Description
Orange Citrus Delight Bars are a luscious no-bake dessert featuring a trio of delightful textures and flavors. The crispy Nilla Wafer crust, combined with a vibrant orange cream layer and a smooth cheesecake layer, makes these bars a perfect summer treat. This layered confection balances tangy citrus notes and creamy sweetness, creating an irresistible dessert option for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces Cool Whip, divided
- 1 ⅓ cups Nilla Wafer Cookie Crumbs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 ounces orange gelatin
- ¾ cup boiling water
- ¾ cup cold water
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons orange extract
- 8 drops orange Wilton Gel Food Color (optional)
- 2 cups Cool Whip
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup Cool Whip
Instructions
- Nilla Wafer Crust Line a 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Melt the butter, then pulse Nilla Wafers in a food processor to fine crumbs. Mix crumbs with melted butter, press into the pan, and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Orange Gelatin Mix the orange gelatin with boiling water until dissolved, add cold water, and refrigerate for about 10 minutes without letting it set.
- Orange Cream Layer Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar, orange extract, and food coloring. Gradually add chilled gelatin mix and refrigerate for an hour to thicken.
- Cheesecake Layer Beat cream cheese with confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until creamy. Fold in Cool Whip, spoon onto the crust, and spread evenly.
- Assembling the Layers Fold the remaining Cool Whip into the orange cream mixture until smooth. Spread this over the cheesecake layer. Refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours.