If you’re craving a fun, vibrant, and incredibly delicious dessert, look no further than Orange Jello Creamsicle Pie. This creamy, refreshing treat is the perfect combination of orange zest, velvety cream cheese, and a light, crunchy shortbread crust. Imagine biting into a dreamy, frozen creamsicle – but in pie form and better than ever!
Picture this: a warm summer afternoon, family and friends gathered around, and a stunning Orange Jello Creamsicle Pie at the center of the table. The citrusy aroma fills the air, instantly refreshing everyone. It’s not just any dessert; it’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the beloved flavor of an orange creamsicle with the simplicity of a no-bake pie. The best part? Orange Jello Creamsicle Pie requires no baking, making it the ideal treat for any time of the year.
Imagine this recipe as a story: the buttery shortbread crust sets the stage, followed by the sweet, tangy orange filling that steals the show. This dessert has all the key elements to become a signature dish at your next family gathering, party, or holiday celebration. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients and a little time in the freezer to achieve the perfect set.
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients for Orange Jello Creamsicle Pie
Creating the perfect Orange Jello Creamsicle Pie starts with selecting the right ingredients. This dessert brings together the refreshing flavors of orange, the creaminess of Cool Whip and cream cheese, and the crunch of a shortbread cookie crust. Let’s break down the key ingredients that will make this treat irresistible!
For the Crust
- 3 cups shortbread cookies
- Shortbread cookies form the perfect base for Orange Jello Creamsicle Pie. Their buttery flavor and crisp texture provide a delightful contrast to the creamy filling. When ground into crumbs, they create a firm, flavorful crust that holds up well against the luscious filling.
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- The melted butter binds the cookie crumbs together, giving the crust a golden, crisp finish. It helps the crust hold its shape when you slice the pie, ensuring a clean-cut and neat presentation.
For the Filling
- 1 orange, peeled and sliced
- Fresh orange slices infuse the pie with a natural citrus sweetness that perfectly complements the creamy filling. The vibrant color and fresh flavor of orange shine through, making the pie a refreshing treat.
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- Orange zest adds a powerful burst of citrus aroma and tanginess. It deepens the overall orange flavor and brightens the filling, making every bite a citrus lover’s dream.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A touch of vanilla extract balances the tartness of the orange and enhances the overall flavor profile. It adds a subtle warmth that makes the pie’s flavor even more complex and satisfying.
- ¼ cup orange juice
- Freshly squeezed orange juice adds moisture and intensifies the flavor of the orange filling. It helps smooth out the mixture and ensures a luscious, creamy texture once everything is combined.
- 1 box of orange Jello (3-ounce)
- The orange Jello mix brings the characteristic texture to the pie, making it set just right. It helps firm up the filling while contributing to the overall orange flavor that makes this pie so delightful.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- Cream cheese is essential for creating that smooth, velvety filling. It adds richness and thickness to the pie while mellowing out the tanginess of the orange, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
- Cool Whip is what gives this pie its light, airy texture. It makes the filling creamy but not too heavy, and it’s key to achieving the perfect pie consistency. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to fold into the mixture.
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14-ounce)
- Sweetened condensed milk adds just the right amount of sweetness to the pie. Its creamy texture helps bind the filling together and adds a touch of richness that’s hard to beat.
For the Topping
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Cream cheese in the topping brings a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness of the filling. It also provides a smooth, creamy texture that’s perfect for topping off the pie.
- 4 ounces Cool Whip
- The Cool Whip in the topping mirrors the filling, giving the pie an extra layer of fluffiness. This light texture ensures the topping doesn’t overpower the pie but complements it beautifully.
- Orange slices for garnish
- Fresh orange slices make a perfect garnish for your pie. Not only do they add a vibrant pop of color, but they also reinforce the fresh citrus flavor and make the pie look even more inviting.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Orange Jello Creamsicle Pie
Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to put everything together and create the perfect Orange Jello Creamsicle Pie! With just a few simple steps, you’ll be on your way to making a delicious, creamy, and refreshing dessert that everyone will love.
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Orange Jello Creamsicle Pie
- Total Time: 4 hours (to allow the pie to chill and set)
Description
A refreshing no-bake pie made with a creamy orange filling, buttery crust, and topped with a light, fluffy cream cheese topping and fresh orange slices.
Ingredients
3 cups shortbread cookies
¼ cup butter, melted
1 orange, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup orange juice
1 box of orange Jello (3-ounce)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
8 ounces Cool Whip
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14-ounce)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 ounces Cool Whip
Orange slices for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the crust: Spray a deep pie dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pulse the shortbread cookies in a food processor until they reach a sand-like consistency. Combine with melted butter and press into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie dish. Freeze the crust.
Prepare the filling: Puree the peeled orange slices, orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange juice in a food processor until smooth. In a stand mixer or large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and orange Jello powder. Mix until smooth. Fold in sweetened condensed milk and Cool Whip until fully combined.
Assemble the pie: Pour the mixture into the prepared crust and smooth the surface. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
Make the topping: For the topping, mix the softened cream cheese and Cool Whip. Spread the topping evenly over the chilled pie.
Garnish and chill: Garnish the pie with orange slices and chill for an additional 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (since it’s a no-bake pie)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g
Prepare the Crust
The crust sets the foundation for the pie, so it’s important to get it right. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Spray your pie dish: Start by spraying a deep pie dish with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures that the crust doesn’t stick when it’s time to slice and serve.
- Process the shortbread cookies: In a food processor, pulse the shortbread cookies until they’re finely ground into crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, place the cookies in a plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin until you have sand-like crumbs.
- Combine cookie crumbs and melted butter: Transfer the cookie crumbs into a mixing bowl and pour in the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and stick together when pressed.
- Press the mixture into the pie dish: Firmly press the cookie mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the pie dish. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to make sure it’s packed tightly.
- Chill the crust: Place the crust in the freezer while you work on the filling. Freezing the crust helps it set and hold its shape when the pie is ready to serve.
Make the Orange Jello Filling
With the crust chilling, it’s time to make the creamy, tangy filling. Follow these steps to create a smooth and flavorful base for your pie:
- Puree the orange slices: Clean out your food processor and add the peeled orange slices, orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange juice. Puree everything until smooth and well combined. This fresh, zesty mixture will be the heart of your pie’s flavor.
- Mix cream cheese and Jello: In a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer), combine the softened cream cheese and the orange Jello mix. Beat on medium speed until smooth and fully incorporated. The Jello will dissolve into the cream cheese, creating a thick and creamy mixture.
- Add sweetened condensed milk and Cool Whip. Next, fold in the sweetened condensed milk, which will add a rich sweetness to the filling. Then, gently fold in the 8 ounces of Cool Whip. This adds a light, airy texture to the filling, making it perfectly fluffy and creamy.
Assemble the Pie
Now that your filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the pie. Follow these final steps to bring it all together:
- Pour the filling into the crust: Take the crust out of the freezer and carefully pour the prepared orange filling into the crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly, ensuring it reaches all edges of the pie dish.
- Smooth the surface: Use the back of the spatula to smooth out the surface of the filling. Try to make it as level as possible so the pie sets evenly.
- Chill the pie: Place the pie in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. The filling needs time to set and firm up, allowing the flavors to meld together and creating the perfect consistency.
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Adding the Topping and Final Touches for Orange Jello Creamsicle Pie
The final touches on your Orange Jello Creamsicle Pie are essential to make it truly shine. A creamy, fluffy topping and a beautiful orange garnish will not only enhance the flavor but also elevate the pie’s presentation. Let’s walk through how to finish this pie off perfectly!

Making the Topping
- Combine cream cheese and Cool Whip: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and 4 ounces of Cool Whip. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, blend them until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and light. This creates a soft topping that will complement the creamy filling.
- Spread the Topping evenly: After the filling has set in the refrigerator (this usually takes at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results), carefully take the pie out and spread the cream cheese-Cool Whip mixture over the entire surface of the pie. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly across the top, covering the filling completely.
- Smooth the surface: Once you’ve spread the Topping, use the back of your spatula to smooth it out to an even, level surface. This helps give the pie a clean, polished look.
Garnishing with Orange Slices
- Prepare the orange slices: Slice a fresh orange into thin rounds. Be sure to remove any seeds. These fresh slices will serve as a gorgeous garnish and reinforce the orange flavor of the pie.
- Decorate the pie: Arrange the orange slices in a decorative pattern on top of the pie. You can place them in neat concentric circles or scatter them across the surface for a more relaxed, fun design. The bright orange slices will pop and enhance the visual appeal of the pie.
- Optional chilling: If you’d like the Topping to firm up a bit more, return the pie to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to an hour. This will allow the Topping to set and help the flavors come together even more.
Final Presentation Tips
- Serve chilled: For the best experience, make sure the pie is served chilled. This helps it hold its shape and ensures the perfect texture when slicing and serving.
