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Slice of vintage orange chiffon pie topped with homemade whipped cream in a graham cracker crust.

Vintage Orange Chiffon Pie

This light and airy Orange Chiffon Pie is inspired by a 1950 J.L. Hudson Home Advisory Bureau recipe from Detroit.
Made with fresh orange zest, orange juice concentrate, and topped with homemade whipped cream, it's a beautiful vintage dessert that's perfect for holidays and family gatherings.
Cook Time 30 minutes
Refrigeration Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 8 slices
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

Filling

  • 4 egg yolks
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup thawed orange juice concentrate
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • Zest from one orange
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp gelatin
  • ¼ cup cold water

Meringue

  • 4 egg whites
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 prepared 9-inch graham cracker crust or baked pastry shell

Topping

  • 1 cup whipping cream
  • 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 Tsp Vanilla

Instructions
 

Bloom the Gelatin

  • In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until softened.

Prepare the Citrus Custard

  • In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks until light in color. Add 1/2 cup sugar, orange juice concentrate, lemon juice, orange zest and salt. Transfer mixture to saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Add the Gelatin

  • Remove from heat. Stir in the softened gelatin until completely dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool until it begins to thicken slightly but is not set.

Make the Meringue

  • In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining ½ cup sugar, beating until stiff glossy peaks form.

Fold Together

  • Gently fold the meringue into the cooled citrus mixture until no white streaks remain. Be careful not to deflate the mixture.

Fill the Pie

  • Pour filling into the prepared pie crust. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.

Make the Whipped Topping

  • In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until it begins to thicken. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Continue beating until soft to medium peaks form. Spread evenly over the chilled pie before serving.

Notes

  • Orange juice concentrate gives this pie a brighter citrus flavor than regular orange juice.
  • Fresh orange zest adds the best flavor—don't skip it!
  • Chill for at least 4 hours before serving for clean slices.
  • Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 6gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 131mgSodium: 287mgPotassium: 204mgFiber: 1gSugar: 37gVitamin A: 635IUVitamin C: 27mgCalcium: 47mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Citrus Dessert, Classic Orange Dessert, Detroit Michigan Recipes, Graham Cracker Crust, JL Hudson Home Advisory Bureau, Orange Chiffon Pie, Orange Cream Pie, Orange Dessert, Orange Mousse Pie, Vintage Dessert, Vintage Orange Pie, Vintage Pie
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