Gluten-Free No-Bake Orange Curd Cream Pie
A luxurious no-bake dessert featuring tangy orange curd folded into a silky cream cheese and crème fraîche filling, nestled in a crisp shortbread crust. The bright citrus flavor balances beautifully with the rich, creamy texture, while fresh orange zest adds an aromatic finish. Perfect for entertaining when you want an impressive dessert without turning on the oven, this pie requires just simple mixing and chilling time. The overnight rest allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set to the perfect sliceable consistency.
Ingredients
- 1 Keebler Shortbread Ready Crust or graham cracker crust
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 ½ cups crème fraîche, homemadeheavy cream whipped to soft peaks1:1adds dairy
reduces tanginess slightly
- ¾ cup orange curdlemon curd1:1
changes flavor profile completely
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, homemade
- orange zest, from one orange
Instructions
- 1
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using a stand mixer
- 2
Add sifted powdered sugar and beat on low until smooth
- 3
Add crème fraîche, orange curd, and vanilla to bowl and mix on medium until completely incorporated
- 4
Beat on high until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes
- 5
Remove bowl from mixer and fold in orange zest
- 6
Spread filling into pie crust and smooth top
- 7
Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight
Tips
Overnight chilling is recommended over the minimum 3 hours for best texture and flavor development
Ensure cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling
Fold in orange zest gently by hand to prevent overmixing and maintain the light, fluffy texture
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days
Can be made 1-2 days ahead; flavors improve with time
Serve chilled, cut with a sharp knife wiped clean between slices
Common Mistakes
Don't skip sifting powdered sugar to avoid lumps in the filling
Don't overmix after adding orange zest to maintain light texture
Substitutions
reduces tanginess slightly
traditional pairing
FAQ
Can I make this with store-bought orange curd?
Yes, store-bought orange curd works perfectly and saves time. Look for high-quality brands in the jam section or specialty food stores.
What if I don't have crème fraîche?
Substitute with heavy cream whipped to soft peaks, though the filling will be less tangy. Sour cream mixed with a little heavy cream also works.
How long will this pie keep in the refrigerator?
The pie stays fresh covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The filling may soften slightly over time but remains delicious.