Description
Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars are a delightful no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy Nilla wafer crust topped with a layered orange-flavored gelatin cream and a smooth cheesecake layer. Easy to prepare and perfect for a refreshing, creamy treat that tastes like a nostalgic creamsicle.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ⅓ cups Nilla Wafer Cookie Crumbs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
Orange Gelatin
- 3 ounces orange gelatin
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- 3/4 cup cold water
Orange Cream Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons orange extract
- 8 drops orange Wilton Gel Food Color (optional)
- 8 ounces Cool Whip (divided into 3 separate cups)
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup Cool Whip
Topping
- 2 cups Cool Whip
Instructions
- Prepare Nilla Wafer Crust: Line an 8 X 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to easily remove the bars later. Melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds, stirring and melting an additional 5-10 seconds as needed. In a food processor, pulse the Nilla Wafers until finely ground into crumbs. Mix the cookie crumbs thoroughly with the melted butter using a rubber spatula. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan to form a crust. Place the pan in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Make Orange Gelatin: In a 2-cup measuring cup, dissolve 3 ounces of orange gelatin in 3/4 cup boiling water, stirring well. Add 3/4 cup cold water and stir again. Refrigerate the mixture until it is completely cooled but not set, approximately 10 minutes.
- Prepare Orange Cream Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of room temperature cream cheese with 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons orange extract, and optional orange gel food coloring. Slowly drizzle in the chilled gelatin mixture while continuously mixing for a smooth and consistent texture. Chill this mixture in the refrigerator for one hour to thicken, allowing it to develop the perfect creamy consistency.
- Prepare Cheesecake Layer: In a separate mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of room temperature cream cheese with 1 cup confectioners’ sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of Cool Whip using a rubber spatula to maintain the light texture.
- Assemble Layers: Remove the crust from the freezer. Use an offset spatula to spread dollops of the cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Next, fold the remaining 2 cups of Cool Whip into the chilled orange cream mixture until smooth and well combined. Carefully pour and spread this orange cream layer over the cheesecake layer with an offset spatula to create an even top layer.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled bars overnight or for a minimum of 6 hours to allow them to set completely. Remove from the pan using the parchment paper, slice into 9 equal bars, and serve chilled for a refreshing and creamy dessert experience reminiscent of classic orange creamsicles.
Notes
- Ensure the orange gelatin is fully chilled but not set before mixing with cream cheese to achieve the best smooth consistency.
- Using room temperature cream cheese makes mixing easier and results in a smoother texture.
- If you prefer less sweetness, adjust the powdered and confectioners’ sugar quantities to taste.
- The orange gel food coloring is optional but enhances the vibrant orange color of the cream layer.
- Freezing the crust before adding layers prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: None - no cooking required
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
