Go Back

Orange Creamsicle Bars

Delightful chilled bars with a creamy orange filling and a buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for summer treats.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 9 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1.5 cups 1 1/2 cups finely ground graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 pinch 1 pinch salt
  • 6 tablespoons 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Use unsalted butter for best flavor
For the filling
  • 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream, chilled Ensure heavy cream is thoroughly chilled
  • 3 tablespoons 3 tablespoons confectioner's sugar
  • 1.75 teaspoons 1 3/4 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
  • 1 packet 1 (0.25 ounce) packet unflavored powdered gelatin Can substitute with agar agar
  • 0.5 cup 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, divided Freshly squeezed juice is recommended
  • 2 packages 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese Softened to room temperature
  • 1 can 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 pinch 1 pinch salt
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
  • 0.5 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 2 drops 2 drops orange food coloring, optional Optional for color enhancement

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Line a 9x9 inch square pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix in melted butter until it forms a crust mixture.
  3. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of the pan and freeze for 10 minutes.
Cream Filling
  1. In another bowl, whip heavy cream, confectioner’s sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate.
  2. Sprinkle gelatin over half of the orange juice and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
  3. Blend cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, remaining orange juice, lemon juice, and another pinch of salt until smooth.
  4. Heat bloomed gelatin gently until liquid, then blend it into the cream mixture.
  5. Gently fold in the whipped cream into the cream mixture.
Assembly and Setting
  1. Pour half of the cream mixture over the crust and freeze until set, about 1 hour.
  2. To the remaining filling, add orange zest, lemon zest, and food coloring. Pour this over the first layer and refrigerate until fully set.
Serving
  1. Slice into bars and serve with a dollop of whipped cream and orange slices.

Notes

Best served chilled. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Can be frozen for a longer shelf life.