If you crave sunny citrus flavors and creamy nostalgia-packed desserts, the Orange Creamsicle Pie is your new best friend! This pie captures everything you loved about those classic orange-and-vanilla ice cream pops but in a light, luscious slice nestled in a golden graham cracker crust. It’s cool and bright, with just enough zip from real orange juice and zest to make every summer gathering (or Tuesday night) extra special! With only a handful of ingredients and barely any baking, it’s the ultimate easy dessert for all occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Orange Creamsicle Pie is how it transforms simple, readily available ingredients into something truly showstopping! Each one plays a key role in creating that signature creamy texture, zingy citrus flavor, and satisfying crunch.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Classic and sweetly spiced, these form the essential structure and a buttery base for the filling.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the tartness of the orange and the richness of the crust.
- Unsalted butter (melted): The glue that brings your graham crust together and infuses it with richness.
- Orange-flavored gelatin: This is the true secret behind the pie’s light, jiggly texture and vibrant citrus punch.
- Boiling water: Completely dissolves the gelatin for a smooth, consistent filling every time.
- Cold orange juice: Makes the filling even zestier and more refreshing—choose pulp-free for the silkiest bite.
- Orange zest: Infuses every forkful with natural citrus oils and extra dimension. Don’t skip it!
- Sweetened condensed milk: The pie’s creamy heart, it adds silkiness and a gentle, milky sweetness that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Whipped topping (thawed): Folded in for fluffy texture and that classic “creamsicle” vibe—plus extra for decorating.
- Optional garnishes (whipped topping, orange slices, orange zest): For a lovely finishing touch and a hint of flair at serving time.
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until every crumb is coated and the mixture looks like wet sand. Using your fingertips or a flat-bottomed glass, firmly press the crumbs into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake the crust for about 8 to 10 minutes, just until it’s lightly golden and smells delightfully toasty. Set aside to cool completely while you move on to the filling.
Step 2: Dissolve the Gelatin
In a large mixing bowl, sprinkle the orange-flavored gelatin and pour in the boiling water. Stir gently for about 2 minutes, making sure the gelatin completely dissolves—no grainy bits allowed! This is what gives that old-fashioned Orange Creamsicle Pie texture its wobbly, creamy charm.
Step 3: Add Citrus Goodness
Pour in the cold orange juice and sprinkle in that fragrant orange zest, then give everything a good stir. The cold juice helps cool the mixture while the zest loads each bite with fresh, real-orange flavor. Let this bowl cool at room temperature until it’s no longer warm (about 15 minutes)—patience pays off here!
Step 4: Make it Creamy
Once your gelatin mixture is room temp, whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until the filling is smooth, creamy, and dreamy. Take a second to admire that glossy, pastel orange color—just like a true Orange Creamsicle Pie should be!
Step 5: Fold in Whipped Topping
Now, grab your thawed whipped topping and gently fold it into the orange mixture using a spatula. Be gentle—fold just until no streaks remain for an ultra-light, fluffy filling that sets up silky and tender.
Step 6: Fill and Chill
Pour your creamy orange filling into the cooled graham crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Transfer the pie to the fridge and let it chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is perfect), so it becomes beautifully sliceable and holds its shape.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, pipe or dollop extra whipped topping around the pie’s edge and decorate with orange slices or a scatter of zest for a final splash of color. Your Orange Creamsicle Pie masterpiece is ready to impress and delight!
How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Pie
Garnishes
For the prettiest presentation, finish your Orange Creamsicle Pie with a generous swirl of whipped topping and a few curls of fresh orange zest or thin orange slices. These bright touches not only look gorgeous but also give a hint of the fresh citrus flavors hiding inside.
Side Dishes
Pair each creamy slice with a handful of fresh berries or a glass of iced tea for the ultimate sunshine treat, or serve after a light summer meal like grilled chicken or a leafy salad. The pie’s cool, citrusy filling provides the perfect sweet finish to all sorts of menus.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the pie into slim wedges and layering them in parfait glasses with more whipped topping, or make mini Orange Creamsicle Pies in individual tartlet pans for parties. A scattering of candied orange peel or tiny sprigs of mint adds extra flair and makes every serving feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Orange Creamsicle Pie should be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. The texture stays perfectly creamy and the crust remains just crisp enough, provided you keep it chilled.
Freezing
If needed, you can freeze the pie (either whole or by slice) for up to 2 months. Wrap it well in plastic and a layer of foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving—don’t try to speed up the process on the counter, or the creamy filling may separate.
Reheating
This pie is meant to be enjoyed cold, so there’s no reheating necessary! For the best texture, serve straight from the refrigerator and let the pie sit at room temperature for just a few minutes before slicing if it’s especially firm.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought crust instead of making my own?
Absolutely! A premade graham cracker crust saves time and still delivers all the right flavors and texture for Orange Creamsicle Pie. Just be sure it’s a 9-inch crust to hold all the creamy filling.
What’s the best way to zest an orange?
Use a microplane or the fine side of a box grater, making sure to get only the colorful outer zest and not the bitter white pith beneath. Always zest before juicing, and save a little extra for those beautiful garnishes.
Can I make this pie ahead for a party?
Yes! Orange Creamsicle Pie is a perfect make-ahead dessert. Prepare it up to a day in advance, keep it chilled, and garnish just before serving for maximum freshness and wow factor.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
You can swap in freshly whipped cream (whip to soft peaks and sweeten lightly), though the pie may be a little less stable if it will sit for a while or be transported. Stabilize homemade whipped cream with a tablespoon of powdered sugar if you like.
Does Orange Creamsicle Pie work with other citrus flavors?
Definitely! Try lemon or lime gelatin and juice for a tangy twist, or even a blend. The basic method stays the same, so feel free to experiment and invent your own signature creamsicle pies!
Final Thoughts
You’re just a few steps away from a slice of pure sunshine. Whether you’re sharing it at a picnic, rounding out a family dinner, or treating yourself on a quiet night in, Orange Creamsicle Pie brings nostalgia and bright, happy flavor to every bite. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients and make this your new go-to dessert. You’re going to adore it!
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Orange Creamsicle Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Orange Creamsicle Pie is a delightful no-bake dessert that captures the classic flavors of a creamsicle in a creamy, citrusy pie. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious orange-infused filling, this pie is perfect for any occasion, especially during the summer months.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 1 (3-ounce) package orange-flavored gelatin
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
For garnish (optional):
- Additional whipped topping
- Orange slices or zest
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a pie dish and bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool.
- Make the filling: Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Add cold orange juice and zest. Cool to room temperature. Whisk in sweetened condensed milk, then fold in whipped topping. Pour into crust and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Garnish and serve: Top with whipped topping and orange slices or zest before serving.
Notes
- For a quick version, use a pre-made graham cracker crust.
- Ensure the gelatin mixture cools properly to maintain the texture of the pie.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (with baked crust)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
