Creamsicle Orange Jello Salad Recipe
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.
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?!
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!
Here is a brief overview so you can see just how easy it is to make. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for the full quantities and details.
But don’t skip my PRO TIPS below!
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
- Sprinkle unflavored gelatin over cold water and allow it to soften (this is called “blooming”).
- Add boiling water and stir to dissolve the gelatin.
- Stir in sugar.
- Pour in orange juice and stir to combine.
- Transfer to a rectangular glass dish and refrigerate.
- 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.
- Melt ice cream and cool to room temperature.
- Bloom and dissolve the gelatin as before.
- Pour into melted ice cream and stir in sugar.
- Pour the vanilla ice cream jello mixture over the orange cubes and chill overnight before slicing and serving.
Be sure to store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
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.
If you love orange and cream, try these…
Here are more jello recipes…
- Rainbow Gel Fruit Parfait Cups
- Sparkling Cider Ice Cream Float Jello Mold
- Cherry Jello Jigglers from Living Locurto
- Whipped Jello Mandarin Orange Mousse from Amanda’s Cookin
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!
I hope you’ll leave a comment and give it a FIVE STAR rating or share a review on Pinterest or photo on Instagram!
Tag me @cupcakekalechip and use #cupcakesandkalechips!
Orange Creamsicle Jello Mold
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.
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Natalie says
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!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I have not tried it, but since the ice cream has to be melted you could always just get a pint of vanilla ice cream (a pint is two cups, which I should note in the recipe) and leave the container in the fridge.
Denise says
Could you substitute the icecream for sweetened condensed milk since u melt the icecream anyway?
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
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.
Amy Locurto says
What a fun summer idea! Great recipe!
Henzyworld says
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.
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Your ideas for improving the recipe sound delicious, thank you!
kim says
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?
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
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!
Dominic Orozco says
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.
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
It’s great to know that the jello mold is still being manufactured. Thank you!
Huma says
How much in teaspoons is one envelop of gelatin?
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
About 2 1/2 teaspoons.
Julie @ Texan New Yorker says
This is so awesome!! I love that it’s entirely from scratch, too. It really turned out beautifully. I’ll have to see if my mom kept her old jello mold so I can properly make this one sometime!
Liz says
Looks so refreshing and lovely. Thank you.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thank you!
Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen says
Oooh you just brought back memories of buying dreamsicles from the ice cream man!! This jello mold version is gorgeous!!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I know, this is double retro, right>?! 🙂
Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook says
THIS. IS. AWESOME. I wasn’t expecting ice cream when I opened up your post. Love it!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Haha, secret ingredient!! 🙂
Valerie Cathell Clark says
This is one of the most beautiful molds I ever seen! I love orange creamsicle! I think my girls would go nuts over this one!
Mary Ellen says
This is calling my name! I’m going to try this soon with a twist. Thanks for the inspiration…..
Family Foodie says
I am not going to lie… I have never made a jello mold before but after seeing this work of art. I am running to the nearest thrift store to find a jello mold!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Can you believe I actually found them on Amazon!
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
I love that you did this from scratch! I can’t wait to try it!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
You have to – it was so fun!
Laura says
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.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Gotta love moms, no matter what! Thanks!
P.R. Bain says
No jelly mold…how about a Bundt pan?
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
That should work, just be carful unmolding that it doens’t break, since it probably won’t be completely full. You can use a square pan or a bowl too.
Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm says
I love creamsicles and I love how beautiful this dessert looks.
Sue Lau says
Your orange cubes are nicely suspended! That isn’t always easy to do but yours looks great!
Diana @DandelionGreens says
What a pretty dessert! I love the artistic look of it all!
Hezzi-D says
This is so pretty and I love that it has the creamscicle flavor!
Deanna Samaan says
This looks so pretty!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thank you!
Joy | The Joyful Foodie says
Yum! I actually really like creamy jello…things, but I don’t think I’ve had any made with ice cream. Sounds delicious.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
It is such a creative way to flavor Jello. Think of the possibilities!
Susan - ofeverymoment says
This is beautiful – and I think I would love the ice-cream part … can’t wait to try it! Thanks for the fun recipe.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
The ice cream is really cool, and yummy!
Julie @White Lights on Wednesday says
This looks awesome!! Totally reminds me of something my grandma would make, in the best possible, most yummy way!
Liz says
Now this is an impressive Jello mold!! Yup, truly a work of art! Lucky you with access to all your mom’s treasures!!!
shelby says
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!
Renee says
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.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
That’s what I love about the Sunday Supper themes – gets me to make thing I normally might not think of.
Laura @ Raise Your Garden says
Me too! I just think it’s interesting that I can’t find a single kid who doesn’t love creamsicles. And creamsicles “bring out the kid” in all of us, don’t they! I love this unique and fun dessert.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
They really do! Thanks!