- Slice and serve: When it’s time to serve, use a sharp knife to slice the pie into wedges, ensuring each slice has a portion of the creamy filling and fresh garnish. Serve on a nice platter to make the presentation even more appealing.
Tips for Perfecting Your Orange Jello Creamsicle Pie
While making Orange Jello Creamsicle Pie is relatively simple, there are a few tricks and tips to ensure that your pie turns out flawless every time. Let’s explore some common challenges and how to avoid them so your pie looks and tastes perfect!
How to Ensure the Crust Holds Up
- Use a firm press: When pressing the shortbread crumb mixture into the pie dish, be sure to press it firmly to create a compact crust. This will help it stay intact once the pie is served and prevent it from crumbling when you slice it.
- Freeze the crust: After assembling the crust, make sure to place it in the freezer for at least 15-20 minutes before adding the filling. This helps the butter solidify, making the crust firmer and ensuring it won’t get soggy once the filling is added.
How to Achieve the Perfect Filling Texture
- Room temperature cream cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. If it’s too cold, it can create lumps in the filling, making it less smooth. Let it sit out for 30 minutes to an hour before you start.
- Blend the filling well: When mixing the cream cheese and the orange Jello, be sure to blend the mixture well. A smooth, fully incorporated filling ensures a creamy and consistent texture.
- Avoid overmixing the Cool Whip: When folding in the Cool Whip, do so gently to maintain the light, fluffy texture. Overmixing can cause the filling to lose its airiness, making it denser than desired.
How to Prevent the Pie from Being Too Sweet or Tangy
- Adjust the orange zest and juice: If you prefer a more subtle orange flavor, reduce the amount of orange zest and juice. You can always taste the filling mixture before setting it to adjust the flavor balance. A little extra zest can go a long way in brightening the pie without making it too tangy.
- Use less sweetened condensed milk: If you want to dial back the sweetness, feel free to adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk. You can use about 12 ounces instead of the full can for a less sweet pie.
How to Ensure the Pie Sets Properly
- Allow enough chill time: One of the most important steps in making Orange Jello Creamsicle Pie is giving it enough time to sit in the refrigerator. For best results, chill the pie for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This ensures that the filling and topping firm up and that the pie holds together when sliced.
- Avoid warm ingredients: Make sure your filling and crust are at the correct temperatures. If the filling is too warm when added to the crust, it can soften the crust and affect the pie’s overall texture. Let the filling cool to room temperature before adding it to the crust.
How to Make the Pie Ahead of Time
- Prepare the pie in advance: The great thing about this Orange Jello Creamsicle Pie is that it can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just be sure to store it covered in the fridge so it stays fresh.
- Avoid garnishing too early: If you plan to make the pie ahead of time, it’s best to wait until right before serving to add the fresh orange slices as a garnish. This keeps the orange slices fresh and prevents them from wilting or becoming soggy.
What is an Orange Jello Creamsicle Pie?
An Orange Jello Creamsicle Pie is a refreshing, no-bake dessert that combines the bright citrus flavor of orange with creamy filling and a crunchy cookie crust. The pie features a blend of orange zest, fresh orange juice, and orange Jello for that signature orange flavor, paired with a smooth cream cheese and Cool Whip filling. It’s a dessert that mimics the flavors of an orange creamsicle, but in a pie form.
How Do You Make a Creamsicle Pie with Jello?
Making a Creamsicle Pie with Jello is easy! Start by preparing a crust using shortbread cookies and butter, pressing it firmly into a pie dish and chilling it. For the filling, blend fresh orange slices, orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange juice in a food processor. Mix this with softened cream cheese, orange Jello, sweetened condensed milk, and Cool Whip to create a smooth, creamy filling. Once combined, pour the filling into the chilled crust, smooth it out, and let it set in the refrigerator for a few hours. Top with a whipped cream and cream cheese topping, garnish with orange slices, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Can I Make Orange Creamsicle Pie Without Jello?
Yes! While Jello is a key ingredient that gives this pie its texture and distinctive flavor, you can make a version without Jello. To replace the Jello, you can use unflavored gelatin as a binding agent and add more fresh orange juice and zest to intensify the citrus flavor. Keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly, but you’ll still get a deliciously creamy pie with an orange flavor!
How Long Does It Take for Orange Creamsicle Pie to Set?
The Orange Jello Creamsicle Pie needs time to set in the refrigerator to achieve the perfect texture. It should chill for at least 4 hours, but for best results, leave it overnight. This allows the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld together. The longer it sits, the better it will set