This Orange Creamsicle Dream Dip is a creamy, fluffy blend of cream cheese, whipped topping, orange gelatin, and mandarin oranges. When I am ready to serve this dessert dip, I top it with more mandarin oranges for a beautiful burst of color! Serve it chilled with shortbread cookies, vanilla wafers, or graham crackers for a sweet, refreshing treat, perfect for any occasion. If you love this orange creamsicle dream dip (and I know you will…I couldn’t get enough of it), you will also want to try my Orange Creamsicle Mousse! It’s another creamy treat with a burst of citrus flavor.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cream Cheese: Before starting this dip, let a block of cream cheese come to room temperature.
How To Soften Cream Cheese Quickly
Warm Water Method: Place the wrapped block of cream cheese in a bowl of warm water for about 10-15 minutes. Flip it over every few minutes or so.
Microwave Method: Remove the cream cheese from its packaging and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave it on low power in 15-20-second intervals until it reaches the desired softness. Be careful not to overheat it, as cream cheese can quickly become too runny or even melt.
- Whipped Topping: Look for a container of whipped topping and let it thaw before using. Or, make homemade whipped topping!
- Orange Gelatin: I used 3 tablespoons of orange gelatin (like orange Jell-O™) in this dip.
- Mandarin Oranges: Look for a can of Mandarin oranges. Canned mandarin oranges are peeled and segmented orange slices that are typically packed in syrup or juice. They are sweet, juicy, and ready to be used in recipes like this one! Before dicing the oranges and folding them in the dip, drain them first. Save a few whole ones for the topping.
Can I Use Fresh Mandarin Oranges Instead Of Canned?
Yes, you can use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned! Just peel and segment the oranges, removing any seeds. Keep in mind that fresh oranges may have a bit more juice, so I recommend gently patting them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the dip. This will help maintain the dip’s creamy texture.
Best Dippers To Pair With Orange Creamsicle Dream Dip
Here are some of my favorite foods to dip into orange creamsicle dream dip:
- Shortbread Cookies
- Graham Crackers
- Vanilla Wafers (These might be my favorite pairing.)
- Fruit – Sliced strawberries, apple slices, or pineapple chunks can add a fresh, fruity element.
- Pretzels – I like the salty contrast with the creamy dip.
- Animal Crackers
- A spoon😜! (Yes, it is so good, I could eat this dip with a spoon!)
How To Store Orange Creamsicle Dip
To store the orange creamsicle dip, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it chilled until ready to serve. I do not recommend freezing the dip.
Orange Creamsicle Dream Dip
Ingredients
- 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed
- 3 tablespoons orange gelatin, like Jell-O™
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained, divided
- shortbread cookies, graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or pretzels, for dipping
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the whipped topping, orange gelatin, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat until well combined and fluffy.
- Dice most of the mandarin oranges, reserving about ¼ cup whole oranges for topping.
- Gently fold in the diced mandarin oranges to the cream cheese mixture.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- When ready to serve, top with the reserved mandarin oranges.
- Serve with shortbread cookies, graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or pretzels for dipping.
Did you make this recipe?
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
I loved this dip! It's just like an orange creamsicle–super creamy and sweet. Try it with pretzels for a nice salty contrast. Yum!
Elizabeth
I loved this dip. It is so light and creamy, and my favorite was with graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
Bella
This is creamy and delicious. My favorite was with the graham crackers.
Annabelle
This has the lovely nostalgic orange creamsicle flavor–perfect with sweet OR salty dippers!
Selena
This would be a wonderful summer snack or treat. The mandarin oranges really make it shine!
