Orange Creamsicle Pie Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could capture the joy of a classic frozen treat in pie form, this Orange Creamsicle Pie is about to be your summertime dessert obsession! Creamy, dreamy, and bursting with sweet-tart orange flavor, every bite will instantly transport you back to childhood memories of chasing the ice cream truck—but with a melt-in-your-mouth grown-up twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything about Orange Creamsicle Pie is about balancing vibrant citrus with creamy, dreamy texture—and that starts with the ingredients! Each one plays a starring role, from the zesty marmalade to the buttery shortbread crust. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you’ll love them):

• Shortbread cookie crumbs: Offer a rich, buttery base that’s much more decadent than graham crackers, perfectly complementing the creamy filling.
• Unsalted butter: Holds the crust together while lending a melt-in-your-mouth richness.
• Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the crust without overpowering the filling’s tangy citrus notes.
• Pinch of salt: A tiny amount that makes all the sweet and creamy elements pop.
• Heavy cream: Whipped to fluffy peaks; this is the secret to the pie’s light, mousse-like filling.
• Cream cheese (block style): Adds creamy tang and sets up the filling for the perfect, sliceable texture.
• Orange marmalade: Bursting with juicy orange flavor and little flecks of zest, it brings genuine citrus brightness (store-bought or homemade both work!).
• Fresh orange zest: Makes every bite perfumed and lively—don’t skip it if you want that true creamsicle zing.
• Vanilla extract: The classic “cream” part of the Creamsicle! A dash of vanilla ties the whole dessert together.
• Whipped cream (for garnish): Adds the finishing touch of old-fashioned, soda fountain charm.

Variations

One of the best things about Orange Creamsicle Pie? It’s endlessly customizable! Whether you’re working with what’s already in your pantry or looking to accommodate dietary needs, making creative swaps is part of the fun.

• Classic Graham Cracker Crust: Use graham cracker or vanilla wafer crumbs in place of shortbread for a more traditional twist.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and use coconut whipped topping for an equally creamy (and crave-worthy) pie!
• Lemon or Lime Creamsicle Pie: Swap orange marmalade and zest for lemon or lime for a zippy, tangy new spin.
• Add Crunch: Stir in chopped candied ginger or crushed meringues to the filling for an unexpected textural pop.

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Cookie Crust

Start by blending your shortbread cookies into fine, sandy crumbs. Mix them together with melted butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture holds together when you squeeze it. This is your moment to adjust: if the crumbs seem dry, add a touch more butter—a tablespoon at a time—to get that perfect “wet sand” consistency.

Step 2: Shape and Pack the Crust

Pour the crumb mixture into your pie plate and start by pressing the crust up the sides firmly—doing the edges first makes sure you get tall, sturdy sides for all that luscious filling. Once you’re happy with the edges, pack the rest down into an even layer across the base. A flat-bottom glass or measuring cup makes this easy and gives the bottom that bakery-worthy smoothness.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In a clean mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. You want soft, pillowy clouds—not overwhipped, but definitely holding their shape. Set the whipped cream aside for later; it’s going to make the filling airy and light.

Step 4: Mix Up the Creamsicle Filling

In the (now empty) mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar together until perfectly smooth and lump-free—this really matters for that creamy texture. Add orange marmalade, fresh orange zest, and vanilla extract, beating again so the citrus flavor and vanilla perfume blend all the way through.

Step 5: Fold Everything Together

First, add about a third of your whipped cream to the orange-cream cheese mixture, folding gently by hand to lighten it up. Then carefully fold in the rest of the whipped cream until you have a fluffy, gorgeous filling. Be gentle—this step keeps your Orange Creamsicle Pie aerated and cloudlike, just like the popsicle that inspired it!

Step 6: Fill and Chill

Spoon the filling into your prepared crust and smooth it out with a spatula for that photo-ready finish (honestly, it’s hard not to swipe a taste at this stage). Pop the whole pie in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight—this lets everything set up and meld for maximum Creamsicle flavor.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

For ultra-clean slices, put your Orange Creamsicle Pie in the freezer for 30–60 minutes before serving. Fancy it up with a swoosh of whipped cream and a twist of fresh orange, and dig in!

How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Pie

Garnishes

No Orange Creamsicle Pie feels complete without a generous cloud of freshly whipped cream on top—pipe it around the edges in little swirls for a retro touch! Add thin orange slices, twists of zest, or even a sprinkle of crushed shortbread cookies for an extra flourish (and a clue to the summery flavor inside).

Side Dishes

Since this dessert is the star, keep sides light and playful: fresh fruit salad, a platter of cold lemonade, or a handful of sweet berries on each plate lets the pie truly shine without overwhelming your palate. A simple espresso or iced coffee also pairs beautifully!

Creative Ways to Present

Try making mini Orange Creamsicle Pies in individual tart shells or even mason jars for picnic-perfect portability! For parties, cut the pie into bite-sized bars or squares, or layer the filling and crumbs as a creamy parfait in clear glasses—guests will love seeing those vibrant layers peeking through.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftover Orange Creamsicle Pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay delightfully fresh and creamy for up to 3–4 days—if you can resist sneaking a forkful here and there!

Freezing

This pie is a freezer superstar: once set, simply wrap the whole (or leftover) pie in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours, or enjoy it slightly firm for a refreshingly frosty treat.

Reheating

No reheating needed! Just allow chilled or frozen slices of Orange Creamsicle Pie to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly before serving for the ideal creamy texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

The very first bite of Orange Creamsicle Pie is pure joy—creamy, zesty, nostalgic, and completely irresistible. If you’re looking for a bright, fuss-free dessert to share at your next gathering (or savor at home after a long summer day), this recipe never fails to make memories. Give it a try and let the sunshine in!

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