Dreamsicle Trifle
Ingredients:
1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 teaspoon orange extract
1 box (3 oz) orange gelatin mix (Jello)
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water
1 pint heavy whipping cream (or use 1 container Cool Whip for convenience)
1 tablespoon powdered sugar (if making homemade whipped cream)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 prepared pound cake or angel food cake, cut into cubes
1 can (15 oz) mandarin orange segments, drained
Orange zest (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
1. Prepare the Orange Gelatin:
In a medium bowl, dissolve the orange gelatin mix in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir well until fully dissolved, then add 1 cup of cold water.
Refrigerate the gelatin for about 1-2 hours, until it’s partially set but still soft enough to spoon.
2. Make the Vanilla Pudding:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, 2 cups of cold milk, and orange extract. Stir for a few minutes until thickened.
Cover and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes until it sets.
3. Whip the Cream:
If making homemade whipped cream, use a hand mixer to whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
4. Assemble the Trifle:
In a trifle bowl or large glass bowl, layer half of the cake cubes at the bottom.
Spoon half of the prepared orange gelatin over the cake cubes, spreading evenly.
Add a layer of the mandarin orange segments.
Spoon half of the vanilla pudding on top of the oranges, followed by a layer of whipped cream (or Cool Whip).
Repeat with another layer of cake cubes, gelatin, oranges, pudding, and whipped cream.
5. Chill and Garnish:
Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
Before serving, garnish with a few additional mandarin orange segments and a sprinkle of orange zest for a fresh pop of flavor.