A silky-smooth, citrus-kissed dessert that tastes like summer in every bite—this No Bake Orange Creamsicle Pie is pure nostalgia layered on a buttery graham cracker crust. Imagine the iconic taste of an orange creamsicle transformed into a luscious pie with a whipped topping that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, creamy and crunchy, light and decadent.

Whether you’re looking to wow guests at a cookout or just want something refreshing to cool you down, this pie is your no-bake hero. With minimal effort and a whole lot of flavor, it’s a go-to for those days when the oven should stay off and dessert should shine bright like a Florida orange.

Why You’ll Love This No Bake Orange Creamsicle Pie

No Oven Needed: Perfect for hot days or when your oven is already busy with dinner.
Simple, Fresh Ingredients: No artificial flavors—just real orange juice, zest, and creamy textures.
Fast and Easy Prep: Comes together quickly, then chills until ready to serve.
Kid-Friendly Classic: Familiar flavors loved by both kids and adults.
Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert: Prepares beautifully the day before serving.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment — and Why They Matter

Creating a flawless No Bake Orange Creamsicle Pie starts with the right tools to ensure the texture is just right and the process is smooth.

9-inch Pie Dish: Choose a glass or ceramic pie plate for even chilling and a neat presentation.
Mixing Bowls (at least two): One for the crust and one for the filling. Use medium and large bowls to avoid spills.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Whipping cream and combining the filling ingredients evenly is key—an electric mixer makes this effortless and gives that fluffy, silky texture.
Rubber Spatula: Essential for scraping every bit of creamy filling and smoothing the top.
Microplane Zester: For finely grated orange zest that enhances flavor without bitter chunks.
Citrus Juicer: Makes extracting fresh orange juice easy and efficient.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurements keep the flavor balance perfect.

Preparation Tips

Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese can lead to a lumpy filling. Leave it out for 20–30 minutes before mixing.
Chill the Mixing Bowl: If you’re whipping cream, a cold bowl helps stabilize the whipped topping for a fluffier texture.
Fresh vs. Store-Bought Juice: Fresh-squeezed orange juice delivers brighter flavor. If using store-bought, choose 100% juice with no added sugar.
Don’t Overmix the Filling: Once everything is incorporated and smooth, stop mixing to avoid breaking down the whipped cream.
Pack the Crust Firmly: Use the flat bottom of a glass to press the crust evenly and firmly into the dish so it holds together when sliced.

Ingredients for This No Bake Orange Creamsicle Pie

Gather everything ahead of time for a smooth, stress-free preparation. This pie uses easy-to-find ingredients but delivers a vibrant, creamy flavor that feels indulgent and refreshing.

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
½ cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream (whipped to stiff peaks)

For the Topping:

1 ½ cups whipped cream or whipped topping
Additional orange zest (for garnish)
Orange slices (optional, for decoration)

Tip: For a more intense creamsicle flavor, you can add a few drops of natural orange extract or swap vanilla extract for vanilla bean paste.

Step 1: Make the Crust

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup for a smooth, compact base. Place the crust in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a chilled mixing bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. This will be folded into the filling to give it a light, airy texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In another large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Slowly add the sweetened condensed milk, mixing continuously. Stir in the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully combined and the filling is smooth.

Step 4: Fold in Whipped Cream

Gently fold the freshly whipped cream into the orange cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula. Avoid overmixing—fold until just combined to keep the mixture light and fluffy.

Step 5: Fill the Crust

Pour the filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Spread evenly to the edges.

Step 6: Chill the Pie

Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight, until fully set.

Step 7: Add Toppings & Serve

Before serving, top the pie with whipped cream, a sprinkle of orange zest, and fresh orange slices for a bright, decorative touch. Slice and serve chilled for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

Make-Ahead Friendly: This pie is ideal for preparing the night before. It tastes even better after chilling overnight as the flavors meld beautifully.
Custom Crust Options: Swap out the graham cracker crust for a vanilla wafer crust or even a shortbread cookie base if you’d like a twist.
Zest First, Then Juice: It’s much easier to zest whole citrus fruits before cutting and juicing them.
Orange Zest Boost: For a more vibrant citrus punch, sprinkle a bit of extra zest just before serving.
Whipped Cream Shortcut: You can use store-bought whipped topping, but fresh whipped cream gives better texture and flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using Cold Cream Cheese: This is one of the most common missteps. Cold cream cheese doesn’t blend well and leaves a lumpy filling.
Overmixing the Whipped Cream: Folding it in too vigorously can deflate the air and ruin the pie’s fluffy consistency.
Skipping Chill Time: The pie must chill for several hours to set. Slicing too early results in a runny mess.
Using Bottled Orange Juice: Bottled juice often contains preservatives and sweeteners that can dull the flavor. Fresh juice is worth the extra effort.
Not Pressing the Crust Firmly Enough: A loosely packed crust can fall apart when slicing. Compact it tightly for a cleaner cut.
Too Much Zest: A little zest goes a long way—overdoing it can make the pie bitter.
Warm Toppings: Always apply whipped topping just before serving or ensure it’s chilled to prevent melting and weeping.
Not Measuring Properly: Eyeballing ingredients—especially liquid and dairy—can throw off the consistency.

