This orange jello pie is an easy no-bake dessert that combines tangy citrus flavor with creamy texture for the perfect summer treat. With just four ingredients and minimal prep, it’s an ideal recipe for busy hosts looking for a quick and crowd-pleasing sweet.
Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, church potluck, or casual family dinner, this jello pie brings a refreshing pop of flavor and effortless charm to your dessert table.
Growing up in the early 1970s, my husband’s favorite ice cream bar was an orange creamsicle. As a special treat for our 42nd wedding anniversary, I wanted to create a recipe that would bring back fond memories of his childhood and simpler times. I love how easy this orange pie is to prepare with just four simple ingredients and no baking needed, making it one of my favorite stress-free desserts for gatherings. For another bright and fruity no-bake dessert, you might enjoy the No-Bake Strawberry Angel Food Cake and Layered No-Bake Banana Split Cake.
Before You Get Started
Before you whip up this creamy no-bake orange jello pie, here are a few quick prep steps that will help everything come together smoothly, especially if you’re hosting!
Thaw your Cool Whip completely: Let it sit in the fridge until soft and scoopable. Not sure how long that takes? Check out this easy guide on How to Thaw Cool Whip Properly so your filling turns out extra creamy and lump-free.
Gather your tools: A medium mixing bowl and a whisk are all you need, no electric mixer required.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Undissolved jello: Don’t rush the first step. Whisk until the powder is completely clear and smooth, or your filling won’t set properly.
Mixing too soon: Let the jello cool slightly before adding the Cool Whip. If it’s too hot, your filling could separate.
Skipping the mid-chill stir: After chilling for 20 minutes, give it a quick stir to keep the texture even and creamy. This simple step helps avoid that grainy layer some no-bake pies can get.
Ingredients You Will Need
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Orange Jello: You can get a box of regular or sugar-free Jello in your favorite brand. It provides the citrusy flavor and that pretty orange color.
- Cool Whip: I use a tub of store-brand whipped topping to save on my grocery budget. You can also buy regular or lite if you want to save some calories. It really doesn’t change the taste.
- Graham Cracker Crust: I bought a ready-made graham cracker crust for this recipe, but you can also make your own. In my No Bake Cherry Delight Recipe With Pie Filling, I show you step-by-step how to make a graham cracker crust. Just press it into a pie pan instead of a 9×13 dish for this one.
Separation is normal and will not alter the taste. The very first recipe I made as a child was 123 Jello. If you are old enough to remember this product, it was really cool to see the 3 layers. This is what the pie reminds me of: only two pretty layers.
How to Make Jello Orange Pie
This easy jello pie recipe comes together in minutes and sets up beautifully in the fridge for a stress-free dessert.
Dissolve Jello and Add Cool Whip
In a medium-sized bowl, add the packet of Jell-O and 1 cup of boiling water. Whisk until fully dissolved.
Whisk in 1 cup of very cold water. Add the fully thawed Cool Whip and whisk until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Stir and Refrigerate
Place the bowl in the refrigerator and set a timer for 40 minutes. Stir the mixture every 20 minutes to maintain a smooth texture.
Scoop the chilled pie filling into the premade graham cracker crust. Refrigerate for 4 hours, or until the mixture is fully set. Top each slice with extra whipped topping and a fresh orange wedge before serving.
Gina’s Recipe Tips and Variation Ideas
Recipe Tips:
- Add orange zest to the filling for an extra citrus punch.
- Try folding in mandarin orange slices before filling the crust.
Recipe Variations:
- Vegan-Friendly: Use coconut whipped topping and plant-based gelatin.
- Mini Pies: Use individual graham crusts for party servings.
- Jello Swirl: Swirl in a bit of lemon or strawberry jello for a color contrast.
- Make This A Sugar-Free Jello Cool Whip Pie: Swap in sugar-free Jell-O and sugar-free Cool Whip to make a lighter version of this pie. If you can’t find a sugar-free graham cracker crust, try making your own using sugar-free graham crackers and a sugar substitute.
Storage Instructions
Storage: Once your orange creamsicle pie has set, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to keep it from drying out. For extra freshness and to avoid picking up fridge odors, store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: Freezing isn’t recommended. The creamy layer tends to separate and become watery once thawed.
Make-Ahead: You can prep the pie up to 2 days ahead. Just hold off on adding any toppings until right before serving to keep it looking its best.
