This low carb mandarin orange mousse only requires 3 ingredients and is the perfect light yet sweet dessert for any occasion!
Why this recipe works
I have a special love for easy desserts. Some of the easiest of all are those whipped 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.
Jello desserts are great for birthdays, holidays, and even your anniversary. They are wonderful for when you have company or just want a special sweet treat for the family. See our Mandarin Orange Jello Salad for another crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
JELLO – We use orange sugar-free jello, but you can use any flavor you would like. Regular jello works just as well as sugar-free.
FILLING – This recipe can be made with either real whipped cream or if you prefer, Cool Whip. If you decide to use Cool Whip, omit the powdered sugar called for in this recipe. You can also easily substitute with whatever kind of fruit you want when making this whipped jello.
How to Make Whipped Jello
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Place reserved mandarin orange juice in a 2-cup measuring cup. Add water to fill to the 2-cup line. Heat water/juice in a saucepan to a boil. 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 the refrigerator until ready to use.
EXPERT TIP – 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.
- Use an electric mixer to break up the gelatin mixture until the 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Powdered sugar is finely ground white sugar beat into a powdered state then mixed with cornstarch. It is also known as confectioners sugar, icing sugar, and 10x sugar.
Yes, you make this whipped jello in advance. Store in the refrigerator.
Store whipped jello in the refrigerator for up to 4 days covered with plastic wrap.
Yes, you can certainly swap for whichever flavor of Jello you prefer and substitute with canned fruit that will complement it.
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.
More Dessert Recipes
- Pineapple Dream Dessert
- Strawberry Icebox Cake
- Mandarin Orange Jello Salad
- Strawberry Jello Pretzel Salad
- Lemon Cream Cheese Pudding Dessert
- Layered Jello Pie
- Mini Key Lime Pies
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Whipped Jello Mandarin Orange Mousse
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Pin It Rate ItIngredients
- 1 large box orange sugar free Jell-O 8 servings (6 oz)
- 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
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Nutrition
This post originally appeared here on Sep 26, 2015.
Amanda Davis
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Barbara Aston says
I lost a recipe very similar to this but it had both pineapple and the oranges.. Could this be done in your recipe?
Amanda Davis says
We have not tested that with this recipe. However, should you decide to experiment we would love to hear your results!
Anne Montesi says
There is an eight minute late and fruity pie very similar to this recipe and I remember it saying that if you were going to use pineapple not to use fresh pineapple but to use canned
Erin says
Love this simple, light dessert. I’ve made it many times as written and it’s always a hit with my family. My son has a dairy allergy so I made it recently with Coco Whip (the So Delicious brand in a tub). I was a bit concerned it wouldn’t turn out with the substitution but happy to report it came out perfectly!
Carrie Cantrell says
Can you use regular jello instead of sugar free?
Thanks,
Carrie
Amanda Davis says
Yes
Carrie Cantrell says
I’m so sorry. I actually read the answer In your post after I had already asked you.. Thank you for answering, though. I’m making this for Easter and my son is super excited.!
Anna says
I’m making this weekend. Can you double the recipe?
Amanda Davis says
Yes
Donna Briney says
Direct me please
Looking for recipes
Dream cycle mouse light as air then throw in pieces of Spong cake and orange wedges
Serve chilled
Can I whip Orange Kool aid Cool whip together then just add cake and orange wedges basically
Kim V. says
Great recipe for a different take for gelatin. The mandarin oranges are a nice addition.
Kim VonBlon says
I only have 4 oz jello box. I will assume you just half the ingredients?
Amanda Formaro says
Yes that should work
Connie says
It says 6 oz of mandarin oranges the cans are 15 oz how do you know how much juice?o
Amanda Formaro says
I would say drain the can and reserve the juice. Basically you are putting the juice in a measuring cup and adding water to bring it up to 2 cups. I would just go ahead and use all the juice and then add enough water to get to the 2 cup mark. More juice is a good thing. Only use HALF of the actual oranges.
(from the instructions -> Place reserved mandarin orange juice in a 2-cup measuring cup. Add water to fill to the 2-cup line.)
Pam Griep says
Loved it! We’re from Minnesota. Jello on every salad bar❤️Hubby really loved it!