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Orange Creamsicle Mousse

There’s something about the sunny, sweet tang of oranges that instantly takes you back to summer afternoons — this mousse captures that nostalgia in a pillowy, creamy dessert that’s impossibly simple to make. If you grew up on creamsicles, this recipe is a tiny, elegant homage to that frozen treat, with the same bright citrus flavor folded into a silky cream-cheese base. If you like orange-flavored dishes with a comforting twist, you might also enjoy this ground orange chicken recipe, which uses a similar balance of sweet and savory orange notes.

Why make this recipe
If you’re tired of heavy, cloying desserts, this recipe is perfect because the citrus cuts through richness and the airy whipped topping keeps each bite light and refreshing. It’s also wonderfully forgiving: no tempering or delicate technique required, just straightforward mixing and a little chill time. Finally, it’s versatile — serve it in cups for a party, pipe it into creme-filled tart shells, or spoon it over fresh berries for a quick, elegant finish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Orange Creamsicle Mousse

Ingredients:

12 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
Juice of 1 orange, about ¼ cup
1 teaspoon orange extract
Pinch kosher salt
1 cup whipped topping, plus more for garnish

Before you begin

Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature; this prevents lumps and makes achieving a smooth texture much easier.
Chill serving cups if you like — cold glass helps the mousse set up and keeps it refreshingly cool.

Step-by-step directions and tips for success

Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Place the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl and use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed for 1–2 minutes until it’s creamy and free of lumps. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and mix until well combined.
- Add the confectioners’ sugar in two batches to avoid a cloud of powdered sugar. Beat until the mixture is homogeneous and slightly sweetened — taste and adjust only if necessary.
Stir in orange juice, orange extract, and salt until smooth.
- Pour in the fresh-squeezed orange juice and add the orange extract (start with 1 teaspoon; if your oranges are very fragrant, you can consider reducing the extract slightly). The pinch of kosher salt brightens the flavors by balancing the sweetness.
Fold in whipped topping gently until fully incorporated.
- To keep the mousse airy, fold in the whipped topping with a rubber spatula. Use a light hand and fold from the bottom of the bowl up and over the top until no streaks remain. Overmixing will deflate the mousse, so stop as soon as it’s uniform.
Spoon into serving cups and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Transfer the mousse to ramekins, small glasses, or dessert cups. Cover with plastic wrap or lids to prevent any fridge odors from affecting the mousse. Chilling lets the flavors meld and the texture set to a scoopable, mousse-like consistency.
Garnish with additional whipped topping before serving.
- Right before serving, add a dollop of whipped topping and, if you like, a small orange zest twist or a thin orange slice for a pretty finish.

For reference, here are the original concise directions included for quick copying:

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and mix until well combined.
Stir in orange juice, orange extract, and salt until smooth.
Fold in whipped topping gently until fully incorporated.
Spoon into serving cups and chill for at least 2 hours.
Garnish with additional whipped topping before serving.

Making it ahead and timeline

0–30 minutes: Bring cream cheese to room temperature and gather ingredients.
30–45 minutes: Mix and assemble mousse into cups.
2 hours: Minimum chilling time for best texture. Overnight is fine and often better for flavor development.
Serve within a few days for peak freshness (see storage section below).

Why the ingredients matter

Cream cheese: Provides body and a slightly tangy backbone that mimics the creaminess of a classic creamsicle. Use full-fat for best texture.
Confectioners’ sugar: Dissolves easily for a silky mousse; avoids graininess that can happen with granulated sugar.
Fresh orange juice + orange extract: The juice gives natural acidity and real orange flavor; the extract amplifies the citrus aroma and ensures a consistent orange notes in every spoonful.
Whipped topping: Adds lightness and increases volume without complicated whipping or stabilization. If you prefer, you can use homemade whipped cream (see variations).

Best Way to Store Orange Creamsicle Mousse

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C).
Freeze (not ideal): Freeze for up to 1 month at 0°F (-18°C), but expect some texture changes (thaw overnight in the fridge and stir gently before serving).
Short-term counter: Don’t leave the mousse at room temperature for more than 2 hours total due to the dairy in the cream cheese and whipped topping.

