Experience the joy of summer with this no-bake Orange Creamsicle Pie, a creamy and refreshing dessert that combines the nostalgic flavors of an orange creamsicle with the richness of cheesecake. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a delightful finish to any meal, this pie is easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
For the Orange Filling:
- 1 box (approx. 3 oz) orange Jell-O gelatin
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 1/3 cups powdered sugar, divided
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (or substitute with Cool Whip)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Toppings:
- Additional whipped heavy cream
- Orange slices and orange zest for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl.
- Firmly press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
- Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
- Make the Filling:
- Dissolve the orange Jell-O in boiling water in a mixing bowl. Add cold water and stir until slightly thickened.
- In another bowl, whip the cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth.
- Whip the heavy cream with the remaining 1/3 cup powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form in a separate bowl.
- Gently fold the whipped cream and cream cheese mixture into the thickened orange Jell-O.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with an offset spatula.
- Chill and Set:
- Freeze the pie for about 4 hours, or until set.
- Serve:
- Garnish with whipped cream, orange slices, and zest just before serving.
Tips
- Ensure ingredients, especially the cream cheese and heavy cream, are at room temperature to ensure a smooth mixture.
- For a lighter version of the pie, substitute heavy whipping cream with Cool Whip.
- Add the orange garnishes just before serving to maintain freshness and vibrant color.
FAQs
- Can this pie be made a day ahead?
- Absolutely, this pie can be prepared a day in advance and kept frozen or refrigerated until ready to serve.
- How can I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
- The butter in the crust mixture helps solidify the base, especially when well-chilled, which prevents it from becoming soggy.
- What can I use instead of orange Jell-O?
- For a different twist, you can use other citrus-flavored Jell-O like lemon or lime for a varied flavor profile.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 8-10
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Conclusion
The Silky No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Pie offers a blissful escape to the flavors of summer with every creamy, tangy bite. This pie is not only a treat to the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it the perfect centerpiece for your summer celebrations. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this fabulous dessert.