Orange Fluff is the kind of dessert that sparks nostalgia. Maybe you remember it from family gatherings, potlucks, or summer barbecues—sweet, creamy, fruity, and just a little bit indulgent. But what if we told you that this beloved retro dish could be made lighter, healthier, and protein-packed without losing any of the flavor or fun?
That’s exactly what this modern Orange Fluff recipe does.
It’s made with nonfat Greek yogurt (hello, protein!), sugar-free orange Jello for flavor and color, and all your favorite mix-ins—mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and whipped topping. The result is a bright, fluffy dessert salad that feels like a treat, but one you can feel good about enjoying any time of day.
Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, a holiday table, or just a sweet weeknight snack, this healthier Orange Fluff is the perfect make-ahead dessert that comes together in minutes and delights everyone at first bite.
Table of Contents
🍊 Ingredients – Simple, Light, and Flavorful
This Orange Fluff recipe uses just a handful of pantry and fridge staples to create something sweet, light, and satisfying.
✅ What You’ll Need:
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3 cups nonfat Greek yogurt
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1 (0.3-ounce) package sugar-free orange Jello
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8 ounces nonfat whipped topping (like Cool Whip Lite)
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1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges in fruit juice, drained
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1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice, drained of excess juice
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2 cups mini marshmallows
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions – How to Make Orange Fluff
This recipe comes together in just a few easy steps. You’ll need an electric mixer for the creamiest texture, but a whisk and some elbow grease can work in a pinch.
🥄 Step 1: Whip the Greek Yogurt
Start by placing 3 cups of nonfat Greek yogurt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment.
Turn the mixer to medium-high and whip for about 10 minutes, or until the yogurt becomes light, airy, and fluffy in texture. This step makes all the difference in creating that dessert-like feel.
🧁 Why whip? It breaks down the yogurt’s density, making it a better substitute for traditional fluff ingredients like pudding or cream cheese.
🍊 Step 2: Add the Orange Jello
Once the yogurt is fluffy, add 1 package of sugar-free orange Jello directly into the bowl.
Whisk again until the powder is completely dissolved and the yogurt turns a soft orange hue. The flavor and color of the Jello blend beautifully with the whipped yogurt, creating a citrusy cheesecake-like base.
💡 Make sure your Jello is fully mixed to avoid any grainy texture.
☁️ Step 3: Stir in the Whipped Topping
Gently fold in 8 ounces of nonfat whipped topping. This step turns your citrus base into a true fluff—light, airy, and cloud-like.
Be careful not to over-mix. Use a silicone spatula or spoon to gently fold the ingredients together until fully combined.
🍍 Step 4: Add the Fruit
Now it’s time to bring in the juicy, fruity texture.
Add:
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1 drained can of mandarin oranges
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1 drained can of crushed pineapple
Stir gently so you don’t break up the fruit too much—especially the tender mandarin segments.
🍊 If your pineapple is too wet, press it through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove excess juice. This keeps your fluff from becoming runny.
🍬 Step 5: Fold in the Marshmallows
The final touch—2 cups of mini marshmallows.
These soft bites add chewiness, sweetness, and a dose of fun to your fluff. Gently fold them in until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
❄️ Step 6: Chill and Serve
Cover your bowl and place the fluff in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This gives it time to firm up and allows the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give it a light stir, scoop into bowls, or spoon into individual cups or parfait jars.
Top with a few extra mandarin slices or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a fancy finish, if desired!
📦 Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
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Refrigerate: Store Orange Fluff in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Meal prep-friendly: Make it the night before your event or gathering—it actually tastes better the next day!
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Avoid freezing: The dairy and fruit components don’t freeze well together.
💡 Tips for the Best Orange Fluff
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Use full-fat whipped topping if you’re not counting calories—it will make the fluff even creamier.
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Try flavored marshmallows for a fun twist (like orange or fruit-flavored minis).
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For extra protein, use high-protein Greek yogurt like Skyr or triple-filtered brands.
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Add nuts or coconut for more texture, or sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top before serving for a “pie” vibe.
🧾 Nutrition Info (Approximate Per 1 Cup Serving)
This will vary slightly based on brands, but here’s a healthy ballpark estimate:
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Calories: 160–180
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Protein: 9–12g
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Fat: 2–4g
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Carbohydrates: 20–24g
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Sugar: 12–15g
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Fiber: 1g
Want it even lower in sugar? Use unsweetened Greek yogurt and sugar-free whipped topping.
🥄 Why You’ll Love Orange Fluff
Here’s why this updated classic deserves a spot in your recipe box:
✅ Quick and easy – just mix, chill, and serve
✅ High in protein but tastes like dessert
✅ Perfect for potlucks, parties, or weekday snacking
✅ Kid-approved and adult-loved
✅ Naturally gluten-free and easy to customize
🥳 Serving Suggestions
Orange Fluff is incredibly versatile. Here are some fun ways to serve it:
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In small jars with lids for grab-and-go lunches
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As a side dish at holiday dinners or BBQs
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In a trifle bowl topped with whipped cream and fruit
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As a dip with graham crackers or vanilla wafers
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Layered in a parfait with granola for a breakfast treat
✨ Final Thoughts – Light, Sweet, and Always a Hit
Orange Fluff is proof that desserts don’t have to be heavy or complicated to be satisfying. This version is lightened up, packed with protein, and still full of that classic fruity, fluffy flavor you remember from childhood.
Whether you’re watching your sugar intake, trying to boost your protein, or just want something easy to whip up on a whim, Orange Fluff fits the bill. It’s quick, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser.
So next time you’re craving something sweet, skip the oven and reach for your mixer. One bowl, a few ingredients, and some chill time are all you need to bring this fluffy favorite back to life—with a healthier twist that no one will guess.
