Sunshine Mousse Pie: A Refreshing No-Bake Dessert
Description:
Embrace the essence of summer with this delightful no-bake Sunshine Mousse Pie, a dessert that tantalizes the taste buds with its light and tart flavors, reminiscent of a luscious orange cream cheese mousse. Perfectly complemented by a fluffy layer of whipped cream, this pie is an ideal treat for warm weather gatherings or any occasion that calls for a refreshing finish. The recipe, originally discovered on a box of Knox gelatin, offers suggestions for delightful fruit variations that make it versatile and appealing to all palates.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | No cooking required |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 8 |
| Keywords | Low Protein, < 30 Mins |
Ingredients
To prepare the Sunshine Mousse Pie, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unflavored gelatin | 1 packet |
| Cold water | 1/4 cup |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Cream cheese | 1 package (8 oz) |
| Confectioners’ sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Graham cracker pie crust | 1 crust (9-inch) |
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Sunshine Mousse Pie contains approximately:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 440.5 |
| Total Fat | 28.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 71.9 mg |
| Sodium | 268.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 42.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugars | 32.6 g |
| Protein | 5.4 g |
Instructions
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Prepare Gelatin: Begin by pouring the cold water into a blender, followed by sprinkling the unflavored gelatin over the surface. Allow it to stand undisturbed for approximately one minute, giving the gelatin time to bloom and absorb the moisture.
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Dissolve Gelatin: Next, introduce the hot heavy cream to the blender with the bloomed gelatin. Process at a low speed for about 2 minutes or until the gelatin is completely dissolved, ensuring a smooth mixture free of lumps.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the softened cream cheese, orange juice concentrate, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract to the blender. Blend on medium speed until the mixture is well combined and creamy, achieving a homogeneous consistency that is both fluffy and velvety.
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Chill the Mixture: Transfer the blended mousse mixture to a bowl and refrigerate it until it slightly thickens, approximately 15 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring the mousse holds its shape when poured into the crust.
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Assemble the Pie: Once thickened, carefully pour the mousse mixture into the prepared graham cracker pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
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Chill to Set: Place the pie in the refrigerator to chill and firm up for at least 2 hours. This will allow the mousse to set perfectly, creating a delectable and stable dessert that slices beautifully.
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Garnish and Serve: When ready to serve, adorn the pie with garnishes of your choice, such as slices of fresh orange, lime, or any other fruit that strikes your fancy. For a decorative touch, consider cutting a slice of fruit from the center to the outside, twisting it gently to create an appealing garnish.
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Explore Variations: If you wish to experiment with flavors, feel free to substitute the orange juice concentrate with other frozen juice concentrates, such as lemonade, limeade, tangerine juice, or even a piña colada mix. When using sweetened concentrates like lemonade, reduce the amount of added confectioners’ sugar by half to maintain a balanced sweetness.
Conclusion
This Sunshine Mousse Pie is not only a delightful treat for any gathering but also a canvas for your creativity in the kitchen. With its light and airy texture combined with the zest of citrus, this no-bake dessert is sure to impress guests and family alike. Whether you stick with the classic orange flavor or venture into fruity adaptations, each slice promises a burst of refreshing flavor that captures the spirit of summer in every bite. Enjoy the sweet sunshine in your life with this easy-to-make pie that comes together in a mere 20 minutes!
