Description
Delight in these Orange Creamsicle Bars, which combine a buttery vanilla wafer crust with a luscious, creamy orange-flavored filling layered with light whipped topping. This no-bake treat captures the nostalgic taste of a creamsicle in an easy-to-make bar format, perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you crave a refreshing dessert.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 package (12 ounces) vanilla wafers, crushed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Filling
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed (divided)
- 2-1/2 tablespoons orange gelatin powder
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh orange slices
- Candy orange slices
- Orange zest
- Additional orange juice concentrate
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment or waxed paper by cutting two long pieces and crisscrossing them so that the paper extends over the edges, creating handles to easily lift the dessert after chilling.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafer crumbs with the melted butter until well blended. Press the mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place the pan in the freezer to set while preparing the filling.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese for two to three minutes until smooth and light, scraping down the sides as needed. Add the confectioners’ sugar, thawed orange juice concentrate, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then continue beating for another two to three minutes. Finally, fold in 1-1/2 cups of the thawed whipped topping until evenly incorporated.
- Make the layers: Spoon half of the cream cheese filling over the chilled crust, pressing it into corners and smoothing the surface. Add the orange gelatin powder to the remaining filling in the bowl and beat at medium speed until fully blended, the mixture turns orange in color, and thickens slightly, about one to two minutes. Spread this orange gelatin-infused filling evenly over the first layer, then top with the remaining whipped topping, smoothing it out.
- Chill, then serve: Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight to allow the bars to set completely. Once chilled, use the parchment handles to lift the dessert out onto a cutting board. Slice into nine bars with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges. Optionally, garnish each bar with fresh orange slices, candy orange slices, orange zest, or a drizzle of additional thawed orange juice concentrate, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a food processor for quicker and finer vanilla wafer crumbs.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Chilling time is crucial for bars to set firmly and achieve the desired texture.
- Optional garnishes add an extra burst of citrus flavor and a pretty presentation.
- For swirled effects, drop a few additional drops of orange juice concentrate on top of the whipped topping and lightly swirl with a toothpick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
