Orange Creamsicle Lovers Need To Try This 3-Ingredient No-Bake Dessert

Aimee Lee Studios/Shutterstock

The sticky heat of summer calls for something light, cool, and breezy — like an orange creamsicle in pie form. This three-ingredient, no-bake wonder captures the sunny citrus burst and soft vanilla finish of the classic treat. Among the many Jell-O hacks you'll want to try, like coating grapes for a sweet-meets-sour snack or tossing back boozy Jell-O shots, whipping up this dessert is as easy as pie. In its most basic form, it just requires flavored gelatin, a crust and whipped topping.

Begin with a packet of orange-flavored Jell-O. Combine it with boiling water and stir until the powder dissolves. Let it rest until slightly cooled. Then comes the magic moment: folding in a tub of whipped topping. The mixture turns pale peach, pillowy, and smooth, echoing the creamsicle's signature swirl.

If you want to keep the number of ingredients to a minimum, pour the filling into a nice store-bought pie crust. If you want a bit more customization, you can make your own crust from scratch with crushed graham crackers, cornflakes, Biscoff cookies, Nilla Wafers, Oreos, or pretzels. Regardless of which route you choose, it will add a buttery crunch and sweetness. Pop the pie in the fridge and give it a few hours to chill. When it's finally ready to serve, it slices like a dream and delivers cool, creamy comfort.

While slurping up spoonfuls of orange Jell-O can trigger fond childhood memories of fast-melting ice pops and golden-hour bike rides, this pie recipe opens the door to endless variations. Try strawberry gelatin for a berries and cream twist, or go tropical with pineapple, mango, or lime. Lemon offers a tart edge, while black cherry leans deeper and more decadent. If you want to achieve a playful effect, you can prepare two Jell-O flavors in separate bowls, spoon them into the crust side by side, and gently marble with a knife. For a layered approach, let one flavor set before adding the next, creating a retro striped effect. Garnishes can be as straightforward or spirited as you like: a pinch of citrus zest or flaky sea salt, a handful of fresh fruit, fluffy dollops of whipped topping, or a fun scattering of sprinkles.

At its heart, this no-bake pie is all about ease and joy — bright color, bold flavor, and soft texture. It's a throwback and a crowd-pleaser, perfect for picnic tables and weeknight countertops. Serve it at birthday parties, cookouts, or any occasion that calls for a dessert with whimsical charm. Best of all, it proves that a little imagination and a few pantry staples can bring a taste of sunshine to your kitchen.