What to Serve With No Bake Orange Creamsicle Pie?

Pairing this light and citrusy dessert with complementary dishes or drinks can turn a simple serving into a memorable treat. Whether you’re planning a full summer spread or just want to round out a dessert tray, here are perfect pairings to enhance your pie experience.

8 Recommendations

Iced Mint Tea
A cooling herbal drink that balances the sweetness of the pie and enhances its citrus brightness.
Grilled Chicken or Fish
Light, summery main dishes like lemon-herb grilled chicken or a piece of citrus-glazed salmon make excellent leads into dessert.
Fresh Berries with Mint
A bowl of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries tossed with chopped mint offers a juicy, colorful contrast.
Sparkling Citrus Punch
A bubbly orange or lemon-lime soda punch with floating orange slices ties in perfectly with the creamsicle theme.
Vanilla Bean Gelato
For an extra creamy touch, a small scoop alongside each slice takes the citrus-vanilla combo over the top.
Coconut Macaroons
These chewy, tropical cookies bring out the pie’s summery vibe and add texture variety.
Lemonade or Arnold Palmer
Tart, crisp drinks like lemonade or a half-lemonade, half-iced-tea mix complement the creamy filling without overpowering it.
Prosecco or Sparkling Wine
If you’re serving this at a brunch or summer gathering, a glass of bubbly adds a celebratory feel and a crisp finish.

Storage Instructions

No Bake Orange Creamsicle Pie stores beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert. Here’s how to keep it fresh and flavorful:

Refrigerator Storage:
Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Make sure the topping is added just before serving to keep it from becoming soggy.
Freezer Storage:
For longer storage, wrap the pie (without toppings) securely in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Add the whipped topping and garnishes after thawing for best results.
Individual Slices:
You can also freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Perfect for single servings or snack-sized treats later.

Tip: For a firmer, almost ice cream–like texture, serve it semi-frozen during hot summer days.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general estimate for 1 slice of No Bake Orange Creamsicle Pie (assuming 8 slices total):

Calories: ~360
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 170mg
Carbohydrates: 36g
Sugars: 27g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Vitamin C: ~25% DV

Note: Nutrition values can vary slightly based on specific ingredients used (e.g., fresh vs. bottled juice, homemade whipped cream vs. store-bought).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought orange juice instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh orange juice is highly recommended for the brightest, most authentic flavor. If using bottled, choose 100% juice without added sugar or concentrates.

2. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s a perfect make-ahead dessert. Prepare the entire pie (minus the toppings) the day before and chill overnight. Add whipped cream and garnishes right before serving.

3. Can I use a store-bought crust?

Yes, a pre-made graham cracker crust works just fine. It’s a convenient shortcut, though the flavor and texture may be slightly different than a homemade crust.

4. Is this pie gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie base for the crust.

5. Can I freeze the pie?

Definitely. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to a month. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before serving. For a refreshing summer treat, serve it partially frozen.

6. What if I don’t have orange zest?

Orange zest adds depth to the citrus flavor, but you can leave it out in a pinch or substitute with a few drops of natural orange extract.

7. Can I substitute whipped topping for whipped cream?

Yes, if you’re short on time. However, freshly whipped cream gives a superior texture and taste.

8. Why did my filling turn out runny?

This usually happens if the pie didn’t chill long enough, or if the whipped cream was overmixed and deflated. Be sure to refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight.

Conclusion

The No Bake Orange Creamsicle Pie is the ultimate chilled dessert—bursting with citrus, wrapped in creamy vanilla, and set on a buttery graham crust. It’s light, refreshing, and surprisingly easy to make, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging in a little summer nostalgia. With a few basic tools and ingredients, you can recreate a beloved flavor from childhood in a pie that everyone will remember.