No-bake Orange Creamsicle Bars
These bars combine bright orange flavor with smooth vanilla creaminess.A buttery cookie crust provides the perfect foundation.Fresh orange zest adds an intense natural citrus aroma.The creamy filling is chilled rather than baked.Every bite is refreshing, silky, sweet, and slightly tangy.They make an easy make-ahead dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 cups finely crushed vanilla wafer cookies
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
For the Orange Cream Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
For Garnishing
- Orange zest
- Thin orange slices, optional
- Whipped cream, optional
- Crushed vanilla wafers, optional
Instructions
Prepare the Pan
- Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving some paper over the edges. This will make removing the chilled bars much easier.
Make the Cookie Crust
- Combine the crushed vanilla wafers, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Mix until the crumbs resemble wet sand.
Press the Crust
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Press it firmly and evenly across the bottom using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup.Place the crust in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sweetened condensed milk, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until completely smooth.
Whip the Cream
- In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Combine the Filling
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the orange cream cheese mixture. Mix carefully so the filling remains light and fluffy.
Add the Filling
- Remove the crust from the refrigerator and spread the orange cream mixture evenly over it.
Slice and Garnish
- Lift the chilled dessert from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife. Garnish with fresh orange zest, whipped cream, or small orange slices before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh orange juice for the brightest citrus flavor.
- Finely grate only the orange-colored portion of the peel when making zest.
- Make sure the cream cheese is completely softened before mixing.
- Chill the bars thoroughly before attempting to cut them.
- Vanilla wafers create a classic creamsicle-style flavor.
- For a stronger orange flavor, add a little extra orange zest.
- Keep the bars refrigerated until ready to serve.
- The bars become firmer when chilled overnight.