Easy No Bake Orange Creamsicle Icebox Pie
No bake Orange Creamsicle Icebox pie is a creamy mixture of simple ingredients that turn into a refreshing dessert on a hot summer day. Those happy childhood memories of the ice cream truck coming down the street come flooding back with one bite of this cold orange creamsicle-flavored pie.
It’s one of my all-time favorite desserts filled with delicious flavor and happy smiles. This orange creamsicle pie is easy cold comfort food during those hot summer months.
This cold pie is a variation of a recipe from my favorite magazine Southern Cast Iron. Click the link for the original recipe, Orange Creamsicle Icebox Pie – Southern Cast Iron.
What’s Great About No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Pie
- Make Ahead, No Bake Dessert: this creamy treat is easily put together in a few simple steps. If you want to make it really easy, use a store-bought graham cracker crust instead of making your own graham cracker crust.
- Several Layers of Texture: I love desserts with different textures. The bottom layer of cold and crunchy homemade graham cracker crust is one of the best things about this dish. The sweet creamy filling of the orange whipped cream mixture is a perfect middle layer. Lastly, topped with a few extra roasted macadamia nuts and orange zest makes a perfect summer treat.
- Barbeque Potluck Favorite: No-bake pies are one of my favorite creamy desserts to take to a backyard barbeque on a hot summer day. A slice of this cold, crunchy, and refreshing treat hits the spot after you’ve been sweating all day. Be prepared, everyone will want your recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need For This Recipe
Crust Ingredients: graham crackers, sugar, macadamia nuts, orange zest, and of course, melted butter. This combination is sweet crunchy heaven.
Creamsicle Whipped Topping Ingredients: whipping cream, confectioner’s sugar, orange juice, sour cream, almond extract, and unflavored gelatin combine to make the most delicious sweet orange cream fluff.
Pie Toppings: chopped, roasted macadamia nuts add a crunchy, nutty layer of goodness. A sprinkle of orange zest on top adds an extra zip of citrus flavor from top to bottom.
How To Make Orange Creamsicle Pie
Crust Instructions
- Using a food processor, process graham crackers into crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, place graham crackers into a large plastic bag and pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until crushed.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe dish for about 45 seconds or until just melted, set aside.
- Add sugar and nuts to the processor. Pulse process until incorporated and nuts are chopped.
- Transfer crushed graham crackers and nuts to a large bowl. Zest about 2 heaping tablespoons of orange. Add the orange zest to the bowl.
- With a large fork, slowly add the melted butter to the crumb-zest mixture and mix until all ingredients are moist.
- Press the moist crumb mixture into the bottom of a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet or a freezer-safe pie pan. Tip: Use the bottom of a glass or metal measuring cup to press the crust into the skillet or pie plate. This step helps with crust compaction. Freeze for at least 15 minutes
Creamsicle Pie Filling Instructions:
- Mix the orange juice and unflavored gelatin in a small bowl or glass measuring cup. Place in the microwave and heat in 20 second intervals, stirring in between heat session until gelatin is dissolved.
- Pour 2 cups of heavy whipping cream, 1.5 cup confectioner’s sugar, almond extract, and 1 cup of sour cream into a large mixing bowl. Add the orange juice-gelatin mixture to the bowl and whip on high speed until the mixture is thick, creamy, and firm.
- Take the cold graham cracker crust out of the freezer. Scoop the creamsicle mixture into the graham cracker pie crust and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of orange zest. Place orange pie back in the freezer for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Roast nuts in single layer on cookie sheet for about 20 mins at 300o . Shake nuts half way through cooking time. Chop nuts when cooled and place in a plastic bag until ready to serve the pie. Note: this step can easily be omitted.
- Top with sliced oranges, orange zest, and roasted macadamia nuts when ready to serve. Dig in!
Recipe Tips
- Let the frozen pie sit for about 20 minutes before slicing. A sharp knife dipped in hot water helps with slicing as well.
- Add more zest if you like more orange flavor.
- One large orange should measure out to 3 tablespoons of orange zest.
- Do not top pie with roasted nuts before freezing. The nuts will turn out soft when unthawed.
- Use the bottom of a glass or metal measuring cup to press the crust into the skillet or pie plate. This helps with uniform crust compaction.
- Instead of making your own graham cracker crust, use a store-bought graham cracker crust. Store-bought doesn’t need to be frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you omit freezing the graham cracker crust before you add the filling?
No, the crust would be too soft and crumble into the filling when spread.
How do I store the pie leftovers?
Place leftovers in a freezer-safe airtight container and store in the freezer.
How long will this cold cream pie last in the freezer?
You can freeze a whole pie, or leftovers, securely wrapped in freezer-safe plastic wrap or a container for about 2 months.
Kitchen Items Needed for This Recipe
More Cold Summer Desserts
Easy Creamy Chocolate Cherry Fluff Bars Dessert
Best No Bake Banana Pudding Recipe with Cream Cheese
Orange Dream Cast Iron Chilled Pie
Ingredients
Orange Graham Cracker Crust
- 3 cups graham crackers approx. 3 sleeves
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup macadamia nuts
- 1 Tbsp orange zest or to taste
- 3/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp melted butter
Orange Dream Filling
- 1 tsp unflavored gelatin
- 6 tbsp orange juice
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1.5 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp orange zest, or to taste divided
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 cup chopped, slightly roasted macadamia nuts
Instructions
Orange Dream Filling
- Using a food processor, crush graham crackers into crumbs. Add sugar, nuts, zest and process until incorporated and nuts are chopped. Slowly add butter until all ingredients are moist. Press mixture into the bottom of a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet. Use bottom of a glass or metal measuring cup to help press crust. Freeze for at least 15 minutes.
Orange Dream Filling
- In a small microwave safe bowl stir together gelatin and orange juice. Let stand until soft (about 5 mins) then microwave for about 20 sec. or until dissolved. Cool.
- Roast nuts in single layer on cookie sheet for about 20 mins at 300oNote: Shake nuts half way through cooking time
- In a large bowl beat whipping cream, confectioner’s sugar, sour cream, 1 tbsp zest and extract on with with a mixer until fluffy. Drizzle gelatin mixture over top of cream, beat until combined. Spoon filling on top of prepared crust. Sprinkle roasted nuts and remaining zest on top of filling. Loosely cover then freeze at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Let set for about 15 mins before serving. Garnish with orange slices and zest strips. Cut with a sharp knife dipped in hot water.
- ENJOY!
Nutrition
