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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.

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!
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!
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.
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.
I don’t think I would want to add extra sugar to the ice cream part.
You can try it without, but because you add water to make the gelatin, it dilutes it down so might taste watery.
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.
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”.
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!
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.
Could you substitute the icecream for sweetened condensed milk since u melt the icecream anyway?
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.
What a fun summer idea! Great recipe!
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.
Your ideas for improving the recipe sound delicious, thank you!
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?
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!
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.
It’s great to know that the jello mold is still being manufactured. Thank you!
How much in teaspoons is one envelop of gelatin?
About 2 1/2 teaspoons.
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!
Looks so refreshing and lovely. Thank you.
Thank you!
Oooh you just brought back memories of buying dreamsicles from the ice cream man!! This jello mold version is gorgeous!!
I know, this is double retro, right>?! 🙂
THIS. IS. AWESOME. I wasn’t expecting ice cream when I opened up your post. Love it!
Haha, secret ingredient!! 🙂
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!
This is calling my name! I’m going to try this soon with a twist. Thanks for the inspiration…..
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!
Can you believe I actually found them on Amazon!
I love that you did this from scratch! I can’t wait to try it!
You have to – it was so fun!
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.
Gotta love moms, no matter what! Thanks!
No jelly mold…how about a Bundt pan?
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.
I love creamsicles and I love how beautiful this dessert looks.
Your orange cubes are nicely suspended! That isn’t always easy to do but yours looks great!
What a pretty dessert! I love the artistic look of it all!
This is so pretty and I love that it has the creamscicle flavor!
This looks so pretty!
Thank you!
Yum! I actually really like creamy jello…things, but I don’t think I’ve had any made with ice cream. Sounds delicious.
It is such a creative way to flavor Jello. Think of the possibilities!
This is beautiful – and I think I would love the ice-cream part … can’t wait to try it! Thanks for the fun recipe.
The ice cream is really cool, and yummy!
This looks awesome!! Totally reminds me of something my grandma would make, in the best possible, most yummy way!
Now this is an impressive Jello mold!! Yup, truly a work of art! Lucky you with access to all your mom’s treasures!!!
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!
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.
That’s what I love about the Sunday Supper themes – gets me to make thing I normally might not think of.
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.
They really do! Thanks!