Description
This Orange Creamsicle Freezer Pie is a delightful no-bake dessert that perfectly captures the nostalgic flavors of an orange creamsicle. Featuring a creamy, tangy orange filling made with cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and orange preserves, all nestled in a graham cracker crust, and topped with a crunchy blend of orange and vanilla crumbles baked to perfection. Ideal for summer gatherings or anytime you crave a refreshing frozen treat.
Ingredients
Crumbles
- 3 ounces box orange-flavored Jell-O
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (divided)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and divided)
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pie Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (very cold)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2 cups orange jam or preserves
- 5 drops orange gel food coloring
Other
- 1 prepared graham cracker pie crust (9 or 10 inches)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the crumbles.
- Make Orange Crumbles: In a medium bowl, stir together the orange-flavored gelatin, 1/2 cup of flour, and 1/4 cup of cold butter using a fork until the mixture forms fine crumbs.
- Make Vanilla Crumbles: In another medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup cold butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Use a fork to combine until crumbles form.
- Combine and Bake Crumbles: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Sprinkle the orange crumbles evenly, then add the vanilla crumbles on top. Gently mix them by hand. Bake for 7-8 minutes without stirring to allow crumbles to crisp up.
- Cool Crumbles: Remove from oven and let the crumbles cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, stir the crumbles with a fork to break them up.
- Whip Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the very cold heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar using an electric mixer until very stiff peaks form. Chill the whipped cream for 30 minutes.
- Prepare Filling Base: In another large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and continue beating until well combined.
- Add Orange Preserves: Beat in the orange jam or preserves until fully incorporated into the cream cheese mixture.
- Fold Whipped Cream: Gently fold the cold whipped cream into the orange cream cheese mixture until well combined and light.
- Color the Filling: Stir in the orange gel food coloring evenly, adding more drops if needed to achieve a vibrant orange color.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the filling into the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
- Freeze Pie: Place the pie in the freezer and freeze for 6-8 hours, or until completely firm.
- Thaw Before Serving: When ready to serve, remove the pie from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly.
- Serve: Top the pie with the prepared crumbles just before serving for a delightful crunchy texture contrast.
Notes
- Ensure the heavy whipping cream is very cold before whipping to achieve stiff peaks.
- Room temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly with the other filling ingredients.
- Orange gel food coloring is optional but enhances the visual appeal of the pie.
- Store leftover crumbles in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them crisp.
- The pie is best served slightly thawed for optimal texture and flavor.
- Use a prepared graham cracker crust to save time and ensure a sturdy base.
