Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange gelatin and the boiling water. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Let it cool slightly.1/2 (3 ounce) package orange flavored gelatin, 1/3 cup boiling water
- Whisk the orange zest and fresh orange juice into the gelatin mixture until well combined. Set aside.1 tablespoon grated orange zest, 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- In a separate large bowl, whisk the room-temperature cream cheese for about 30 seconds until it is completely smooth.4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- Gradually whisk the orange gelatin mixture into the cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Whisk in 1 1/2 cups of the thawed whipped topping until the filling is smooth and no lumps of cream cheese remain.1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the creamsicle filling for about 30 minutes, until it is partially set and slightly thickened.
- Pour the thickened filling into the graham cracker crust and spread it into an even layer.1 (9 inch) ready-to-use graham cracker pie crust
- Cover the pie and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight, until the filling is completely set.
- Just before serving, spread the remaining 1 1/2 cups of whipped topping over the set orange layer.1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- Decorate the top with the patted-dry mandarin orange segments and a sprinkle of additional orange zest. Slice and serve chilled.1/2 cup drained, canned mandarin oranges in water, patted dry, 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
Notes
For the smoothest filling, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before beginning. The chilling times are essential for the pie to set properly, so don't rush them. You can use a homemade graham cracker crust if you prefer.
