The 3-Ingredient No-Bake Cool Whip Pie That Tastes Just Like An Orange Creamsicle

There's something nostalgic and undeniably fulfilling about the flavor of an orange creamsicle, especially when you don't have to chase an ice cream truck to get it. A three-ingredient no-bake Cool Whip pie captures that creamy, citrusy delightfulness using nothing more than a tub of whipped topping, a packet of orange Jell-O, and a ready-made pie crust. It's simple, it's quick, and it delivers all the bright, dreamy vibes of a frozen treat without you ever having to turn on the oven.

You start out by combining the Jell-O with hot water, letting it dissolve just enough to bloom with flavor, but not set completely. Once cooled slightly, it's folded into the Cool Whip, creating a light, mousse-like filling that firms up as it chills. Pour the mixture into your favorite graham cracker or cookie crust, then let the whole thing set in the fridge for a few hours. That's it. No baking; no fancy techniques; just creamy orange bliss in a pie pan. Whether you're throwing together a last-minute summer dessert or just need something sweet to satisfy your ccreamsicle raving, this Cool Whip pie proves that simple ingredients and minimal effort can still mean a whole bunch of flavor and a well thought-out dessert.

The basic three-ingredient version is a winner on its own, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun dressing it up. Some home bakers like to add a bit of tang with softened cream cheese, giving the pie a cheesecake-like body that feels richer and slightly more indulgent. Others zest a fresh orange into the mix to amplify the citrus notes and cut through the sweetness. And for a bit of texture, drained mandarin orange slices folded into the Cool Whip before pouring it into the pie crust are a colorful, juicy surprise in every bite.

You can also switch out the crust while you're at it, even though graham cracker is the go-to; a vanilla wafer or shortbread crust gives the pie a softer cookie finish or a flaky, buttery crust. You could even go for chocolate if you want to experiment with a chocolate-orange combination that usually pairs well in other desserts. The beauty of this Cool Whip pie isn't just in how few ingredients it requires — it's how customizable the base recipe is. 

Swap out the orange Jell-O for just about any flavor in the aisle and you've got a completely new dessert. Strawberry Jell-O gives you a berries-and-cream vibe, while lime tastes like key lime pie with a whipped twist. Raspberry, cherry, even pineapple; if it comes in Jell-O form, it can become a pie. You're still using three ingredients: whipped topping (you can also make a homemade whipped cream), flavored gelatin, and a pie crust. At its core, this no-bake pie is a blank canvas. Just a little creativity can turn it from a casual treat into a crowd-pleaser worthy of summer potlucks, birthdays, or anniversaries.