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Tasty Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars

Featured in: Sweet Desserts

These Chilled Orange Creamsicle Bars turn a summertime ice cream favorite into an elegant sweet treat without any baking needed. The crisp graham crust sits under a velvety mixture of cream cheese, fresh orange juice, and vanilla that captures that beloved creamsicle taste. Gelatin helps the bars set up nicely while keeping them delightfully creamy. Finished with bright mandarin slices on top, these gorgeous treats are surprisingly easy to put together. They're great for backyard gatherings or anytime you want something cool and sweet without warming up your kitchen.
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punchofyummy
Updated on Sat, 05 Apr 2025 00:18:15 GMT
Smooth chilled orange vanilla bars with graham base and citrus topping Pin it
Smooth chilled orange vanilla bars with graham base and citrus topping | pinchofyummy.com

Imagine biting into something that takes you right back to your childhood while still feeling fancy enough for a dinner party. These no-bake orange creamsicle cheesecake bars blend zesty citrus with velvety cream cheese, giving you that ice cream truck memory with a grown-up twist in every mouthful.

I came up with this treat during one brutal summer when I couldn't bear switching on my oven. The first time I tried that orange-vanilla combo in the smooth filling, I was instantly a kid again, running after the ice cream truck. Now I make it for every backyard get-together when the weather warms up.

Key Ingredients

  • Graham crackers: Need to be crunchy and new for that perfect base
  • Full-fat cream cheese: Creates that dreamy, smooth texture
  • Fresh orange juice and zest: Bring real citrus punch
  • Quality vanilla extract: Works with the orange for that classic flavor
  • Unflavored gelatin: Helps everything set up just right
  • Sweetened condensed milk: Adds smooth thickness and sweetness

Crafting Your Treat

Make Your Base:
Crush graham crackers until they're fine and even. Stir in brown sugar and salt, then pour melted butter over top. Mix until everything sticks when squeezed.
Set Up The Bottom:
Push the graham mix down hard into your pan. A measuring cup works great to flatten everything, especially in the edges and corners for a strong foundation.
Work On The Filling:
Soak gelatin in warm orange juice until it's completely melted. In another bowl, whip cream cheese until it's totally smooth with no lumps at all. This step really matters!
Create The Mixture:
Mix your smooth cream cheese with sweetened condensed milk and sour cream for richness. Add orange zest, extracts, and your gelatin mixture, then stir until everything's completely combined.
Finish It Off:
Pour everything over your crust and smooth the top flat. Let it chill in the fridge until firm, then add some fresh mandarin slices on top for the perfect look.
Cooling orange creamsicle cheesecake bars with a silky, creamy consistency Pin it
Cooling orange creamsicle cheesecake bars with a silky, creamy consistency | pinchofyummy.com

We have this family competition every summer for the best dessert, and this won the whole thing! My secret was adding extra orange zest for more brightness. Even my aunt who always says she hates cheesecake ended up asking for another piece.

Tasty Companions

Make your dessert even better by serving it with some fresh berries mixed with sugar and a splash of orange liqueur. Add a bit of whipped cream for extra luxury. If you're having an afternoon snack, try it with Earl Grey or some citrusy green tea that works well with the orange flavor.

Unique Twists

Put your own spin on this by playing with different flavors. Try using lime instead of orange for a tangy kick, or swap in grapefruit for something more grown-up. Spread some dark chocolate between the crust and filling for a chocolate-orange combo. Want something tropical? Mix coconut into the crust and sprinkle toasted coconut on top.

Keeping It Fresh

These bars stay good in the fridge for about three days if you keep them in a sealed container. For pretty slices, dunk your knife in hot water and wipe it off between cuts. Don't put them in the freezer though - they won't have the same nice texture when thawed.

Simple no-bake cheesecake squares bursting with tangy orange flavor and sweet, velvety filling. Pin it
Simple no-bake cheesecake squares bursting with tangy orange flavor and sweet, velvety filling. | pinchofyummy.com

I've tried tons of no-bake treats over the years, but these Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars are something special. The way the smooth filling works with the buttery crust while giving you that beloved creamsicle flavor makes a dessert that's both memory-lane sweet and fancy-dinner worthy. Whether you're hosting a summer cookout or just want something cool and sweet, these bars will make everybody happy with every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these bars days before serving?
Absolutely, you can make them up to 3 days early and keep them in the fridge in a sealed container.
→ Why should I dry the mandarin slices?
Extra juice from the mandarins might make your dessert top soggy and won't look as nice.
→ Will fresh oranges work instead of mandarins?
They'll work, but mandarins tend to be sweeter and look prettier as toppings.
→ What if the store doesn't have orange extract?
You can use twice as much orange zest or try a bit of orange oil, but use less since it's stronger.
→ Is it okay to freeze these bars?
Definitely! They stay good frozen for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw in your fridge overnight before eating.

Creamsicle Orange Bars

These chilled orange bars bring back childhood creamsicle memories in a grown-up, smooth dessert that's perfect for hot days.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
360 Minutes
Total Time
380 Minutes
By: Amelia

Category: Sweet Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (16 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Crust

01 1 1/2 cups graham crackers, crushed into fine crumbs
02 2 tablespoons brown sugar, light variety
03 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt, coarse type
04 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter

→ Filling

05 1/2 cup juice from oranges
06 1 envelope unflavored gelatin powder (1/4 oz)
07 12 ounces softened full-fat cream cheese
08 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
09 1/4 cup sour cream, full-fat
10 1 teaspoon orange zest, freshly grated
11 1 teaspoon extract of orange
12 1 teaspoon extract of vanilla

→ Decoration

13 16 mandarin orange segments from can, dried with paper towel

Instructions

Step 01

Combine the graham cracker crumbs with brown sugar and salt, then add melted butter and stir until damp. Pack firmly into the bottom of an 8 or 9 inch pan

Step 02

Put orange juice with gelatin in a dish safe for microwave and let it sit, then heat for 30-45 seconds until gelatin dissolves

Step 03

Whip cream cheese till it's creamy, then blend in the condensed milk, sour cream, orange zest and both flavor extracts

Step 04

Stir the orange gelatin mix into your cream cheese blend until everything's mixed well

Step 05

Empty filling onto crust and cool in fridge for at least 6 hours or leave overnight until firm. Top with mandarin orange pieces before you serve

Notes

  1. Keeps fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in a sealed container
  2. Doesn't need oven time - great for hot weather

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch pan for baking
  • Electric mixer (handheld or standing)
  • Bowl safe for microwave

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy products (cream cheese and sour cream)
  • Has gluten ingredients (graham crackers)