Sunburst Orange Pie
A creamy, citrus-flavored pie featuring a graham cracker crust and a smooth orange filling, perfect for citrus lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crush about 16 graham crackers in a plastic bag with a rolling pin to make crumbs.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, finely chopped almonds, 2 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter or margarine to form the crust.
- Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie plate to form an even crust.
- Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until set. Cool completely.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, flour, and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the egg yolks and softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add orange zest or juice if desired for extra flavor.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust.
- Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Serve chilled, garnished with additional almonds or orange slices if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, substitute finely chopped almonds with crushed walnuts or omit them entirely. If you prefer a sweeter pie, increase the sugar in the filling by a few tablespoons. To make the crust extra crunchy, consider toasting the graham cracker crumbs lightly before mixing with the butter. Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in your filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pie chilled, garnished with slivered almonds or fresh orange slices for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider serving alongside a light salad or a refreshing beverage like iced tea for a complete meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Sunburst Orange Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving, as this pie is best enjoyed chilled. Avoid freezing, as it may affect the texture of the filling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sunburst Orange Pie contains roughly 1408 calories, with 60g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 117g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (120% of the Daily Value), iron (93% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (83% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use a store-bought pie crust to save time. Just follow the package instructions for pre-baking before adding the filling. This can streamline the process, especially if you're short on time.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if I want a lighter option?
You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a light cream cheese alternative. This will give you a similar creamy texture while reducing the fat content. Just ensure that whatever substitute you choose can set well in the pie.
Is there a way to make this pie dairy-free?
To make the pie dairy-free, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and a non-dairy milk such as almond or coconut milk. Be sure to check labels to ensure all ingredients are free from dairy. The flavor may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).