There's something purely nostalgic about the creamy, citrusy flavor of a creamsicle. This Jello Creamsicle Pie captures all that childhood joy in a cool, creamy dessert that's practically made for summer potlucks and backyard BBQs.

I first discovered this recipe on a sweltering July afternoon when I needed a no-bake dessert that wouldn't heat up the kitchen. One bite of this silky-smooth pie—bursting with orange flavor and a luscious whipped topping—and I knew I had a new family favorite.

The way the tart orange gelatin blends with sweet cream and a buttery graham cracker crust is simply irresistible. It’s quick to whip up, budget-friendly, and doesn't require turning on your oven. What’s not to love?

Ready to chill out with a slice of sunshine? Let’s talk about why you’ll be hooked on this creamy treat.

Why You’ll Love This Jello Creamsicle Pie

This creamy, dreamy dessert will win you over at first bite. Here's what makes it a standout for any dessert table.

It's a no-bake wonder. When the weather's hot or you're just not in the mood to bake, this pie comes to the rescue. It sets beautifully in the fridge—no oven required!

Just 6 ingredients. Yes, really. You probably already have most of what you need in your pantry or fridge. The simplicity is a huge plus for busy days.

Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing. From toddlers to grandparents, everyone loves that familiar creamsicle flavor. It’s like a popsicle and a pie had a delicious baby.

Perfect for make-ahead. This pie tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Make it the night before your event, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about.

Once you try it, you'll see why this easy pie makes frequent appearances at my summer get-togethers. Now, let’s peek at the ingredients that make this dessert so magical.

Ingredients Notes

One of the best things about this Jello Creamsicle Pie is how it turns basic pantry staples into something special. Here’s a deeper look at what you’ll need:

Orange Jello is the star of the show. It gives the pie its vibrant color and signature citrus flavor. You’ll only need one 3-ounce box for this recipe. Be sure to let it cool slightly after mixing with hot water before combining it with the other ingredients.

Cream cheese adds the perfect amount of tang and creaminess. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for a silky smooth texture when blending.

Whipped topping, like Cool Whip, brings in the airy, fluffy component that makes the pie light and luscious. Fold it in gently so you don’t deflate the mixture—this step gives your pie its dreamy mousse-like texture.

Mandarin oranges (canned and well-drained) bring juicy bursts of real fruit flavor. You can chop them up or leave them whole depending on your texture preference.

Graham cracker crust is your buttery, crunchy foundation. You can use store-bought for convenience or make your own with graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a little sugar. Either way, it complements the creamy filling perfectly.

No special tools required—just a hand mixer or sturdy whisk, a rubber spatula, and a pie dish. That’s it!

How To Make This Jello Creamsicle Pie

Creating this no-bake pie couldn’t be easier, and the payoff is huge in flavor and satisfaction. Here’s how it all comes together.

Start by dissolving the orange Jello in ¾ cup of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, then let it cool to room temperature. This helps prevent curdling when it's mixed with the cream cheese.

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until it's completely smooth—no lumps. This step is key to a velvety pie filling, so take your time and scrape the bowl as needed.

Once the Jello has cooled, slowly pour it into the cream cheese mixture while beating on low speed. The mixture should be creamy and well-blended with no streaks.

Now it’s time to gently fold in the whipped topping using a spatula. Take your time and use a light hand. You want to keep as much of the airy texture as possible. Then, gently stir in the drained mandarin oranges, reserving a few slices for garnish if you’d like.

Pour the entire mixture into the graham cracker crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Pop it into the fridge and let it chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

When you're ready to serve, add a few extra mandarin slices or a dollop of whipped cream on top for a little extra flair. The result? A chilled, creamy dessert that slices beautifully and wows every time.

Storage Options

This pie stores wonderfully, making it a great make-ahead option.

Refrigerator: Keep any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 4 days. I like using a pie keeper or gently tenting with foil.

Freezer: You can also freeze the whole pie if you want to prep well in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It’ll keep for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Individual slices: You can freeze individual slices too—just wrap them separately for easy grab-and-go treats. They're delicious straight from the freezer on a hot day!

Reheating: No reheating needed for this one! Just thaw if frozen and serve cold. It's at its best when served slightly chilled.

Variations and Substitutions

This pie is super flexible—feel free to get creative or adjust to your tastes or what you have on hand.

Different Jello flavors: Try strawberry, raspberry, or lemon Jello for fun fruity twists. Each one pairs beautifully with the cream cheese and whipped topping base.

Fresh fruit swaps: If you don’t have mandarin oranges, try chopped strawberries, pineapple tidbits, or even sliced kiwi. Just make sure they’re well-drained or patted dry to prevent excess moisture.

Crust alternatives: Not a graham cracker fan? Use a vanilla wafer crust or even a gingersnap base for a spicy twist. Chocolate cookie crust works surprisingly well too!

Low-fat swaps: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping to lighten things up. It’ll still taste great, just slightly less rich.

Dairy-free option: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping to make this pie suitable for lactose-sensitive guests.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. The beauty of this pie is that it’s forgiving and adaptable—every version still brings that cool, creamy joy.