Ingredients
- 1 box (3 oz / 85g) orange gelatin (Jell-O)
- 1 box (3.4 oz / 96g) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 tub (8 oz / 225g) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- 2 cans (11 oz / 312g each) mandarin oranges, drained well (reserve a handful for the top)
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Dissolve the gelatin: In a large bowl, whisk the orange gelatin powder into the boiling water for about 2 minutes until completely dissolved.
- Add pudding mix: Whisk in the cold water and the instant vanilla pudding mix until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Chill briefly: Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to allow the mixture to cool and soft-set (do not let it fully firm up).
- Fold in remaining ingredients: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully incorporated and creamy. Fold in the mini marshmallows and drained mandarin oranges.
- Garnish & chill: Transfer to a serving bowl, arrange the reserved mandarin oranges over the top, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Chef’s Tip: Make sure to drain the mandarin oranges thoroughly on paper towels so excess liquid doesn’t make the fluffy base runny. For extra texture, you can also fold in 1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut.