Creamsicle Orange Jello Salad Recipe

4.3 from 39 votes
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Looking for a showstopper dessert that is as easy as it is delicious? Orange Creamsicle Jello Mold is sure to be a hit at any party or potluck with its cubes of fresh orange juice gelatin seemingly floating in a sea of wobbly vanilla ice cream. No box mix needed for this jello salad recipe. But it’s still simple with only a few ingredients.

Orange Creamsicle Jello Mold recipe served on a glass cake pedestal

My mom likes stuff. Knick-knacks. Tchotchke. When my kids were little, it was always an adventure bringing my little dudes to her house because her shelves and tables and pretty much any flat surface are covered with little decorations based on the season or holiday.

It actually looks really nice, but it’s totally the opposite of my minimalist approach.

Not only does she love putting it all out, but she also loves scouring stores and craft shows for new things. And when she has amassed enough new stuff, she tries to pass on her old stuff (which really is not that old and still in perfect condition) to my sister and me.

It’s more than just holiday stuff, though. She has stashes of kitchen stuff too. That’s the kind of stuff that gets me excited.

When I’m visiting her and decide to make a recipe for the blog, I can usually rummage around and find some great props to take cute photos, like my No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake Shooters or even Homestyle Shrimp Bowls.

And one time I was rummaging around and came upon her vintage Tupperware mold. This was shortly after I fell in love with how gorgeous this Root Beer Float Jello from Pint Sized Baked looked. I knew I had to make my own.

Despite its showstopper good looks, this Orange Creamsicle Jello Mold is actually quite easy to make! And seriously, how much fun is it?!

slices of Orange Creamsicle Jello ice cream dessert

Creamsicle Orange Jello Mold Recipe

You start with creamy vanilla gelatin. Wait, vanilla ice cream jello?! Yes!

And scattered through it are bursts of fresh citrus flavor, because there are no box mixes here – this is made from fresh squeezed orange juice. That means that this new twist on an orange jello salad is sweet, but not too sweet or fake tasting.

And using a good quality vanilla ice cream definitely helps with that non-fake tasting flavor. This was a crowd-pleaser with kids and adults alike!

Ingredients

  • Unflavored gelatin
  • Water – you’ll need cold and boiling water
  • Sugar
  • Orange juice – I prefer freshly squeezed, but you can use OJ from a carton or bottle
  • Vanilla ice cream – use your favorite

Directions

  1. Sprinkle unflavored gelatin over cold water and allow it to soften (this is called “blooming”).
Unflavored gelatin added to a bowl of cold water
  1. Add boiling water and stir to dissolve the gelatin.
Add boiling water to softened gelatin
  1. Stir in sugar.
Whisking sugar into gelatin solution
  1. Pour in orange juice and stir to combine.
Whisk orange juice into gelatin mixture
  1. Transfer to a rectangular glass dish and refrigerate.
Orange jello in a pan to refrigerate
  1. Pour the orange mixture into a pan, let it chill, then cut into little cubes and transfer the cubes to a jello mold. Refrigerate while preparing the ice cream jello.
Tupperware jello mold with cubed of orange gelatin
  1. Melt ice cream and cool to room temperature.
Melting vanilla ice cream in a pot
  1. Bloom and dissolve the gelatin as before.
Whisking gelatin mixture
  1. Pour into melted ice cream and stir in sugar.
Pouring gelatin mixture into melted vanilla ice cream
  1. Pour the vanilla ice cream jello mixture over the orange cubes and chill overnight before slicing and serving.
Pour ice cream jello into mols with cubes of orange gelatin

Be sure to store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Orange Creamsicle Jello Salad

Brianne’s Pro Recipe Tips

Here are a few bits of information that might be useful to you.

What to use as a jello mold

Don’t have your mom’s vintage Tupperware? You can still buy the Tupperware mold I used (you can see it in the video) on Amazon! I love this because it has a lid to keep it covered in the fridge, and the middle part also comes out for easy unmolding.

Of course, if you don’t have a mom that saved you her jello mold, you could have some other options. The only difference will be the unmolding process and chilling time.

  • Bundt pan – a traditional 12-cup Bundt pan will work but it will be flatter. You might want to try a 6-cup Bundt pan. Be sure to spray it thoroughly with cooking spray so that it unmolds easily. Or try a silicone Bundt pan, but you will still want to spray it with cooking spray.
  • Glass bowl – you can use a basic glass bowl and unmold it to make a jello dome.
  • Rectangular glass baking pan – you can make this in a rectangular pan just like the original recipe that inspired this one, Then just cut it into large cubes.
  • Other shaped gelatin molds – check out Amazon for a selection of all kinds of shapes.

Unmolding

If you use the plastic mold, you can remove the inner core, then gently push the jello salad out of the mold.

For bundt pans and glass bowls or pans, you’ll want to coat them throughly with cooking spray. Then it should slide right out.

Using a silicone pan or mold will allow you to press it out.

Is Jello gluten free?

Gluten Free Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. This information is solely based on my research and personal experience, and I provide it as a courtesy to my readers. Please consult your doctor or medical professional for any questions as it relates to your needs, particularly if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten allergy or intolerance. Products, manufacturing facilities, and ingredients change frequently, so you should always contact the manufacturer for the latest information. 

Yes, gelatin is naturally gluten-free, so when you use other gluten free ingredients in jello molds and jello salad recipes, you have an impressive no-bake dessert that even those with celiac disease or a wheat allergy can enjoy.

