Jello Creamsicle Pie

If you grew up loving orange creamsicles—the classic combo of tangy orange and sweet vanilla cream—this pie is going to take you right back to those happy, sticky-sweet moments. Only now, we’re turning that childhood memory into a chilled, sliceable dessert you can share with a crowd.

I love making this pie for backyard BBQs, summer holidays, or just when I’m craving something bright and refreshing that doesn’t require turning on the oven for long. It’s so easy to throw together and always disappears within minutes of slicing.

The best part? No complicated baking or advanced techniques. You just need a few ingredients and a little chill time in the fridge—and that signature creamy-orange magic is all yours.

Nostalgic Appeal

For me, the combination of orange and cream is pure nostalgia. It takes me straight back to childhood summers, slurping down popsicles under the sun, orange streaks running down my arms, laughing without a care in the world.

This pie captures that same flavor, but in an upgraded, elegant form. It still brings the comfort and familiarity of those early days, but it also feels like something you’d proudly serve at a grown-up dinner party.

I’ve made this pie for baby showers, brunches, and just because—and each time, someone takes a bite and says, “This tastes like my childhood.” That’s exactly the reaction I love.

Bringing joy and sweet memories into dessert form is kind of my mission in the kitchen. And this pie? It does exactly that.

Homemade Focus

Even though this pie comes together fast, it’s completely homemade and filled with thoughtful flavor. Every component— from the buttery cookie crust to the smooth citrus filling—feels intentional and balanced.

Using shortbread cookies for the crust instead of graham crackers adds a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that complements the creaminess of the filling. It’s sweet but not overwhelming and has just the right amount of crunch.

The orange flavor comes not just from Jello, but from fresh orange slices, zest, and juice. That combo brings brightness and real citrus punch that lifts the whole dessert.

Topped with a quick homemade whipped topping made with cream cheese and Cool Whip, this pie feels like the ultimate creamy finish to a summer meal—light, silky, and satisfying.

Flavor Goal

The main goal of this pie is to hit that iconic orange creamsicle flavor: a perfect marriage of zesty citrus and cool vanilla cream.

The orange Jello and fresh orange juice provide that punchy citrus burst that wakes up your palate. It’s tart, fruity, and unmistakably summery.

Cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk bring richness and balance the tang of the citrus. They add that signature smooth mouthfeel and just enough sweetness to mellow out the Jello.

The vanilla and whipped topping soften the edges and bring the cream element that ties everything together. It’s luscious without being too heavy—and every bite feels like a spoonful of summer.

Ingredient Insights

Shortbread cookies are used for the crust. They give a rich, buttery base that melts in your mouth and holds together beautifully after chilling.

Melted butter binds the cookie crumbs and adds depth to the crust. It brings that toasty, nutty note once it firms up in the fridge.

Fresh orange slices bring brightness and authenticity to the flavor. Blended into the puree, they add both texture and real citrus depth.

Orange zest adds a floral aroma and intensifies the orange notes without extra sugar. It’s a simple but powerful ingredient.

Vanilla extract is the secret to that creamsicle finish. Just a splash rounds out the citrus and brings a comforting smoothness to the pie.

Orange juice, freshly squeezed, adds more tang and moisture. Combined with Jello, it enhances the fruity layer and keeps it light.

Orange Jello (3 oz) gives the pie its vibrant color and citrusy base. It also helps the filling set without being too gelatinous.

Cream cheese, softened and cubed, is whipped into the Jello to make the filling silky, rich, and slightly tangy—just like a cheesecake mousse.

Cool Whip, folded in gently, lightens the filling and topping. It helps give the pie that soft, fluffy, almost cloud-like texture.

Sweetened condensed milk adds body and sweetness, tying together the tang of cream cheese and the brightness of the citrus.

Extra orange slices make for a beautiful and juicy garnish. They give a little visual clue to the pie’s flavor and make every slice feel special.

Essential Equipment

To make this pie, you’ll need a deep-dish pie pan. A standard size works, but deep-dish allows room for a thicker filling and topping.

A food processor is your best friend here—for blending both the crust and the orange mixture. It makes prep fast and ensures a smooth texture.

A stand mixer or hand mixer will make easy work of whipping the cream cheese with Jello and folding in the other ingredients.

A rubber spatula is great for scraping down the bowl and gently mixing the filling without deflating the Cool Whip.

And finally, a sharp knife for slicing the finished pie and zester for getting that fragrant orange zest.

List of Ingredients with Measurements

For the Crust:

• 3 cups shortbread cookies, crushed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Orange Puree:

• 1 orange, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup orange juice

For the Filling:

• 1 box (3 ounces) orange Jello
• 12 ounces cream cheese, softened and divided (8 oz for filling, 4 oz for topping)
• 12 ounces Cool Whip, divided (8 oz for filling, 4 oz for topping)
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

For Garnish:

• Orange slices for topping