Description
Orange Lush Dessert is a refreshing layered treat featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese, luscious vanilla pudding, and vibrant orange gelatin, all topped with fluffy whipped topping. This no-bake dessert combines citrus flavors with rich textures, perfect for summer gatherings or as a make-ahead indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping, divided (from 1 container 8 oz, thawed)
Pudding Layer
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
Gelatin Layer
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant orange gelatin (Jell-O)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 cup whipped topping (remaining from container)
Garnish
- Orange zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely before proceeding.
- Make cream cheese layer: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until fully combined. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set.
- Prepare pudding layer: In another bowl, whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix with 1 1/2 cups cold milk until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Spread the pudding evenly over the chilled cream cheese layer.
- Dissolve and prepare gelatin: In a separate bowl, dissolve the orange gelatin powder in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water and let the mixture cool to room temperature, ensuring it does not set prematurely.
- Combine gelatin with whipped topping: Once cooled, fold in the remaining 1 cup of whipped topping gently into the gelatin mixture. Pour this mixture carefully over the pudding layer, smoothing the top evenly.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until fully set. Before serving, top with any remaining whipped topping and sprinkle with orange zest if desired for a bright citrus garnish.
Notes
- For an extra citrus boost, add a teaspoon of orange extract to the cream cheese mixture.
- Substitute the graham cracker crust with vanilla wafer or shortbread cookie crumbs for a different flavor profile.
- This dessert is best prepared a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and layers to set perfectly.
