Hey there, fellow dessert lovers! Are you ready to take a delightful trip down memory lane and relive the joys of your childhood? Well, get your taste buds ready because we’ve got a mouthwatering treat in store for you! Introducing the Orange Creamsicle Lush – a scrumptious layered dessert that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy!
Creamy and Refreshing: The Perfect Potluck Dessert
When it comes to summertime delights, this no-bake Orange Creamsicle Lush takes the crown! Imagine the goodness of your all-time favorite ice cream treat transformed into a luscious, layered dessert. Creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-refreshing – this dessert is here to make your potluck gatherings or spring picnics absolutely unforgettable!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Before we dive into the details of this mouthwatering dessert, let’s take a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need:
For the Crust:
- 30 vanilla sandwich cookies, finely crushed
- 6 tbsp salted sweet cream butter, melted
- 2 tbsp fresh orange zest (from 1 medium-size orange)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1¼ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp fresh orange zest (from ½ medium-size orange)
For the Orange Jello Layer:
- 1 (6-ounce) box orange-flavored gelatin
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding
- 1¼ cups cold milk
- ⅓ cup mandarin orange juice (drained from the 14-ounce can mandarin oranges)
- 1 tbsp fresh orange zest (from ½ medium-size orange)
- 2 tsp orange extract
- 5 drops orange food coloring (optional)
For the Topping:
- 12 ounces whipped topping, thawed
- 1 (14-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained (reserve ⅓ cup for the orange jello layer)
Now that we have all the delicious ingredients lined up, let’s get this dessert party started!
Step 1: The Crust
First things first, let’s create the foundation of our Orange Creamsicle Lush – the delectable crust. In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine the finely crushed cookie crumbs, melted butter, and that tantalizing fresh orange zest. Oh, the aroma already has me drooling!
Next, generously spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Now, evenly spread and press the cookie crumb mixture into the bottom of the dish. Pop it in the refrigerator to chill while we work on the next layer.
Step 2: The Cheesecake Filling
Now, we’re going to whisk up the creamy and velvety cheesecake layer. In a medium-size mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and pure vanilla extract with a handheld mixer on medium-high speed. Give it about a minute, or until it turns oh-so-smooth.
Now, add the powdered sugar and keep mixing until it’s all perfectly incorporated. To add that extra burst of orangey goodness, fold in the fresh orange zest. Mmm, the tanginess is going to complement the sweetness just right!
Time to bring back the crust from the refrigerator and spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over it. We’re getting closer to dessert paradise!
Step 3: The Orange Jello Layer
Hold on tight, folks, ’cause we’re about to introduce some zesty gelatin magic! Take a heat-safe 1-cup measuring cup and heat up the reserved mandarin orange juice in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
Now, grab a small-size heat-safe mixing bowl and add the orange-flavored gelatin. Pour that warm mandarin orange juice over the gelatin and give it a good stir until it dissolves. Oh, it’s going to add that delightful citrusy twist!
In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding and cold milk until the pudding thickens up nicely. Next, whisk in the gelatin mixture, making sure everything blends beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in a few drops of orange food coloring for that extra pop of color!
Don’t forget to fold in more of that aromatic orange zest. Yum, it’s getting better by the minute!
Step 4: Layering Perfection
Retrieve the baking dish from the refrigerator and prepare for the final layering act. Carefully spread the gelatin pudding mixture over the cheesecake layer – now, doesn’t that look absolutely divine?
Time for some patience – cover up the baking dish and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or, even better, overnight. The flavors need time to meld and create dessert magic!
Step 5: The Whipped Topping Finale
The moment of truth has arrived! Just before serving, it’s time to crown our Orange Creamsicle Lush with a fluffy cloud of whipped topping. Grab that thawed whipped topping and evenly spread it over the dessert – we want every inch to be delightful!
Now, let’s give it the final touch of elegance with those lovely mandarin orange slices. Cut the dessert into 2-inch x 2-inch squares and get ready to watch smiles light up around you!
Jenn’s Notes for Maximum Enjoyment
- Planning to indulge in this dessert joy for a few days? No worries! Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. But if you’re bringing it to a potluck or any event where it might sit out, remember to refrigerate it between servings. We don’t want those layers to melt away!
- If you prefer a softer orange hue, go ahead and skip the orange food coloring – it’ll still taste just as amazing!
- For an alternative fruity twist, you can adjust this recipe to any fruit flavor of your choice. Just omit the orange zest and orange extract accordingly.
So, there you have it, folks – the Orange Creamsicle Lush, your ticket to dessert paradise! Creamy, tangy, and bursting with flavor, this delightful treat is sure to win hearts and taste buds everywhere. Give it a try, and get ready for a dessert experience like no other. Happy indulging, my dessert-loving friends!