In this recipe, just be sure your ice cream is gluten free. For a basic flavor like vanilla, this is usually not an issue, but be sure there is no cross-contamination or hidden sources of gluten.

Since this Orange Creamsicle Jello Mold only has orange juice, sugar, and ice cream in addition to the gelatin, it’s definitely a yummy gluten free option. And if you like this one, you can also try 10 Amazing Jello Recipes to Make You Feel Like a Kid Again.

slices of creamsicle ice cream jello dessert

If you love orange and cream, try these…

Here are more jello recipes…

You can also check out more Totally Rad Retro Desserts, like this S’Mores Pudding Pie.

Orange Creamsicle Jello Mold

Classic vintage recipes like this one are making a comeback and with good reason. Cubes of fresh orange juice gelatin floating in vanilla ice cream Jello is an irresistibly fun party treat! This is one of the best gluten-free no bake recipes in my recipe box and a perfect gluten free spring recipes!

Orange Creamsicle Jello Mold Spring Dessert
4.3 from 39 votes

Orange Creamsicle Jello Mold

A totally retro dessert with cubes of fresh orange juice gelatin seemingly floating in a sea of wobbly vanilla ice cream. Naturally gluten-free!
Prep: 30 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Chilling time 12 hours
Total: 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Orange Jello

  • 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1/2 cups boiling water
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice

For the Vanilla Ice Cream Jello

  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream
  • 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/4 cup sugar

Instructions

For the Orange Jello

  • Sprinkle the 2 packets of gelatin over the cold water. Let sit until absorbed and softened.
  • Pour the boiling water over the gelatin and stir until completely dissolved.
  • Stir in the sugar and orange juice, and stir to dissolve the sugar.
  • Pour into a 9×13 baking dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
  • Cut into small cubes and transfer to a jello mold or square baking dish. Store in the refrigerator.

For the Vanilla Ice Cream Jello

  • Melt the vanilla ice cream in a small saucepan on the stove or in the microwave. Set aside to come to room temperature.
  • Sprinkle 3 packets of gelatin over the cold water. Let sit until absorbed and softened.
  • Pour the boiling water over the gelatin and stir until completely dissolved.
  • Add in sugar and stir to dissolve.
  • Stir in the melted ice cream.
  • After ensuring the mixture is at room temperature, pour the ice cream mixture over the orange cubes and refrigerate overnight.
  • Cut into slices or cubes.

Notes

Adapted from Root Beer Float Jello from Pint Sized Baker.
Nutrition Facts
Orange Creamsicle Jello Mold
Amount Per Serving (1 slice)
Calories 85 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Cholesterol 7mg2%
Sodium 14mg1%
Potassium 94mg3%
Carbohydrates 16g5%
Sugar 15g17%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 130IU3%
Vitamin C 15.6mg19%
Calcium 25mg3%
Iron 0.1mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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52 Comments
  1. Kim

    Made this for Christmas. It came out pretty, but lacked flavor. Wouldn’t make it again.

    The kids got a kick out of it though. Jello molds aren’t seen a lot these days.

  2. Donna L Damiani

    1 star
    I made this for Easter. Thought it would be good. It has no flavor – the flavor is in the orange cubes and the rest of the mold is very bland. Truly a disappointment for that day – although it looked beautiful. will not make again.

    1. I’m sorry that was your experience. The flavor definitely depends on the ice cream you choose, and how strong the flavor is and how rich it is. A lower fat or less strongly vanilla-flavored ice cream will not give as much flavor to the “ice cream jello”.

  3. Natalie

    Hi! I have extremely limited freezer space at a cabin we’re staying at but I would like to make this. Could I substitute 2 cups heavy cream and some sugar for the ice cream? Thanks! Sounds yummy!

    1. Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips

      Denise, you could try it, but truthfully, I have only made this using ice cream, so I can’t guarantee any kind of successful results if you choose to do that. The melted ice cream provides the sugar and heavy cream that are needed to firm up the gelatin.

  4. Cottage cheese is wonderful with Jello! Especially the tangy flavors. It”s great to use on layered Jello with a layer of sour cream and a layer of cool Whip. And a layer of nuts on the top! Can also put a layer of cream cheese if you want.

  5. kim

    I’ve mad molds before but never with ice cream. I want to make and take this to a 70’s office party. Do you think it’ll melt faster than regular jello?

    1. Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips

      Hi Kim – A 70’s office party sounds like great fun! Unfortunately, this dessert should be treated like ice cream. If you have a cooler that you can pack with ice, I bet the creamsicle Jello mold will last for a couple of hours. Good luck, and enjoy your party!

  6. Dominic Orozco

    The jello mold is from Tupperware. We’ve been making it since the 50’s. If you are interested in the jello mold or any other products, please visit my website. I am an authorized Tupperware consultant.

  7. Laura

    Your mom and mine would get on so well. The minimalist in my just doesn’t understand her love for knick-knack but I wouldn’t have her change for the world. 🙂 This looks incredible, I actually haven’t made anything with jello in a long time. Think this looks like a perfect summer treat.

  8. Joy | The Joyful Foodie

    Yum! I actually really like creamy jello…things, but I don’t think I’ve had any made with ice cream. Sounds delicious.

  9. Yes, I grew up in the day of jello infiltrating all kinds of recipes and I remember them all so well! I was a huge fan of creamsicle, and my dad loved them also. I’m pretty sure I would enjoy this salad with no problem!

  10. I’m still laughing over the jiggly challenge! Your looks so cool. Those chunks floating around is just so much fun. And yes, I totally agree that the mold is what really makes it awesome.

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