Orange Creamsicle Bars: A Citrusy Treat
Welcome to another scrumptious post on our blog, where today, we’re diving into the world of delightful desserts with a nostalgic twist. The Orange Creamsicle Bars are sure to bring back childhood memories with their sweet, citrusy flavor and creamy texture. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing treat, these bars are as fun to make as they are to eat. Let’s get into the details:
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups (14-16 sheets, 168 g) honey graham crackers, finely crushed
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Toppings:
- 2 blocks (8 ounces each) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1⅓ cups (125 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 medium orange, juiced (about ¼ cup juice)
- ¼ cup orange jello mix (from a 3 oz box)
- 3 cups whipped topping, divided
- Orange slice, optional, for garnish
Directions
Crust:
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, extending up the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine crushed graham crackers and sugar.
- Blend in melted butter until the mixture is well incorporated and no dry spots remain.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined dish. Place in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the toppings.
Toppings:
- Using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese until creamy.
- Mix in confectioners’ sugar, orange zest, and juice until smooth.
- Gently fold in 2 cups of whipped topping to the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread half of this cream cheese mixture over the chilled crust.
- Fold ¼ cup orange jello mix into the remaining cream cheese mixture and carefully layer it over the first layer.
- Top with the remaining whipped topping.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour or overnight to set perfectly.
Nutritional Info & Servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
- Servings: 8 servings
These Orange Creamsicle Bars not only look spectacular but also taste heavenly. They are the perfect blend of tangy and sweet, with a luscious creamy topping and a crisp crust that holds it all together. Optional garnish with an orange slice just before serving adds a touch of elegance and boosts the orange flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a party, needing a dessert for a potluck, or just treating yourself, these bars are a go-to recipe. They’re simple enough for any home cook to master yet special enough to impress your guests. Give them a try and watch them disappear!
Stay tuned for more tasty recipes and delightful treats right here on our blog. Happy cooking!
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Orange Creamsicle Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of summer with these Orange Creamsicle Bars. Layered with a crisp graham cracker crust and topped with a zesty orange cream cheese mixture, each bite transports you to sunny days with a refreshing orange popsicle in hand. The vibrant citrus zest paired with the creamy texture makes this dessert not only a treat for the palate but also a visual delight.
These Orange Creamsicle Bars are perfect for any gathering or as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. They’re incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them the ideal dessert for busy entertainers. Serve chilled to bring out the best flavor and texture, and watch them disappear from the plate!
Ingredients
Crust:
2 cups (14–16 sheets, 168 g) honey graham crackers, finely crushed
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted
Toppings:
2 blocks (8 ounces each) cream cheese, room temperature
1⅓ cups (125 g) confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 medium orange, juiced (about ¼ cup juice)
¼ cup orange jello mix (from a 3 oz box)
3 cups whipped topping, divided
Orange slice, optional, for garnish
Instructions
Crust:
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, including up the sides.
Mix crushed graham crackers and sugar in a medium bowl.
Blend in melted butter until no dry spots remain.
Press firmly into the bottom of the lined dish. Chill in refrigerator.
Toppings:
Beat cream cheese with a hand mixer until creamy. Mix in sugar, orange zest, and juice until smooth.
Gently fold in 2 cups of whipped topping.
Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
Fold ¼ cup orange jello mix into remaining cream cheese mixture and layer over the first.
Top with remaining whipped topping.
Chill for 1 hour or overnight.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal