Have you ever found yourself craving a dessert that captures the essence of summer while being incredibly easy to make? If so, you need to try the delightful Jello Creamsicle Pie! This refreshing dessert combines creamy goodness with a vibrant orange flavor. It’s perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, or just a sweet treat on a warm day. With its vibrant colors and delightful taste, this pie is not only visually appealing but also incredibly simple to whip up. Let’s dive into the details of how you can make this fantastic pie!
Ingredients List
To make your very own Jello Creamsicle Pie, you’ll need the following 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)
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed, divided
- 12 ounces cool whip, divided
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14-ounce)
- Orange slices for garnish
Feel free to substitute the shortbread cookies with graham crackers for a different flavor profile. You can also opt for reduced-fat cream cheese or sugar-free Jello for a lighter version!
Timing
Preparation time for Jello Creamsicle Pie is about 20 minutes, and chilling time can range from 2 hours in the fridge to just 1 hour in the freezer. Overall, the entire process takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. This is significantly quicker than many traditional pie recipes, making it an excellent choice for busy days.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep
Spray a deep pie dish with no-stick spray to ensure your pie releases easily once it’s set.
Step 2: Make the Crust
Pulse 3 cups of shortbread cookies in a food processor until they reach a sand-like consistency. In a mixing bowl, combine the cookie crumbs with the melted butter, then press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the pie dish. Pop it in the freezer while you make the filling.
Step 3: Create Orange Flavor
Rinse out the food processor and add 1 peeled and sliced orange, 2 tablespoons of orange zest, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¼ cup of orange juice. Puree until smooth, then set aside.
Step 4: Make the Filling Base
In a stand mixer, combine 8 ounces of cream cheese and the Jello mix. Beat until smooth and well-combined.
Step 5: Make it Fluffy
Fold in 1 can of sweetened condensed milk and 8 ounces of Cool Whip, making sure to mix gently to maintain the fluffy texture.
Step 6: Put it All Together
Gradually beat the orange juice mixture into the filling until fully incorporated.
Step 7: Assemble the Pie
Pour the creamy filling into the pie crust you prepared earlier.
Step 8: Chill
Chill the pie in the fridge for a couple of hours for a soft-serve texture or pop it in the freezer for an hour for a firmer dessert.
Step 9: Make the Topping
Whip the remaining cream cheese and Cool Whip together until smooth, which will serve as the topping for your pie.
Step 10: Garnish
Top the pie with the cream cheese whipped cream and garnish with orange slices for a burst of color.
Nutritional Information
This Jello Creamsicle Pie serves about 10 and contains, per slice, approximately:
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind that these values may vary based on ingredient substitutions and portion sizes.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to make a healthier version of the Jello Creamsicle Pie, consider using:
- Whole wheat cookies for the crust
- Low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of regular cream cheese
- Sugar-free Jello to reduce sugar content
- Fresh fruit instead of additional sugar in the topping
These options can help you enjoy your dessert without sacrificing taste!
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Jello Creamsicle Pie at family gatherings, potluck dinners, or birthday parties. Pair it with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. It’s perfect for summer barbecues and holidays like the Fourth of July!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not chilling the pie long enough: Make sure to allow sufficient time for the pie to set.
- Overmixing the filling: Gentle folding will keep the filling light and airy.
- Skipping on the garnish: A few orange slices can elevate the presentation significantly!
Storing Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you freeze the pie, ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Simply allow it to thaw in the fridge before serving again.
Conclusion
The Jello Creamsicle Pie is a delightful treat that’s simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors beckon for warm summer days and joyous gatherings. Don’t hesitate to try this easy recipe, and I guarantee it will become a favorite in your household. Share your experiences and let us know how it turns out!
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of Jello?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors to match your preference.
How long does the pie last in the fridge?
The pie lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator if stored properly.
Can I make this pie dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy products with non-dairy alternatives, such as coconut cream or dairy-free cream cheese.
Print
Jello Creamsicle Pie
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 140 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing dessert that combines creamy goodness with vibrant orange flavor, perfect for summer gatherings.
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)
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed, divided
- 12 ounces cool whip, divided
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14-ounce)
- Orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- Spray a deep pie dish with no-stick spray to ensure easy release.
- Pulse shortbread cookies in a food processor until sand-like. Combine with melted butter and press into the pie dish; freeze.
- Rinse the processor, add orange, zest, vanilla, and juice; puree.
- In a stand mixer, beat 8 ounces cream cheese with Jello until smooth.
- Fold in sweetened condensed milk and 8 ounces Cool Whip gently.
- Gradually beat in orange juice mixture until combined.
- Pour filling into crust.
- Chill in the fridge for 2 hours or freeze for 1 hour.
- Whip remaining cream cheese and Cool Whip; use as topping.
- Garnish with orange slices.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute with reduced-fat cream cheese and sugar-free Jello.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Jello, Creamsicle, Pie, Dessert, Summer, Easy Recipe