Orange Cream Popicle Pudding

Alright, listen up. This isn’t your grandma’s pudding. We’re taking the familiar comfort of orange cream popsicles and layering them with a velvety smooth, almost ethereal, orange cream base. It’s a flavor explosion – a little bit tangy, a little bit sweet, and undeniably *cool*. I remember trying this recipe for the first time as a kid, and it felt like a secret garden of dessert. It’s a bit of a wild ride, but trust me, it’s worth it.

Yields: Approximately 6-8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes

• Ingredients:
• 1 (14 ounce) can Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 1 ½ cups Orange Juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
• 2 tablespoons Orange Zest (freshly grated is key!)
• 2 tablespoons Orange Extract
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon Paprika (because, why not?)
• 1/4 cup Orange Cream Popsicle Mix (this is a crucial part - see below!)
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (full fat, please!)
• 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar (for dusting - and a little bit of magic!)
• Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, orange juice, orange zest, orange extract, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth. Don't let it boil!
2. Slowly whisk in the orange cream popsicle mix until well combined. This will give it a fantastic texture.
3. Gently stir in the heavy cream.
4. Divide the mixture evenly into 6-8 small ramekins or glasses.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 20 minutes.
6. Let cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and a sprinkle of paprika – it’s a *treat!*

Orange Cream Popsicle Mix - Here's the secret ingredient! This is where the magic really happens. It’s a combination of powdered orange extract, orange zest, and a touch of gelatin to help it thicken. I personally add a tablespoon of ginger for warmth.

Notes: For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of orange liqueur (like Cointreau) to the base. Don't overbake, or it will become a grainy pudding.