If you have a soft spot for nostalgic, bright, and creamy desserts, you’re going to fall in love with this Orange Creamsicle Pie Recipe. It perfectly captures the essence of the classic creamsicle popsicle with a luscious, airy filling nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. Every bite bursts with fresh orange zest and juice, balanced with velvety cream cheese and whipped cream, creating a dreamy, refreshing dessert that’s absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a summer gathering or just because you deserve a sweet pick-me-up, this pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings sunshine to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for this pie is key, yet you’ll be delightfully surprised at how few and straightforward they are. Each component contributes something special — the graham cracker crumbs add a toasty crunch, the cream cheese provides richness and tang, while the orange juice and zest infuse everything with that iconic bright citrus flavor.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 1/2 cups): Forms a crisp and buttery base that complements the creamy filling beautifully.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the crust and helps it brown to perfection in the oven.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Binds the crust ingredients together with a rich, mellow flavor.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): Provides a smooth, tangy foundation for the luscious filling.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese without leaving any graininess.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Whipped to stiff peaks to lighten up the filling with airy texture.
- Orange juice (1/2 cup): Freshly squeezed is best for that vibrant, natural citrus punch.
- Orange zest (1 tablespoon): Adds concentrated citrus oils and fragrance that deepen the orange flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Unflavored gelatin (1 packet, optional): Keeps the filling firmer if you prefer a slice that holds its shape perfectly.
- Whipped cream (for garnish): Adds a generous, fluffy topping that’s both pretty and delicious.
- Orange slices or zest (for garnish, optional): Makes the presentation pop with bright, elegant accents.
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which is just right to bring out the golden tones of the crust. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until every bit is coated and holds together when pressed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish for a sturdy, even base. Pop it in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, then let it cool completely before moving on. This step ensures your crust remains crisp and delicious, providing the perfect foundation for all that creamy filling.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
While the crust cools, whip up the filling starting with beating the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until the blend is silky smooth with no lumps in sight. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks—this is what will give your pie that cloud-like texture. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate it. Next, stir in your fresh orange juice, zest, and vanilla extract to breathe life into the filling with bright citrus notes and classic sweetness.
Step 3: (Optional) Add Gelatin for Firmness
If you like your pie slices to stand tall and neat, take a moment to dissolve the unflavored gelatin in about 1/4 cup of warm water until fully dissolved. Fold this into your filling mixture, which will help it set nicely without sacrificing any of the creamy softness. This step is optional, but great for parties where presentation matters!
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
Pour that luscious filling right into your cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula for a professional finish. Pop the pie into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours — or better yet, overnight. This gives the flavors time to meld and the filling time to set perfectly. Patience here definitely pays off!
How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A swirl of freshly whipped cream on each slice adds an inviting fluffy finish, and a few orange slices or an extra sprinkle of orange zest takes the presentation to the next level. These simple touches not only make the pie look gorgeous but enhance that fresh, citrusy vibe with every bite.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like a mixed berry salad or a handful of candied nuts. If you want a beverage, consider a sparkling water with a hint of lemon or a chilled herbal tea to balance the sweetness and cleanse your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual mini pies in ramekins with a shortbread crumble on top or set up a pie bar with toppings like chopped pistachios, edible flowers, or a drizzle of honey. You can also layer the filling and crust in clear glasses for parfait-style servings that show off all the colorful layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Orange Creamsicle Pie keeps wonderfully in the fridge covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop more as it rests, making your pie even better the next day.
Freezing
This pie freezes well if you want to prepare ahead for a special occasion. Wrap it securely with plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving to maintain that lovely creamy texture.
Reheating
Since this pie is served chilled and creamy, reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow frozen slices to thaw completely in the fridge for best taste and texture without losing the refreshing quality that makes this recipe stand out.
FAQs
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
While bottled orange juice works in a pinch, fresh-squeezed orange juice really makes a difference in flavor and brightness. It ensures your pie tastes vibrant and just like a true creamsicle.
Is the gelatin necessary?
Gelatin is optional and mainly helps the pie hold its shape if you want firmer slices. If you prefer a softer, mousse-like texture, feel free to skip it without losing any flavor.
Can I make this pie dairy-free?
Replacing the cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives is possible but may affect the texture and taste. You may need to experiment with soft vegan cream cheese and coconut cream to get a similar creamy consistency.
How long does the pie stay fresh?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, this pie remains fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the crust might start to lose its crunch.
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Absolutely! A pre-made graham cracker crust can save you time and still taste great. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before adding the filling for the best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Orange Creamsicle Pie Recipe that brings out the childlike joy of a classic summer treat in pie form. It’s easy, bright, and downright delicious — perfect for any occasion that calls for a bit of creamy sunshine. So go ahead and treat yourself and your friends to this delightful pie; I promise it will become one of your favorites in no time.
Print
Orange Creamsicle Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Orange Creamsicle Pie combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a smooth, creamy filling bursting with fresh orange juice and zest. Whipped cream adds a light, airy finish, making this no-bake dessert a refreshing treat perfect for warm days or any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 packet (1 oz) unflavored gelatin (optional for a firmer texture)
Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Orange slices or zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish to form an even crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.
- Make the Filling Base: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form, creating a light and airy texture.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined, maintaining the fluffiness of the whipped cream.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract, blending everything to create a smooth, citrusy filling.
- Optional Gelatin Step: For a firmer texture, dissolve the unflavored gelatin in about 1/4 cup of warm water and fold it gently into the filling mixture.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the prepared filling into the cooled graham cracker crust and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours to allow the filling to firm up completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Once set, top the pie with whipped cream and garnish with orange slices or additional orange zest if desired. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Freshly squeezed orange juice is preferred for the best flavor, but store-bought juice can be used if needed.
- The gelatin is optional; omit it if you prefer a softer, creamier filling.
- Allow the crust to cool completely to prevent the filling from melting.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a tangier taste, try adding a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to the filling.
