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Orange Jello Creamsicle Pie: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Summer Treat

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There’s something magical about the combination of tangy orange and creamy sweetness, like the nostalgic creamsicles we loved as kids. This Orange Jello Creamsicle Pie brings that same vibrant flavor to a no-bake pie, with a buttery cookie crust and a dreamy, fluffy filling. Perfect for hot summer days or any time you need a quick, refreshing dessert, this easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 3 cups shortbread cookies: These will create a buttery, crisp crust that perfectly complements the creamy filling. Shortbread cookies are ideal for this dessert because they’re simple, slightly sweet, and provide the perfect amount of crunch.
  • ¼ cup butter (melted): Butter holds the cookie crumbs together, ensuring the crust stays firm and cohesive while adding a rich, buttery flavor.

For the Filling:

  • 1 orange (peeled and sliced): The fresh orange provides the vibrant citrus flavor that is the hallmark of this creamsicle-inspired pie.
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest: Zesting the orange adds a more intense orange flavor, enriching the overall taste of the filling.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla is the perfect complement to the tangy orange, adding depth and balance to the pie.
  • ¼ cup orange juice: Fresh orange juice intensifies the citrus flavor and enhances the overall creaminess of the filling.
  • 1 box of orange Jello (3-ounce): This ingredient gives the pie its signature orange flavor and provides a nice firm texture to the filling.
  • 12 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed (divided): Cream cheese brings a smooth, creamy texture to the filling and helps balance the sweetness of the other ingredients.
  • 12 ounces Cool Whip (divided): Cool Whip adds a light, airy texture to the filling, making it fluffy and indulgent.
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14-ounce): This ingredient adds richness and sweetness to the filling, making it extra creamy and satisfying.

For the Garnish:

  • Orange slices for garnish: Fresh orange slices provide a beautiful finishing touch and add an extra layer of citrus flavor to the pie.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Spray the pie dish: Begin by spraying a deep pie dish with non-stick cooking spray. This will ensure that the pie comes out of the dish easily after chilling.
  2. Pulse the cookies: In a food processor, pulse the shortbread cookies until they reach a sand-like consistency. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the cookies in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
  3. Mix with melted butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the cookie crumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined.
  4. Press into the pie dish: Press the cookie mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the pie dish. Use the back of a spoon to press down firmly, ensuring the crust is compact and holds together.
  5. Chill the crust: Place the crust in the freezer while you make the filling. This will allow it to firm up quickly.

Step 2: Create the Orange Flavor

  1. Rinse the food processor: After using it for the crust, rinse out the food processor before making the orange filling.
  2. Puree the orange mixture: Add the peeled and sliced orange, orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange juice to the food processor. Puree the mixture until it’s smooth and well-combined. Set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Filling Base

  1. Combine cream cheese and Jello mix: In a stand mixer (or large mixing bowl with a hand mixer), combine 8 ounces of cream cheese and the orange Jello mix. Beat until smooth and well-incorporated.
  2. Add sweetened condensed milk: Fold in the sweetened condensed milk to the mixture. This will create a creamy, rich base for the filling.
  3. Combine until smooth: Continue mixing until the filling is smooth and velvety.

Step 4: Make the Filling Fluffy

  1. Add Cool Whip: Fold in 8 ounces of Cool Whip, which will make the filling airy and light. Gently incorporate the Cool Whip to maintain the fluffiness of the mixture.
  2. Whip it to perfection: If you prefer an even fluffier filling, you can whip the Cool Whip and cream cheese mixture before folding them into the Jello base.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

  1. Pour the filling into the crust: Carefully pour the filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly with a rubber spatula. Smooth the top of the pie to ensure it’s level.
  2. Chill the pie: Place the pie in the fridge for a couple of hours for a soft-serve texture. For a firmer, frozen dessert, place it in the freezer for an hour.

Step 6: Make the Topping

  1. Whip the cream cheese and Cool Whip: In a separate bowl, whip the remaining cream cheese and Cool Whip until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Spread the topping: Once the pie has chilled, spread the whipped cream mixture over the top of the pie, covering it completely.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish with orange slices: Top the pie with fresh orange slices to add a burst of color and flavor.
  2. Serve and enjoy: Slice the pie and serve it to your friends and family. Enjoy the cool, creamy goodness of this delightful dessert!

Notes

  • Crust Tip: When pressing the cookie crumbs into the pie dish, make sure the crust is packed firmly. If the crust is too loose, it may fall apart when you slice into the pie.
  • Cream Cheese Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it. Cold cream cheese can lead to a lumpy filling, so leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  • Jello Tip: When adding the Jello, be sure it dissolves completely to avoid any graininess in the filling.
  • Chill Time: Don’t skimp on the chilling time. Letting the pie chill for at least two hours ensures that the filling sets properly and the flavors meld together.

Find it online: https://susanrecipes.com/orange-jello-creamsicle-pie-a-refreshing-twist-on-a-classic-summer-treat/