A light and luscious no-bake dessert bursting with citrusy flavor and creamy goodness—this dreamy pie brings all the nostalgic vibes of an orange creamsicle in a cool, refreshing slice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Simplicity – Perfect for warm days or when you need a quick dessert.
- Nostalgic Flavor – Tastes just like a classic creamsicle.
- Light & Refreshing – Not overly rich, just creamy and bright.
- Kid-Approved – Fun and fruity for all ages.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Ideal for prepping in advance for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 (3 oz) box orange Jell-O gelatin
- ⅔ cup boiling water
- 1 cup ice cold water
- 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 (9-inch) graham cracker pie crust
- Mandarin orange slices (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, dissolve the orange Jell-O in boiling water. Whisk for about 2 minutes until completely dissolved.
- Add the ice cold water and continue whisking until the mixture turns frothy.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Place the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly.
- Pour the creamy orange filling into the graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill the pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully set.
- Garnish with mandarin orange slices just before serving, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Calories: 290 kcal per serving
Variations
- Orange Creamsicle Bars: Pour into a square pan and cut into bars instead of pie slices.
- Citrus Twist: Try lemon or lime Jell-O for a different flavor.
- Layered Look: Add a layer of crushed mandarin oranges or orange zest in the middle.
- Crust Swap: Use a vanilla wafer or Oreo crust instead of graham cracker.
- Top it Off: Add whipped cream, white chocolate curls, or orange zest.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Can be frozen (without garnish) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: Not applicable as this is a chilled dessert.
FAQs
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, just whip about 1½ cups of heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
What other crusts can I use?
Oreo, vanilla wafer, or shortbread crusts all work well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It’s even better made the day before.
Can I use sugar-free Jell-O?
Yes, sugar-free Jell-O works just as well.
How do I prevent the pie from being too runny?
Make sure to let the filling chill and thicken before pouring into the crust.
Is this gluten-free?
Only if you use a gluten-free crust.
Can I add fruit into the filling?
Yes, fold in mandarin oranges or pineapple tidbits.
What can I serve this with?
It’s delicious on its own, but also great with extra whipped cream or fresh berries.
Does it hold up well at room temperature?
It’s best served chilled; don’t leave it out for more than 1 hour.
Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O?
Yes! Strawberry, raspberry, or peach are all fun alternatives.
Conclusion
Dreamy Orange Creamsicle Pie is the ultimate no-bake treat—cool, creamy, and full of nostalgic charm. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings!
Print
Dreamy Orange Creamsicle Pie
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes (Chill Time: 4 hours 30 minutes)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and luscious no-bake dessert with citrusy flavor and creamy goodness—this dreamy pie tastes just like an orange creamsicle.
Ingredients
-
1 (3 oz) box orange Jell-O gelatin
-
2/3 cup boiling water
-
1 cup ice cold water
-
1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed
-
1 (9-inch) graham cracker pie crust
-
Mandarin orange slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
In a bowl, dissolve the orange Jell-O in boiling water; whisk for about 2 minutes.
-
Add ice cold water and whisk until frothy.
-
Fold in the Cool Whip until the filling is smooth and creamy.
-
Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to thicken slightly.
-
Pour into the graham cracker crust and smooth the top.
-
Chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until set.
-
Garnish with mandarin orange slices before serving, if desired.
Notes
-
For extra citrus kick, add a bit of orange zest into the mix.
-
Substitute whipped cream cheese for a tangy twist.
-
Keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days—great for make-ahead desserts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: No-Bake
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American