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Orange fluff comes together in a matter of minutes to create a dreamy dessert that is perfect for just about any occasion.

Close up of orange fluff in a white bowl, garnished with whipped cream and an orange slice.

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of fluffy desserts. From Cranberry Fluff to Ambrosia Salad, these sweet and creamy desserts are some of my faves.

In our house, fluff desserts were always one of those sneaky mom desserts that packed in a little extra nutrition without you ever being the wiser. My mom’s recipe always included cottage cheese, meaning our sweet treats were actually packed full of protein.

She’d whip up fluff-style desserts to keep in the fridge for quick weeknight desserts. Since they’re super simple to make and require only a handful of ingredients, they were the perfect dessert recipe for a working mama with a busy schedule.

Although she made a variety of flavors from lemon to strawberry-banana to pineapple fluff, orange fluff has always been my favorite.

White bowl filled with orange fluff set on a white tray.

COTTAGE CHEESE…IN A DESSERT??

If you’re a fan of cottage cheese, you’re already on board here. If you aren’t sure yet, lemme convince you.

This orange fluff does not taste like cottage cheese – I promise! The key to this recipe is to make sure you puree the cottage cheese so it’s super smooth. 

It adds some tanginess and a creamy texture to the dessert. All you’ll taste is creamy orange goodness.

Three small white bowls filled with orange fluff and garnished with whipped cream and fresh orange slices.

There’s just something so perfect to me about a dessert that mimics my favorite ice cream – creamsicle – without a lot of effort. Total win, if you ask me. (It’s why I also love orange fruit dip.)

When I went away to college, I worked as a server at a local restaurant my sophomore year and actually saved up my tip money for a week to purchase an inexpensive food processor from Meijer. That way, I could have fluff anytime I wanted it. 

That’s some serious fluff dedication, and tells you just how much I adore my mom’s sneaky orange fluff.

Ingredients for orange fluff arranged on a beige countertop.

HOW TO MAKE MY MOM’S ORANGE FLUFF

Orange fluff is one of the easiest desserts you can make. It’s why Mom used to make it on a regular basis, but it’s delicious enough to add to any holiday dessert menu.

Ingredients you’ll need

This recipe uses 4 simple ingredients, plus 1 optional ingredient. To make this orange fluff, you’ll need:

  • Cottage cheese: As I mentioned above, this adds some great protein, a bit of tanginess, and a creamy texture.
  • Orange jell-o mix: Adds some sweetness and orange flavor throughout the fluff.
  • Thawed whipped topping: Adds a fluffy texture. You can use Cool Whip or TruWhip, whichever you prefer. You could also use stabilized whipped cream frosting instead.
  • Canned mandarin oranges: For pieces of sweet oranges in every bite!

If you want some additional texture and flavor, you can optionally add some miniature marshmallows as well. I think it’s delicious either way.

Pureed cottage cheese in the bowl of a food processor.

Making this recipe

Grab your food processor and puree the cottage cheese until it’s very smooth. 

Place the pureed cottage cheese in a bowl and whisk in the dry jell-o mix. When that is thoroughly incorporated, use a rubber spatula to fold in the thawed whipped topping.

Fold in the mandarin oranges and the miniature marshmallows, if you are using them.

Cover the orange fluff and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours to thoroughly chill and allow the flavors to combine.

I like to serve mine with a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh orange slices for a pretty garnish.

Chopped mandarin oranges being added to a bowl of orange fluff.

FAQS

Can I use fresh oranges instead of canned mandarin oranges?

Canned mandarin oranges are super convenient to use in this orange fluff because you don’t have to peel them, remove the membrane, etc.

If you want to use fresh oranges, you will need to supreme the oranges to remove the pith and the membrane – you don’t want any of that in your fluff! 

Fresh oranges will also be slightly less sweet than mandarin oranges since mandarin oranges are packed in light syrup, so keep in mind that the final fluff may not be as sweet as the original recipe.

Spoonful of orange fluff being held up to the camera.

