As simple as they are delicious, a whipped jello dessert is always sure to be an easy crowd-pleaser. This Mandarin Orange Mousse is no exception! Combining citrus flavor with a creamy texture, it’s reminiscent of a classic orange creamsicle.
I have a special love for easy desserts. Some of the easiest of all are those whipped cream jello recipes that have been around for years. Serving them in pretty dishes and adding a colorful garnish makes this simple treat fancy enough to serve on special occasions. Great for birthdays, holidays and even your anniversary. These are wonderful for when you have company or just a special sweet treat for the family.
Whenever my kids open the refrigerator and see desserts in little dishes, especially those with a colorful garnish, they immediately want one! Who wouldn’t? Now while this dessert is definitely a winner, this one is still my all time favorite
Whipped Jello Mandarin Orange Mousse
The secret to this orange delight is timing. Before you add the whipped cream, you will want to chill the gelatin for a bit. Allowing the Jell-O to partially set will keep it from settling to the bottom as it does in double layer jello desserts, like this Creamy Raspberry Jell-O Parfait, which has a visual appeal all of its own.
This recipe can be made with either real whipped cream or if you prefer, Cool Whip. If you’re really short on time, a Cool Whip jello dessert is an easy shortcut! Either way, the whole family will love these personal-sized sweet treats.
There are affiliate links in this post. That means if you buy something from that link, I will earn a small commission, but it won’t cost you anything additional. These small commissions help support this site and keep these recipes free to you! So, thank you if you do :)
For this Whipped Jello dessert you will need:
- 1 large box orange sugar free Jell-O (8 servings)
- 1 cup whipping cream (can substitute 1 8-oz container Cool Whip)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (omit if using Cool Whip)
- 6-ounce can mandarin oranges in juice, drained, juice reserved
- Water and ice
Tools you will need:
- 2-cup measuring cup
- Large bowl or 4-cup measuring cup
- Microwave or medium saucepan
- Mixer with whisk attachment
- Dessert dishes
Note: I used my KitchenAid mixer for this recipe, but a handheld mixer will do the job nicely too!
The full recipe can be printed below. If you try this Whipped Jello Mandarin Orange Mousse, please let me know what you think!
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Whipped Jello Mandarin Orange Mousse
Ingredients
- 1 large box orange sugar free Jell-O 8 servings
- 1 cup whipping cream can substitute 1 8-oz container Cool Whip
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar omit if using Cool Whip
- 6- ounce can mandarin oranges in juice drained, juice reserved
- Water and ice
Instructions
- Place reserved mandarin orange juice in a 2-cup measuring cup. Add water to fill to the 2-cup line. Heat water/juice to boiling. Remove from heat and stir in gelatin powder, stirring until dissolved. Move mixture to a large measuring cup or bowl.
- Add one cup of ice to a 2-cup measuring cup. Add water to the ice to bring the level to the 2-cup mark. Pour ice/water into the gelatin mixture and stir until ice has melted.
- Place gelatin in the refrigerator until the mixture is partially gelled. It should be firm enough that it won’t spill out of the container, but will not hold its shape well when lifted with a spoon.
- Meanwhile, combine whipping cream and powdered sugar in a mixer with a whisk attachment. Beat on medium-high until firm peaks form. Store covered in refrigerator until ready to use.
- Use an electric mixer to break up the gelatin mixture until mixture is very loose and no longer holding its shape. Add HALF of the whipped cream and most of the mandarin oranges (reserve about 8 nice ones for garnish) and beat just enough to blend everything together.
- Pour into eight dessert dishes and chill until firm.
- Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a mandarin orange.
Recipe Notes
Tip: Place mandarin oranges that are reserved for garnish onto a paper towel to soak up extra juice that may cause them to slip off your whipped cream topping.
Amanda Formaro
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Abby says
Can you make these a day ahead?
Amanda Formaro says
Yes!
Shelley Ritchie says
Hi. Can I put this in a mold? Is it solid enough to unmold? Thanks
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Shelley! I have not molded this recipe, however most mold recipes call for using less liquid. This recipes uses the full amount. So in order for this recipe to mold you will need to reduce the cold liquid and the hot liquid to 1.5 cups each instead of 2 each. Hope that helps!
Pat Carrel says
I used to make. Fruit salad with cool whip but lost the recipe
Also I would like a recipe for whipped jello
Larry says
Do you four cups of water
Souuds like a lot or just two
Amanda Formaro says
Hi larry! Please refer to the instructions in the printable version to make sure you have the measurement correct. Also this recipe uses the larger box of gelatin, not the small one.
Place reserved mandarin orange juice in a 2-cup measuring cup. Add water to fill to the 2-cup line. Heat water/juice to boiling. Remove from heat and stir in gelatin powder, stirring until dissolved. Move mixture to a large measuring cup or bowl.
Add one cup of ice to a 2-cup measuring cup. Add water to the ice to bring the level to the 2-cup mark. Pour ice/water into the gelatin mixture and stir until ice has melted.
Ernie says
I made this last week
I didnot have the oranges but so good even without them. I did it into small or shot sized and shared with our neighbors ..this week had the oranges we alll thought was verry good both ways took us back to thinking bout the ice cream trucks cream cickles that we loved ,. Can’t wait to make this for my sister when she comes back.
Enjoyed looking for you in the Villages at craft show and rely enjoy the button trees
I now paint
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Ernie, so glad you enjoyed this! It’s definitely a favorite of mine :) I don’t actually exhibit in craft shows. I only make my projects for myself, family and friends and then share the tutorials on http://www.craftsbyamanda.com. So glad you love the button trees! Thanks for your kind comment :)
Joyce says
I have made this and put oranges on bottom of pan and pecans on top
Amanda Formaro says
That sounds delicious, Joyce! I’ll have to give that a try next time :)
Vicky says
I haven’t made this for years! The last time was probably in the late 70’s, and I used Dream Whip which was powdered and came in packets. Thanks.
Valerie Brown says
Thank you for this wonderful recipe! I’ve been making it with the sugar-free Jello and Cool Whip Lite and my husband and I love it. We’re both trying to lose a few pounds and we’re thankful to find something this delicious to satisfy our craving for sweets. The Mandarin oranges blend beautifully with the orange Jello…the recipe is a keeper!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Valerie! So glad you like it as much as we do :)