Orange Hash
A light, fruity dessert with orange flavor, creamy texture, and a hint of crunch from pecans, perfect for a refreshing treat at gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place dry jello, cream cheese, and Cool Whip in a bowl and beat well.
- Add drained mandarin oranges and mix.
- Add pecans and stir.
- If desired, add orange juice to thin the mixture slightly.
- Pour into an 8 x 8-inch pan and chill until firm, about 3 hours.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the mandarin oranges with other fruits like peaches or pineapple for a different flavor. If you'd like a nuttier taste, consider adding chopped walnuts instead of pecans. To enhance the orange flavor, try adding a splash of orange extract.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled as a refreshing dessert at gatherings or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with Holiday Pound Cake (Fruit Cake) for a festive spread. For an added touch, garnish each square with a dollop of extra Cool Whip and a sprinkle of orange zest. It can also be served alongside a light salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dessert can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, and it will maintain its texture well. Avoid freezing, as the cream cheese and Cool Whip may separate upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Hash contains roughly 489 calories, with 7g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe a day in advance?
Yes, Orange Hash can be made a day ahead of serving. In fact, allowing it to chill overnight will help the flavors meld together perfectly. Just ensure it is covered well to prevent any absorption of odors from the refrigerator.
What can I use instead of Cool Whip?
If you're looking for a substitute for Cool Whip, you can use homemade whipped cream. Simply beat heavy cream with a little sugar until soft peaks form. This will give you a fresh taste and a more natural ingredient option.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, this Orange Hash recipe is suitable for vegetarian diets as it contains no meat or animal-derived products beyond dairy. However, if you're catering to a vegan audience, consider using dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping alternatives to make it fully plant-based.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).