Tang Pie Recipe

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 1/2 cup orange-flavored drink mix (e.g. Tang)
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (9-inch) prepared graham cracker crust
• 1 (8-ounce) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
• 8 mandarin orange segments for garnish

Directions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the orange drink mix, sweetened condensed milk, and softened cream cheese. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on high speed until everything is well combined.

Step 2: Gently fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, blending them together until smooth.

Step 3: Pour the cream cheese mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust and spread it evenly. Place the pie in the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour or until it becomes firm.

Step 4: Once chilled, garnish the pie with the remaining whipped topping and the mandarin orange segments.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy this creamy, citrusy dessert!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	29g Fat	87g Carbs	10g Protein
630	37% Daily Value	32% Daily Value	20% Daily Value

Nutrition Breakdown

• Total Fat: 29g (37% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 17g (84% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 51mg (17% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 293mg (13% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 87g (32% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (14% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 70g
• Protein: 10g (20% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 56mg (62% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 298mg (23% Daily Value)
• Iron: 1mg (6% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 647mg (14% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

The Story Behind Tang Pie

Tang Pie is a unique dessert that traces its origins back to mid-20th century America, during the space race era. Its name comes from Tang, the orange-flavored powdered drink mix famously used by NASA astronauts on space missions. The combination of Tang with cream cheese and whipped topping created a quick, no-bake dessert that became popular in households looking for easy, vibrant, and refreshing treats. Originally, Tang Pie was promoted as a fun, modern dessert that captured the excitement of the space age and the novelty of powdered drink mixes.

Regional Variations

While Tang Pie is generally considered an American dessert, regional variations exist across the United States. In the Midwest, it is often served with extra orange zest or segments of fresh mandarins to enhance its citrus flavor. In Southern states, some recipes incorporate a graham cracker crust mixed with crushed pecans for added texture and richness. Despite these subtle differences, the core elementsTang, cream cheese, whipped topping, and a simple crustremain consistent nationwide.

How Tang Pie Differs from Similar Desserts

Though Tang Pie may resemble other citrus or no-bake pies, such as lemon meringue or key lime pie, it is distinguished by its unique flavor source: powdered orange drink mix. Unlike traditional pies that rely on fresh fruit or juice, Tang Pie achieves its tangy sweetness with a processed mix, giving it a bright, slightly artificial citrus taste reminiscent of the 1960s era. Its texture is also creamier and lighter than baked pies, making it a refreshing alternative for summer gatherings.

Typical Serving Occasions

Tang Pie is often served chilled at family gatherings, potlucks, or summer picnics. Its no-bake preparation makes it ideal for busy households, and its playful, vibrant appearance appeals to children and adults alike. Some restaurants and cafs featuring retro American desserts occasionally offer Tang Pie as a nostalgic treat, often garnished with mandarin orange segments or whipped cream for visual appeal.

Interesting Facts

• Some enthusiasts refer to Tang Pie as "astronaut pie," paying homage to Tang's association with space travel.
• Despite its simple ingredients, the dessert has inspired variations using lime or lemon drink mixes, creating tangy alternatives.
• Tang Pie represents a period in American culinary history where convenience and novelty drove innovation, blending processed foods with traditional dessert techniques.
• The pie has a surprisingly devoted fan base online, with many praising its quick preparation and nostalgic flavor reminiscent of childhood summers.

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