Introduction

This easy no-bake orange creamsicle mousse is the perfect 5-ingredient dessert for a quick, refreshing treat. With a light, airy texture and the nostalgic flavor of a classic creamsicle, it comes together in minutes without any cooking. If you love this flavor, you might also enjoy the Easy No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Pie Ready in 30 Minutes or the Best Creamsicle Orange Cookies – Easy Homemade Recipe.

Ingredients

This Orange Creamsicle Mousse recipe creates a dessert that’s impossibly light, creamy, and bursting with the nostalgic, sun-kissed flavor of a classic creamsicle.

• 12 ounces (340 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup (125 g) confectioners’ sugar
• Juice of 1 orange, about ¼ cup
• 1 teaspoon orange extract
• pinch kosher salt
• 1 cup (238 g) whipped topping, plus more for garnish

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	5 minutes
Total Time	20 minutes

Context: This Orange Creamsicle Mousse comes together in about 20 minutes, which is roughly 30% faster than many traditional cooked mousse recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Bloom the Gelatin

Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin powder over the cold orange juice in a small bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the granules have absorbed the liquid and become spongy. This process, called blooming, is crucial for smooth texture.

Step 2 — Melt the Gelatin Mixture

Place the bowl with the bloomed gelatin over a small pot of simmering water, creating a double boiler. Heat gently, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes completely liquid and clear. Do not let it boil. Remove from heat immediately.

Step 3 — Whip the Cream to Soft Peaks

Step 4 — Make the Orange Mousse Base

In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange zest. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until completely smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This ensures no lumps remain in your final Orange Creamsicle Mousse.

With the mixer on low, slowly stream in the melted, slightly cooled gelatin mixture and the vanilla extract. Beat just until fully incorporated.

Step 5 — Fold in the Whipped Cream

Add about one-third of the softly whipped cream to the orange base. Use a rubber spatula to fold gently, which lightens the dense mixture. Then, carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream until no white streaks remain. Be gentle to keep the mousse airy.

Step 6 — Layer and Chill

Divide half of the Orange Creamsicle Mousse mixture among your serving glasses. For an authentic creamsicle effect, add a thin layer of orange marmalade or a spoonful of whipped cream. Top with the remaining mousse.

Cover the glasses with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to set completely. The mousse should be firm to the touch and hold its shape when scooped.

Step 7 — Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, garnish each mousse with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a twist of orange zest or a thin orange slice. Serve chilled for the perfect, refreshing creamsicle flavor and texture.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~280 kcal
Protein	~4 g
Carbohydrates	~22 g
Fat	~20 g
Fiber	~0.5 g
Sodium	~35 mg

Note: These are approximate values per serving for this Orange Creamsicle Mousse, calculated using standard ingredients. Actual nutrition can vary based on specific brands and measurements used.

Healthier Alternatives

This Orange Creamsicle Mousse is wonderfully adaptable. Here are several ingredient swaps to tailor it to different dietary needs without sacrificing its signature creamy, citrusy flavor.

• Greek Yogurt for Heavy Cream — Use full-fat or 2% plain Greek yogurt for a high-protein, tangier version with a thicker, denser texture.
• Coconut Cream for Heavy Cream — A rich, dairy-free alternative that whips beautifully and adds a subtle tropical note, perfect for a vegan Orange Creamsicle Mousse.
• Monk Fruit or Allulose for Powdered Sugar — These granulated or powdered sugar substitutes dissolve well for a lower-carb, keto-friendly mousse with no aftertaste.
• Avocado (Blended) for Part of the Cream — Adds healthy fats, creaminess, and a nutritional boost while keeping the color a pleasant pale orange.
• Fresh Orange Zest & Juice for Extract — Amplifies the natural citrus flavor without additives and reduces the need for additional sweeteners.
• Collagen Peptides or Vanilla Protein Powder — Stir a scoop into the mixture for a protein-packed dessert that helps thicken the mousse.
• Almond or Oat Milk for a Lighter Version — Replace a portion of the heavy cream with unsweetened milk for a less rich, lower-calorie result.
• Gelatin or Agar-Agar for Stability — A small amount helps set the mousse firmly, which is useful if using thinner dairy alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Orange Creamsicle Mousse with a crisp, buttery shortbread cookie for a delightful contrast in textures.
• For a sophisticated dinner party, serve in elegant coupe glasses topped with a candied orange slice or a sprinkle of orange zest.
• Transform it into a stunning parfait by layering the mousse with fresh berries or crumbled vanilla wafers in a clear glass.
• Make it the star of a summer picnic by packing individual servings in small mason jars with lids for easy transport.
• Create a nostalgic creamsicle float by scooping the mousse into a tall glass and topping it with chilled orange soda or cream soda.
• For a festive touch, serve the Orange Creamsicle Mousse in hollowed-out orange halves, garnished with a mint sprig.

