Is it okay to skip making the crust from scratch?

Totally fine! A ready-to-use graham cracker crust is a great shortcut. You can also try a pre-made shortbread crust if available, but note it might not hold as much filling.

How long should I let the pie set before serving?

If you want it soft and creamy, chill it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. For a firmer, ice cream-like texture, freeze it for about an hour. The longer it sits, the firmer it'll be.

Can I swap in fresh orange juice instead of bottled?

Yes, go for it! Fresh-squeezed orange juice tastes amazing. You’ll need enough oranges for both juice (1-2 medium ones should do) and some zest. Save extras for garnishing!

The pie is a bit runny—what happened?

It probably didn’t chill long enough. Make sure it spends at least 2 hours in the fridge or 1 hour in the freezer. Also, double-check your cream cheese and Cool Whip measurements, since they help hold everything together.

Can I use other Jello flavors instead of orange?

Sure thing! Try strawberry for a sweet summer twist or lime for a tangy alternative. Just change the fresh fruit, juice, and zest to match whatever flavor you're using.

How far ahead can I prepare this pie?

It’s a great make-ahead option. Refrigerate it for up to 3 days, or freeze it (wrapped in plastic) for as long as 3 months. Add toppings and garnish right before serving!

Refreshing Orange Jello Pie

Category: Sweet Treats for Every Craving

Mix condensed milk, cream cheese, and Cool Whip with zest and fresh orange juice. Combine with orange Jello and pour into a cookie crust. Chill well, top with whipped cream and orange slices.

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By Ana

Updated on Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:33:11 GMT

Refreshing Orange Jello Pie | homebitesbyana.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Is it okay to skip making the crust from scratch?: Totally fine! A ready-to-use graham cracker crust is a great shortcut. You can also try a pre-made shortbread crust if available, but note it might not hold as much filling.
→ How long should I let the pie set before serving?: If you want it soft and creamy, chill it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. For a firmer, ice cream-like texture, freeze it for about an hour. The longer it sits, the firmer it'll be.
→ Can I swap in fresh orange juice instead of bottled?: Yes, go for it! Fresh-squeezed orange juice tastes amazing. You’ll need enough oranges for both juice (1-2 medium ones should do) and some zest. Save extras for garnishing!
→ The pie is a bit runny—what happened?: It probably didn’t chill long enough. Make sure it spends at least 2 hours in the fridge or 1 hour in the freezer. Also, double-check your cream cheese and Cool Whip measurements, since they help hold everything together.
→ Can I use other Jello flavors instead of orange?: Sure thing! Try strawberry for a sweet summer twist or lime for a tangy alternative. Just change the fresh fruit, juice, and zest to match whatever flavor you're using.
→ How far ahead can I prepare this pie?: It’s a great make-ahead option. Refrigerate it for up to 3 days, or freeze it (wrapped in plastic) for as long as 3 months. Add toppings and garnish right before serving!

Orange Jello Pie

A creamy orange dessert bursting with sweet citrus flavor in a buttery cookie crust. It's an easy and delicious choice for warm weather!

Prep Time

30 min

Cooking Time

Total Time

30 min

By: Ana

Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yields: 8 Servings (8 slices)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Crust Ingredients

01 ¼ cup melted butter

02 3 cups of crushed shortbread cookies

→ Filling Ingredients

03 2 tablespoons of fresh orange zest

04 1 peeled and sliced orange

05 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, cut into chunks

06 1 teaspoon of vanilla

07 1 box of orange Jello (3 oz size)

08 ¼ cup of orange juice

09 8 ounces of Cool Whip

10 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)

→ Topping Ingredients

11 4 ounces of Cool Whip

12 4 ounces of softened cream cheese

13 Optional: Orange slices for decoration

Steps

Step 01

Coat the inside of your pie dish with a bit of non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 02

Turn the cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor. Combine these crumbs with the melted butter in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly into your pie dish, ensuring it covers the bottom and up the sides. Freeze it while preparing the filling.

Step 03

In a clean food processor, throw in the orange slices, a little zest, vanilla extract, and the orange juice. Blend until everything is smooth, then set it aside.

Step 04

In a mixing bowl (use a hand mixer or stand mixer), beat the cream cheese and orange Jello together until it’s smooth.

Step 05

Gently fold the sweetened condensed milk and Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture until it’s well blended.

Step 06

Take the orange mixture you set aside earlier and beat it into the filling. Make sure it’s fully mixed and has a smooth texture.

Step 07

Pull the crust from the freezer and pour in your filling. Spread it evenly with a spatula to make the top nice and smooth.

Step 08

Place the pie in the fridge for a couple of hours if you prefer a creamy texture, or freeze it for about an hour to enjoy a firmer dessert.

Step 09

Combine the remaining cream cheese and Cool Whip together in a bowl, whipping them until they’re light and fluffy.

Step 10

Spread or pipe the fluffy topping on top of the chilled pie. Add a few orange slices if you’re feeling fancy. Serve it cold or frozen, whichever you like best.

Notes

For a creamy texture, keep it chilled in the fridge. If you prefer it firmer like a frozen dessert, store it in the freezer.
This dish stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week. In the freezer, it can last up to three months, but make sure you wrap it well with plastic twice.
If it’s frozen solid, let it thaw at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This makes it easier to cut.
Mandarin oranges can be swapped for regular oranges if you want a slightly mellower citrus flavor.

Required Equipment

Deep pie dish
Spray for non-stick surfaces
A few mixing bowls
Food processor for blending and crushing
Measuring spoons and cups
Either a stand or hand mixer
A rubber spatula for spreading

Allergen Information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.

Contains dairy products like butter, cream cheese, Cool Whip, and condensed milk.
Gluten is present in most shortbread cookies.
Jello often contains gelatin, which is not vegetarian.