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Easy Mandarin Orange Dessert Recipe: A Creamy No-Bake Citrus Fluff

Easy Mandarin Orange Dessert

A creamy no-bake citrus dessert made with mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, instant vanilla pudding, and whipped topping. Chill it before serving for the best fluffy texture.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 15-ounce can Mandarin oranges, well drained
  • 1 20-ounce can Crushed pineapple, well drained
  • 1 3.4-ounce package Instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 8-ounce container Frozen whipped topping, thawed
Optional Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Sweetened shredded coconut
Optional Garnish
  • As desired Extra mandarin-orange segments, toasted coconut, or maraschino cherries

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Drain the mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple very well. If the orange segments are especially juicy, briefly pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. Place the dry instant vanilla pudding mix in a large bowl. Add the drained crushed pineapple, but do not add extra pineapple juice in this standard pudding-based version.
  3. Fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding and pineapple mixture until smooth and evenly blended. Use a gentle motion so the mixture stays light.
  4. Gently fold in the mandarin oranges last, taking care not to break the segments apart. Fold in the shredded coconut if using.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Stir gently once before serving, then add extra mandarin segments, toasted coconut, or maraschino cherries.

Notes

Thoroughly draining both fruits is essential because excess liquid can make the dessert thin. For the best texture, chill it for several hours or overnight, but add delicate garnishes immediately before serving.