Ingredients
Method
Building the Crust
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a medium mixing bowl. Stir until every crumb is evenly coated.
- Press the crumb mixture into a 9×13-inch dish and freeze for 10-15 minutes to set.
Dissolving the Orange Jell-O
- In a small bowl, pour the orange gelatin powder and add boiling water. Whisk until fully dissolved, then cool to room temperature.
Preparing the Vanilla Pudding
- In a large bowl, whisk the vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until thickened.
- Mix in the cooled orange Jell-O mixture and let sit for 5 minutes.
Making the Cream Cheese Layer
- Beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth, then add powdered sugar and mix until creamy.
- Fold in 2 cups of Cool Whip gently.
Layering the Dessert
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the set crust.
- Pour the orange pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer carefully.
- Spread the remaining Cool Whip on top and add mandarin orange segments decoratively.
Chill and Serve
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
For best results, chill overnight to allow flavors to meld. Can substitute different gelatin flavors for variations.