Can I make orange fluff ahead of time?

Yes! Since it needs to chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, you can absolutely make it ahead of time. 

It will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, so feel free to whip it up a day or two before you plan to serve it.

Can I freeze this orange fluff?

I don’t recommend freezing this fluff. The freezing and thawing process can affect the texture of cottage cheese, so you may find that the fluff ends up watery and not as fluffy and smooth after thawing.

Can I use other flavors of jello?

One of the best things about my mom’s fluff recipes is that you can swap out almost any flavor of jello and fruit for your own favorite flavor combinations.

For example, my pineapple fluff uses pineapple jello and canned pineapple.

If you love orange fluff but want to spice things up with a second flavor, mango or apricot jello would both pair well with the mandarin oranges.

Two bowls of orange fluff set on a white tray.
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Orange Fluff

By: Jamie
4.48 from 23 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Orange fluff comes together in a matter of minutes to create a dreamy dessert that is perfect for just about any occasion.

Ingredients  

  • 16 ounces cottage cheese
  • 2 boxes orange Jell-o mix 3 ounces each
  • 16 ounces frozen whipped topping thawed
  • 2 cans mandarin oranges 11 ounces each, drained and roughly chopped
  • 2 cups miniature marshmallows optional

Instructions 

  • Puree cottage cheese in a food processor until smooth.
  • Transfer the pureed cottage cheese to a large bowl and whisk in the dry Jell-o mix until thoroughly incorporated.
  • Use a rubber spatula to fold in the whipped topping until no streaks remain.
  • Fold in mandarin oranges.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  • If desired, serve topped with a dollop of whipped cream or whipped topping and fresh orange slices.

Video

Notes

For a little added flavor and texture, you can optionally fold in 2 cups of miniature marshmallows when you add the mandarin oranges.

Nutrition

Calories: 235kcal, Carbohydrates: 43g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 264mg, Potassium: 181mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 34g, Vitamin A: 482IU, Vitamin C: 13mg, Calcium: 106mg, Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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53 Comments

  1. Sandy says:

    I don’t like Cottage Cheese, would it taste as good if I use Cream Cheese?

    1. Jamie says:

      Hello! I haven’t attempted this recipe with this substitution, so I am not sure of the result. If you happen to give it a try, I’d love to know how it turned out. Thanks so much for stopping by.
      -Jamie

  2. Jana says:

    I have made this many times. I always bought the small curd cottage cheese and just used it as is. But, I am now the proud owner of my very first food processor. Yes! I have led a sheltered life! Lol Got an Instant Pot for Christmas too! Woot!

    Anyway, I have made this with strawberries, raspberries, strawberries/bananas, and so on. For the 4th of July I made it with strawberries, mini white marshmallows and blue raspberry jello. It turned out really cool!

    I’m loving your blog! So many recipes with so little time! Stay warm neighbor!

    1. Jamie says:

      So happy to hear you enjoy the recipe in all its variations, Jana! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your feedback!
      -Jamie

  3. belinda a chavez says:

    My favorite take on this is with fresh Strawberries & strawberry jello. Lower sugar/carb content. Sometimes I whip my own cream from 100% grass fed heavy whipping cream in place of the cool whip. My husband absolutely LOVES my strawberry fluff

    1. Jamie says:

      I have had this before too! So easy and so darn good!

  4. Kathy Ryan says:

    Is there any way you can substitute the cottage cheese, my sister does not like it any way you make it.

    1. Jamie says:

      Hi, Kathy! I haven’t tried it, but I think you can use Greek yogurt or instant tapioca. Let me know how it goes!

    2. Carol says:

      @Kathy Ryan, Would cream cheese. It delishes.

  5. Kathy Bell says:

    Can you freeze fluff! I love it and have made some for Christmas! My husband says he would like to freeze it! Also when I transferred it to smaller bowls for more space in fridge it seems to get soupy

    1. Jamie says:

      I wouldn’t recommend freezing it, Kathy, as it may lose its nice consistency. I’m really glad you and your husband like it!