Orange Creamsicle Bars Recipe

Introduction

Orange Creamsicle Bars are a delightful treat that combines creamy vanilla layers with a bright, fruity orange topping. This no-bake dessert is perfect for warm days and nostalgic cravings, offering a refreshing twist on the classic creamsicle flavor.

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 10 graham crackers (from 2 sleeves), finely crushed (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups Cool Whip, divided
• 1 cup boiling water
• 6 ounces Jell-O orange flavor gelatin
• 3 1/2 cups Cool Whip, divided

Instructions

1. Step 1: Lightly grease an 8″-by-8″ baking pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two opposite sides. Lightly grease the parchment with cooking spray as well.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, melted butter, and kosher salt. Mix until the mixture resembles wet sand and sticks together when pressed.
3. Step 3: Press the cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the back of a spoon or measuring cup.
4. Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until smooth and silky, about 3 minutes.
5. Step 5: Using a spatula, mix 1 cup of Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture to lighten the texture, then fold in the remaining 1 cup of Cool Whip gently.
6. Step 6: Spread the vanilla cream layer evenly over the prepared crust. Refrigerate until ready to add the next layer.
7. Step 7: In a heatproof bowl, pour boiling water over the orange gelatin powder and whisk until completely dissolved. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and let it cool to room temperature for about 10 minutes. Be careful not to let it set.
8. Step 8: Whisk 2 cups of Cool Whip into the cooled gelatin mixture until combined. Spread this orange layer evenly over the chilled vanilla layer.
9. Step 9: Cover the pan and refrigerate until the orange layer sets, which takes at least 1 hour and up to 3 days.
10. Step 10: Spread the remaining 1 1/2 cups of Cool Whip evenly over the set orange layer.
11. Step 11: Run a small offset spatula or thin knife around the edges of the pan. Using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board. Slice into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
• Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the vanilla layer for an extra burst of citrus.
• If you prefer a firmer crust, bake the graham cracker crust at 350°F for 5–7 minutes before adding the layers (optional).
• For a dairy-free version, substitute with dairy-free cream cheese and Cool Whip alternatives.

Storage

Store the Orange Creamsicle Bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing as the creamy layers can separate. To serve, slice and enjoy straight from the fridge; no reheating is needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh orange juice instead of Jell-O orange gelatin?

Fresh orange juice won’t set like gelatin does, so it’s not suitable for this recipe where a firm orange layer is needed. The gelatin provides structure and that distinctive creamy texture.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars actually benefit from chilling and can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just keep them refrigerated and covered tightly to maintain freshness.

Orange Creamsicle Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 100 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes plus chilling time
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

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Description

These Orange Creamsicle Bars feature a crunchy graham cracker crust layered with a creamy vanilla cheese filling and topped with a light, orange-flavored gelatin layer, finished with a fluffy Cool Whip topping. This no-bake dessert is a delightful and refreshing treat reminiscent of the classic creamsicle, perfect for warm days and gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• Cooking spray, for greasing
• 10 graham crackers (from 2 sleeves), finely crushed (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Vanilla Layer

• 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups Cool Whip, divided

Orange Layer

• 1 cup boiling water
• 6 oz. Jell-O orange flavor gelatin
• 2 cups Cool Whip

Final Topping

• 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip

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Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: Lightly grease an 8″-by-8″ baking pan with cooking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper leaving a 2″ overhang on two opposite sides. Lightly grease the parchment with cooking spray as well for easy removal later.
2. Mix crust ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the finely crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, melted butter, and kosher salt. Mix until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
3. Form the crust: Scrape the cracker mixture into the prepared pan and press firmly into an even layer using the back of a spoon or a measuring cup. Set aside.
4. Make the vanilla layer: In a medium bowl, using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until smooth and silky, about 3 minutes.
5. Incorporate Cool Whip: Gently fold 1 cup of Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture to lighten the texture, then fold in the remaining 1 cup of Cool Whip until fully combined.
6. Assemble vanilla layer: Spread the vanilla mixture evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the orange layer.
7. Prepare the orange layer: In a medium heatproof bowl, pour the boiling water over the orange-flavored Jell-O gelatin. Whisk until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
8. Cool the gelatin: Place the bowl in the refrigerator and let it cool until the mixture reaches room temperature, about 10 minutes, ensuring it does not begin to set.
9. Fold in Cool Whip: Once the gelatin mixture is cooled, whisk in 2 cups of Cool Whip until well combined.
10. Assemble orange layer: Spread the orange mixture over the chilled vanilla layer. Cover and refrigerate until the orange layer is set, which will take at least 1 hour and can be kept up to 3 days.
11. Add the final topping: Spread the remaining 1 1/2 cups of Cool Whip evenly over the set orange layer.
12. Slice and serve: Run a small offset spatula or thin knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the bars. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out onto a cutting board. Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

• Make sure the gelatin mixture is cooled to room temperature before folding in the Cool Whip to prevent melting and thinning the whipped topping.
• Using parchment paper with an overhang helps to lift the bars out easily for clean slicing.
• These bars should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain texture and freshness.
• You can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream if preferred, but consistency may vary.
• The bars can be kept in the fridge covered for up to 3 days without loss of quality.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Orange Creamsicle Bars, no-bake dessert, graham cracker crust, cream cheese filling, orange gelatin, Cool Whip dessert, summer dessert