Creamsicle Vodka Jello Rollup

Ingredients:

1 cup orange juice (fresh or high-quality not-from-concentrate)

1/2 cup vodka (plain or vanilla-flavored works best)

1 packet (3 oz) orange-flavored gelatin

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 cup whipped cream (stable whipped cream, not the spray can variety)

1/2 cup cold water

3 tablespoons cold water (for blooming gelatin)

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin

In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of cold water with the orange-flavored gelatin. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom. This crucial step ensures your gelatin will dissolve smoothly without lumps.

Step 2: Create Your Flavor Base

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Watch carefully and don’t let the mixture boil—you want it hot but not boiling to preserve the orange flavor.

Step 3: Incorporate the Gelatin

Once the juice mixture is hot, remove it from the heat and add the bloomed gelatin. Stir until the gelatin is fully dissolved and the mixture is completely smooth with no visible granules.

Step 4: Add the Boozy Element

Add the vodka and vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring to combine. Adding the alcohol after removing from heat prevents evaporation of the alcohol and ensures you’ll get that perfect boozy kick.

Step 5: Cool the Mixture

Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. This step is critical—if you add the cream while the mixture is still hot, it will separate rather than create that perfect swirl effect.

Step 6: Create the Creamsicle Effect

Once cooled, gently fold in the whipped cream until well combined but still visibly swirled. You want visible streaks of orange and cream rather than a completely homogenous mixture.

Step 7: Prepare Your Setting Surface

Line a baking dish or a flat tray (9×13 inch works well) with plastic wrap, leaving some overhang on all sides for easy removal later. Make sure the plastic wrap is as smooth as possible to create a clean surface for your jello.

Step 8: Pour and Set

Pour the jello mixture into the lined dish, spreading it evenly to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Use an offset spatula if available to create a perfectly smooth surface.

Step 9: Refrigerate to Perfection

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until completely set. Overnight is ideal for the perfect texture.

Step 10: Create the Rollups

Once set, lift the jello sheet from the dish using the plastic wrap overhang and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the jello into strips about 1-1.5 inches wide.

Step 11: Roll and Serve

Carefully roll each strip into a tight spiral and place on your serving platter. For maximum visual impact, place them cut-side up to showcase the spiral pattern.