Serving Suggestions for Orange Creamsicle Mousse

Classic cups: Spoon into small dessert glasses and top with a swirl of whipped topping and a thin orange zest twist. Add a graham cracker crumb at the bottom for a cheesecake-like contrast.
Parfait style: Layer mousse with macerated berries (strawberries or raspberries) and granola for texture contrast.
As a filling: Use as a filling for pre-baked tart shells or chocolate cups for a party-friendly presentation.
With cookies: Serve alongside simple butter cookies, shortbread, or biscotti for dipping.

Tips to make Orange Creamsicle Mousse
Q: How do I keep it light and airy?
A: Fold in the whipped topping gently with a spatula, stopping as soon as the mixture is uniform to preserve air.

Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
A: Yes. Chill the mixing bowl and beaters, then whip 1 cup of heavy cream to soft peaks before folding in. This will yield a lighter, fresher flavor.

Q: What if my cream cheese has lumps?
A: Make sure it’s fully softened to room temperature. If lumps persist, beat longer on medium speed and scrape down the bowl frequently.

Variation (if any)

Orange-Mascarpone swap (paragraph): For a silkier, slightly more luxurious mousse, replace half (6 ounces) of the cream cheese with mascarpone. The result is creamier and less tangy, letting the orange flavor shine through softly.
Boozy twist (bulleted):
- Add 1–2 teaspoons of Grand Marnier or Cointreau for an adult version with a warm orange liqueur note.
- Reduce orange extract by ¼ teaspoon if using liqueur to avoid overpowering alcohol aroma.

Presentation and plating ideas

Contrast textures: Add a crunchy element like toasted almond slivers, graham cracker crumbs, or a sprinkle of candied citrus peel to contrast the mousse’s silkiness.
Color pop: Garnish with micro-mint leaves and a small curl of orange zest for a professional look. The bright orange and green make for an eye-catching dessert.
Single-serve flair: Pipe the mousse with a wide star tip into cups for an elegant swirl, then top with a candied orange wheel for a showstopper.

Troubleshooting common issues

Too dense: The mousse may be too dense if the whipped topping was overfolded or not fluffy enough. Next time, aerate the whipped topping more and fold gently.
Too runny: If the mousse feels runny after chilling, double-check that whipped topping was folded in and that the cream cheese was not overly warm during mixing. Chill longer to allow it to set.
Lacks orange punch: Increase the orange extract slightly (by ¼ teaspoon increments) or add a teaspoon of grated orange zest for a fresh citrus boost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this mousse without orange extract?
A: Yes. If you don’t have orange extract, increase the orange juice slightly and add 1–2 teaspoons of finely grated orange zest to intensify the citrus flavor. The zest contributes aromatic oils that boost the orange profile.

Q: How long should I chill the mousse?
A: Chill for at least 2 hours, though overnight is best for flavor melding and a firmer texture.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
A: Absolutely — spoon the mousse into individual cups with lids for easy transport. If transporting in a single dish, keep it chilled and add final garnishes at the venue.

What about dietary tweaks?

Lower-sugar option: Reduce the confectioners’ sugar to 3/4 cup and taste; you can also use a powdered sugar substitute formulated to measure like sugar, but textures will vary.
Dairy-free adaptation: This mousse relies on cream cheese for structure; for a dairy-free version, consider using a firm dairy-free cream cheese and a stabilized coconut whipped topping, though texture and flavor will change.

Pairings and when to serve

Best after a heavy meal: The mousse’s citrus brightness makes it a perfect palate cleanser after rich or creamy main courses.
Summer gatherings: Serve chilled at barbecues, bridal showers, or poolside parties for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Holiday twist: Add a hint of vanilla and a few drops of amaretto for a festive variation that still highlights the orange.

Make-ahead and assembly tips

Assemble and chill in individual cups the night before to save time on the day of your event. Add delicate garnishes like zest curls and cookie crumbs moments before serving to keep them crisp.

Safety and food handling

Because this recipe contains dairy, keep the mousse refrigerated and avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Use clean utensils when serving to prevent contamination.

Final thought: why this works

The balance of tangy cream cheese and bright orange keeps the mousse from tasting too sweet, while the whipped topping aerates the mixture and gives it that classic creamsicle lightness. It’s a dessert that feels indulgent without being heavy — familiar, comforting, and quick enough to whip up any time you crave something citrusy.

Conclusion

If you’d like another version with slightly different proportions and step-by-step photos, check the Orange Creamsicle Mousse – i am baker for inspiration. For a concise five-ingredient approach and additional tips, see the Orange Creamsicle Mousse Recipe (5-Ingredients) – The Kitchn.