Description
Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars are a no-bake dessert layered with citrusy cream cheese and whipped topping on a buttery graham crust.
Ingredients
Scale
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
1 medium orange (zest and juice)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed and divided
2 tbsp powdered orange gelatin mix
Instructions
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Bring the cream cheese to room temperature for about 45 minutes, or microwave it until very soft, around 15-20 seconds.
- Line Your Pan: Use parchment paper to line an 8×8-inch pan, letting the paper hang over the sides to form a sling.
- Create the Crust Base: In a food processor, pulse together graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt until fine. Pour in melted butter and pulse until fully incorporated.
- Press the Crust: Firmly press the crust mixture into an even layer in your prepared pan. Place in the fridge to chill while you work on the filling.
- Blend Orange Flavor: Zest half of the orange and juice it to yield 2 tbsp. Blend with the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and the remaining 1/4 tsp salt in a clean food processor until smooth.
- Prepare the First Layer: Scoop 1/2 cup of the cream cheese blend into a bowl and fold in 3/4 cup of whipped topping. Spread over the crust.
- Mix and Spread the Second Layer: Add orange gelatin to the remaining cream cheese mixture, blend well, then fold in another 3/4 cup whipped topping. Spread this orange layer on top.
- Finish with the Topping: Smooth the remaining whipped topping over the orange layer.
- Refrigerate Until Firm: Cover and refrigerate the bars for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Decorate and Cut: Sprinkle with fresh orange zest and garnish with orange wedges. Slice into 9 bars, wiping the knife clean between each cut to keep layers tidy.
Notes
Use a clean knife for each cut to preserve layers.
Chill thoroughly before slicing.
Homemade whipped cream can replace Cool Whip.
Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: Chill Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 3g