These no-bake bars taste like an Orange Creamsicle in cheesecake form: bright orange, mellow vanilla, and a thick, creamy bite. They’re perfect when you want a summer dessert that looks bakery-level with minimal effort.
The vibe
Orange zest brings the “fresh orange peel” aroma, while vanilla makes it taste like the creamy center of a creamsicle. No-bake cheesecake bars set by chilling (not baking), so planning a little fridge time is the main key to clean slices.
What you need
Crust
- 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (or graham cracker crumbs)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional, depending on crumbs)
Filling
- 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp orange zest (from 1–2 oranges)
- 1/3 cup thawed orange juice concentrate (best flavor without watering down)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
Optional “creamsicle swirl”
- 2–3 tbsp extra orange juice concentrate (for the orange half)
- 1–2 drops orange food coloring (optional, for a brighter look)
Make it Step By Step
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment (leave overhang for lifting).
- Mix crumbs + melted butter (+ sugar if using) until it looks like wet sand, then press firmly into the pan and chill 15 minutes.
- Whip the cold heavy cream to stiff peaks; refrigerate while you mix the base.
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, orange zest, vanilla, and salt until completely smooth, then beat in the orange juice concentrate.
- Fold the whipped cream into the orange cream cheese mixture in 2–3 additions until fluffy.
- For a swirl: spread half the filling into the crust, stir extra concentrate (and optional coloring) into the remaining filling, dollop it on top, then swirl gently with a knife.
- Cover and chill at least 6 hours (overnight is best) before slicing.
Flavor swaps
- More “ice-cream” flavor: add 1/2 tsp extra vanilla (or a tiny splash of almond extract).
- Tangier: replace 1/4 cup of the whipped cream volume with sour cream (don’t add extra liquid).
- Citrus mix: use half orange zest and half lemon zest, then serve with your Easy Lemon Mousse on the side.
Slice and store
For sharp edges, slice cold with a hot, dry knife (run under hot water, wipe dry between cuts). Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze bars (wrapped) up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
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Creamy Orange Creamsicle No-Bake Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 380
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Orange Creamsicle no-bake cheesecake bars with a buttery vanilla wafer crust, bright orange zest, and a smooth vanilla-orange filling. Chill, slice, and serve for an easy summer dessert.
Ingredients
For the crust:
2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (or graham cracker crumbs)
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)
For the filling:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp orange zest
1/3 cup orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
Optional swirl:
2–3 tbsp extra orange juice concentrate
1–2 drops orange food coloring (optional)
Instructions
1. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
2. Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter (and sugar if using). Press firmly into the pan and chill 15 minutes.
3. Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks; refrigerate.
4. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, orange zest, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
5. Beat in orange juice concentrate until fully combined.
6. Fold whipped cream into the orange mixture until fluffy.
7. Spread into crust. (Optional: Divide filling; mix extra concentrate into half, dollop and swirl.)
8. Cover and chill at least 6 hours or overnight.
9. Lift out, slice into bars, and serve cold.
Notes
Orange juice concentrate gives strong flavor without thinning the filling.
For clean slices, chill well and use a hot, dry knife.
If the filling feels soft, chill longer rather than adding more liquid.
- Prep Time: 20
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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