There's something so nostalgic and summery about the flavor of a creamsicle—sweet orange, creamy vanilla, and that unmistakable chilled delight that takes you back to childhood. This Jello Creamsicle Pie captures all of that magic in a cool, creamy no-bake dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to love.
I whipped this up one afternoon on a whim after craving something light, fruity, and fun. Since then, it’s become my go-to treat for potlucks, picnics, and last-minute family dinners—always met with rave reviews and second helpings.
This pie is a dream come true for busy bakers. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a refreshing dessert chilling in the fridge in under 20 minutes. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely fall in love with it.
Why You’ll Love This Jello Creamsicle Pie
Get ready to add this creamy, citrusy delight to your dessert rotation. From its bright flavor to its fuss-free prep, there’s so much to adore about this Jello Creamsicle Pie.
First of all, it's quick and no-bake. You won’t need to turn on the oven—just mix, chill, and serve. That makes it perfect for hot summer days or busy weeks when dessert needs to be effortless.
It’s also incredibly budget-friendly. Made with simple pantry staples like orange Jello, whipped topping, and vanilla pudding, it won’t break the bank—yet it tastes like something from a fancy bakery.
Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing, this pie disappears fast at parties. The creamy, tangy-orange filling reminds everyone of those classic creamsicle pops we all grew up loving.
And finally, it’s a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and let it chill until you're ready to serve. Less stress, more sweetness!
Once you make it once, you'll be dreaming up your own flavor variations—trust me.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this Jello Creamsicle Pie lies in how a few humble ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each one brings a unique texture or flavor to the table.
Orange Jello is the heart of this pie. It provides that classic citrusy zing and gives the filling its light, fluffy texture when combined with hot water and chilled just enough to start setting.
Instant vanilla pudding mix adds depth and creaminess. It rounds out the tangy orange with a smooth, mellow sweetness that’s perfectly balanced. Be sure to use instant pudding, not the cook-and-serve kind.
Whipped topping (like Cool Whip) makes the filling airy and luscious. Folded in gently, it creates that mousse-like consistency that’s so irresistible. You can use homemade whipped cream if you prefer, though it may change the texture slightly.
Evaporated milk is key for richness without heaviness. It enhances the pudding’s creaminess and helps it hold up well when chilled.
A premade graham cracker crust keeps things easy and adds a buttery, slightly salty contrast to the sweet filling. You can use a homemade crust if you’d like—just make sure it’s completely cooled before adding the filling.
No fancy tools needed for this one. Just a whisk, a large mixing bowl, and a spoon or spatula for folding.
How To Make This Jello Creamsicle Pie
Creating this dreamy dessert is as simple as mix, chill, and enjoy. Let’s walk through the steps so you can have your own slice of sunshine on a plate.
Start by combining 1 small box of orange Jello with ½ cup of boiling water in a large bowl. Stir until the powder is completely dissolved. Then add ½ cup of cold water and place the bowl in the fridge for about 10–15 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly but isn’t fully set.
While the Jello cools, whisk together 1 small box of instant vanilla pudding mix and 1 cup of evaporated milk in another bowl. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. This only takes a minute or two.
Once the Jello has thickened, gently fold the pudding mixture into it. It’ll start to take on that signature creamsicle hue—soft orange with swirls of creamy white.
Now for the fluff: fold in 1 tub (8 oz) of whipped topping until everything is fully combined and silky. Be careful not to overmix—you want to keep that airy texture.
Spoon the filling into your prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Pop the whole pie in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or until fully set. Overnight chilling works great too!
Once chilled, slice and serve with extra whipped topping or orange zest if you’d like to get fancy. Expect a smooth, creamy filling with a melt-in-your-mouth citrus burst.
Storage Options
Jello Creamsicle Pie stores beautifully, making it perfect for prepping ahead of time.
In the fridge, keep it covered with plastic wrap or a pie lid. It will stay fresh and creamy for up to 5 days. The texture holds well, especially if you used instant pudding and evaporated milk.
For freezing, wrap the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture may become slightly less airy, but the flavor remains delicious.
If storing individual slices, place them in airtight containers. This makes it easy to grab a slice whenever a craving strikes.
To re-serve, no heating required—just slice and enjoy chilled straight from the fridge!
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best parts of this pie is how versatile it is. Once you get the base down, the flavor possibilities are endless!
Try switching out the orange Jello for another flavor—strawberry, lemon, or raspberry are all fun and fruity alternatives. Just make sure to stick with the same proportions.
If you prefer a richer pie, substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream. Use 1 cup of heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks, and fold it in gently.
Want even more texture? Add crushed mandarin oranges or pineapple tidbits to the filling before chilling. Just make sure they’re well-drained so they don’t water down the pie.
Swap the crust for a vanilla wafer or shortbread crust if you’re looking for something sweeter and more cookie-like.
For a fun layered effect, pour half the filling into the crust, then swirl in a layer of extra whipped topping and finish with the remaining filling on top.
Don’t be afraid to experiment—this pie is forgiving and fun to make your own!
PrintJello Creamsicle Pie Recipe
This Jello Creamsicle Pie recipe blends sweet orange Jello with creamy whipped topping and tangy yogurt for a nostalgic dessert treat. Easy to make and bursting with citrus flavor, it's the perfect no-bake pie to cool off on a hot day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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1 (3 oz) package orange Jello
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⅔ cup boiling water
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½ cup cold water
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1 cup vanilla yogurt
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1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
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1 prepared graham cracker crust
Instructions
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In a mixing bowl, dissolve orange Jello in boiling water.
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Stir in cold water and let cool to room temperature.
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Whisk in vanilla yogurt until smooth.
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Fold in the whipped topping gently until well combined.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust.
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Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.
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Garnish with orange zest or whipped cream if desired before serving.
Notes
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For extra citrus kick, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the filling.
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Substitute Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
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Can be frozen for a firmer texture, serve slightly thawed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
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