If you love quick, creamy desserts that feel nostalgic and comforting, this Orange Fluff is about to become a new favorite. It comes together in just a few minutes and tastes like a dreamy, citrusy treat that fits any occasion—from weeknight cravings to holiday dessert spreads.

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Imagine a bowl of soft, orange-tinted fluff topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a bright slice of orange. It’s simple, refreshing, and gives you that classic creamsicle vibe with almost zero effort.

Why Orange Fluff Has Always Been a Family Favorite

Growing up, fluffy desserts like Ambrosia Salad and Cranberry Fluff had a permanent place in our fridge. My mom loved them because they were quick to make, packed with a little extra nutrition, and tasted like pure comfort. Her secret ingredient? Cottage cheese.

Before you raise an eyebrow, hear me out—this dessert absolutely does not taste like cottage cheese. Once pureed, it blends seamlessly into a silky, creamy base. It adds subtle tanginess, a protein boost, and a texture that makes this dessert incredibly satisfying.

Mom used to rotate flavors—lemon, pineapple, strawberry-banana—but orange fluff was always the one I went for first. It reminded me of that nostalgic creamsicle flavor I adored as a kid.

I even remember saving my server tips during my sophomore year of college just so I could buy an inexpensive food processor from Meijer. Having the ability to make fluff anytime I wanted felt like a small luxury. If that doesn’t show my devotion to this dessert, nothing will.

Orange Fluff Ingredients

This recipe stays true to my mom’s classic version and uses only a handful of simple ingredients:

Main Ingredients

• Cottage cheese – Pureeing it makes the mixture incredibly smooth, creamy, and lightly tangy.

• Orange Jell-O mix (dry) – Gives the fluff its signature citrus flavor and color.

• Whipped topping (thawed) – Cool Whip or TruWhip both work perfectly; it creates that cloud-like texture.

• Canned mandarin oranges – Soft, sweet, and full of citrus flavor in every bite.

Optional Ingredient

• Miniature marshmallows – Adds chewy sweetness and extra texture. You can add them or skip them depending on your preference.

How to Make Orange Fluff (Step-by-Step)

This dessert truly couldn’t be easier—one reason it’s been a go-to family treat for decades.

1. Puree the Cottage Cheese

Add the cottage cheese to your food processor and blend until completely smooth. This step ensures your fluff has the perfect creamy base without any lumps.

2. Mix in the Jell-O Powder

Transfer the pureed cottage cheese to a mixing bowl. Whisk in the dry orange jell-o mix until it’s fully combined and the mixture turns a bright orange.

3. Fold in the Whipped Topping

Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping. Don’t stir aggressively—you want to keep the mixture light and fluffy.

4. Add the Fruit (and Marshmallows, if using)

Gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges. If you like that classic fluff texture, add the miniature marshmallows now as well.

5. Chill the Fluff

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and gives the fluff its perfect chilled, airy texture.

To serve, top with a spoonful of whipped cream and a few fresh orange slices for brightness and color.

FAQs About Orange Fluff

Can I use fresh oranges instead of canned mandarins?

You can, but you’ll need to supreme the oranges—removing the peel, pith, and membrane, since none of that works well in fluff.
Fresh oranges are slightly less sweet than canned mandarin oranges (which are packed in light syrup), so the overall dessert may turn out a bit less sweet using fresh fruit.

Can Orange Fluff be made ahead of time?

Yes! It actually benefits from chilling, so preparing it in advance is a great idea.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for holidays, parties, or meal prepping sweet treats for the week.

Can I freeze orange fluff?

Freezing is not recommended. The texture of cottage cheese changes significantly when frozen and thawed, turning the fluff watery and grainy instead of smooth and creamy.

Can I switch up the Jell-O flavors?

Definitely! One of the best parts of this recipe is how adaptable it is.
You can swap in different flavors of gelatin and pair them with matching fruits. For example:

• Pineapple Jell-O + canned pineapple

• Mango Jell-O + mandarin oranges

• Apricot Jell-O + oranges

• Strawberry-banana Jell-O + fresh berries