This light and airy dessert is perfect for ending a rich meal, celebrating a warm-weather occasion, or simply satisfying a sweet, citrusy craving. Its versatility makes it a crowd-pleaser year-round.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using juice from a carton, which lacks the bright, aromatic oils of fresh fruit. Fix: Always zest and juice fresh navel or Valencia oranges for the most vibrant flavor in your Orange Creamsicle Mousse.
• Mistake: Over-whipping the cream before folding, leading to a grainy, stiff texture. Fix: Whip the heavy cream only to soft peaks; it should still flow slightly to blend smoothly with the orange mixture.
• Mistake: Adding un-dissolved gelatin directly to the cold mixture, causing rubbery clumps. Fix: Always “bloom” gelatin in cold liquid first, then dissolve it completely in warm liquid before incorporating.
• Mistake: Folding ingredients too aggressively, which deflates the airy structure. Fix: Use a gentle, wide sweeping motion with a spatula, rotating the bowl until just combined.
• Mistake: Skipping the chill time for the orange base before adding cream, causing the mousse to separate. Fix: Refrigerate the gelatin-orange mixture until it thickens to a syrupy, pudding-like consistency (about 20 minutes).
• Mistake: Using low-fat dairy substitutes, which won’t provide the necessary fat for a stable, rich mousse. Fix: Stick with full-fat heavy cream and cream cheese for the signature creamy mouthfeel.
• Mistake: Not tasting the mixture before chilling, resulting in a bland dessert. Fix: Adjust the orange zest, vanilla, and sweetener while the base is still liquid to ensure perfect balance.
• Mistake: Chilling in a large, shallow dish, which sets the mousse too quickly and unevenly. Fix: Portion into individual glasses or a deep bowl for a slower, more uniform set and better presentation.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Orange Creamsicle Mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it is covered to prevent it from absorbing other odors.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the mousse in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: This Orange Creamsicle Mousse is served cold and should not be reheated. For food safety, always keep it refrigerated below 40°F (4°C) until ready to serve.

The texture is best when enjoyed chilled within a day or two of making it. If freezing, note that the texture may become slightly icier upon thawing but will still be delicious.

Conclusion

This Orange Creamsicle Mousse is a wonderfully light and refreshing dessert that perfectly captures that classic nostalgic flavor. For more creamy citrus treats, try our No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Recipe. We hope you love this easy mousse—please leave a comment with your review!

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Orange Creamsicle Mousse

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• Author: Olivia Bennett

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 ounces (340 g) cream cheese, (softened to room temperature)
• 1 cup (125 g) confectioners' sugar
• Juice of 1 orange, (about ¼ cup)
• 1 teaspoon orange extract
• pinch kosher salt
• 1 cup (238 g) whipped topping, (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until it is light and fluffy.
2. Add in the confectioners' sugar, orange juice, orange extract, and salt. Beat until everything is combined.
3. Gently fold in the whipped topping.
4. Equally divide orange mousse into cups and refrigerate uncovered until thickened, (about 1 hour up 24 hours).
5. When ready to serve, top with remaining whipped topping

FAQs

Can I make this Orange Creamsicle Mousse ahead of time?

Yes, this Orange Creamsicle Mousse is an excellent make-ahead dessert. Prepare it up to two days in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly, making it even more delicious.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh oranges?

You can substitute high-quality orange juice concentrate for the fresh orange juice and zest. For the best flavor, ensure it is 100% juice. The classic taste of this Orange Creamsicle Mousse will still come through beautifully.

Is there a way to make this dessert dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use full-fat canned coconut milk or a dairy-free whipping cream alternative for the heavy cream. Pair it with a dairy-free cream cheese to create a lactose-free version of this creamy mousse.