Biblical Hospitality Reflection
“Hospitality is not a performance; it’s a posture of the heart.” — Intentional Hospitality
Orange Jello Pie isn’t just a nostalgic treat, it’s a bright reminder that God delights in the small moments of joy we share around the table. This pie is perfect for serving at a simple summer supper. The orange color creates a bright and cheery feel, like the theme of Psalm 118:24:
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
This dessert, inspired by the childhood joy of an orange creamsicle, shows us how food can be a bridge to memory, laughter, and celebration. It invites us to pause and savor not only the sweet flavors but also the sweet presence of those gathered with us.
Hostessing Tips for Joyful Gatherings
- Hospitality as Ministry: Don’t aim to impress, aim to bless. A simple dessert like this pie can bring more joy than the fanciest spread.
- Set a Welcoming Atmosphere: Use bright, citrus-colored napkins and a pitcher of iced orange-flavored tea.
- Fellowship Over Perfection: Serve straight from the pie tin, no fuss. The goal is warmth, not performance.
- Prep-Ahead Tip: Chill your pie the night before and garnish just before serving for stress-free hosting.
🗣️ Table Talk Starter
What’s a food that brings back joyful memories for you? How might we use those memories to celebrate God’s goodness in our lives today?
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
No Bake Jello Orange Pie
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
You can add any recipe from Intentional Hospitality to your shopping list to plan a full menu!
Ingredients
- 3 ounce box of orange Jell-O, regular or 0.3 ounce of sugar-free
- 8 ounces Cool Whip, or your favorite store brand
- 1 graham cracker crust, premade
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, pour the packet of jello and 1 cup of boiling water into the jello mix. Whisk until all the gelatin mixture is dissolved.3 ounce box of orange Jell-O
- Whisk in 1 cup of very cold water.
- Next, scoop the completely thawed Cool Whip into the bowl of jello and whisk until smooth and creamy. This step took me about 2 minutes.8 ounces Cool Whip
- Place the bowl in the refrigerator. Set your timer for 40 minutes to chill. I suggest giving it a stir after 20 minutes in the fridge and then allowing it to chill for another 20 minutes.
- Scoop chilled pie filling into the premade crusts.1 graham cracker crust
- Place pie in the refrigerator for 4 hours to chill and set up.
- To serve, top with a dollop of whipped topping and a small orange wedge.
Notes
- Make sure your Cool Whip is completely thawed in the fridge before mixing.
- Add orange zest to the filling for an extra citrus punch.
- Try folding in mandarin orange slices before filling the crust.
- Vegan-Friendly: Use coconut whipped topping and plant-based gelatin.
- Mini Pies: Use individual graham crusts for party servings.
- Jello Swirl: Swirl in a bit of lemon or strawberry jello for a color contrast.
- Make This A Sugar-Free Jello Cool Whip Pie: Swap in sugar-free Jell-O and sugar-free Cool Whip to make a lighter version of this pie. If you can’t find a sugar-free graham cracker crust, try making your own using sugar-free graham crackers and a sugar substitute.
Been making this pie (with lots of flavor variations) for years. Start when the weather gets hot and seem to always have one in the refrigerator. Thanks for the reminder!!
Elaine, what are your favorite jello flavors to use when you make yours?
I made this pie to your exact instructions, and I must say I am very disappointed in the outcome. First of all, though I whipped it together the Jello somewhat separated from the cool whip with a thin layer of Jello on the bottom and the rest on the top. I did not like this with the graham cracker crust. I saw another recipe similar to this that had crushed shortbread cookies, and I think if I try this again, I will use those instead.
Norma, I have figured out that the brand of cool whip does make a difference. In this post I used walmart brand cool whip and as you can by the image in the post it seperated. But look at this post, No-Bake Chocolate Covered Strawberry Jello Pie I used name barnd Cool Whip in this recipe and it did not sperate. See pictures in each post. I didn’t mind the separation because it brought back memories of my childhood. There was a product called 1,2,3 jello that seperated and made layers that I loved to make.
Can you use pineapple juice instead of water
I’m not sure, however I think it would work. Not sure how the pineapple juice would do if you heat it up to dissolve the jello though. If you try it would you let me know. I’ll add that in the notes if it works well. Thanks
Hi! What size is the weight of the jello box?
Thank you!
Kathy
@[email protected]
Kathy, thanks for asking. I needed to have that in the recipe card. I just went in and fixed it. You will need a 3 ounce box of regular or a 0.3 ounce box of sugar free Jello – Hope you enjoy!
I haven’t tried this yet but giving 5 stars for the ease. Question can any flavor Jello be used?
Barb, You can easily switch up the flavors by using any Jello flavor you love. Some fun ones to try are strawberry, raspberry, lemon, lime, or even pineapple for a summer twist. Each flavor gives the pie a totally different vibe—sweet, tart, or fruity. Please let me know if you try some other flavors and how you like them.