9% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 54 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 0.4 mg | 2% | |
| Potassium | 165 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
