Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars

These Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars are the ultimate no-bake dessert for summer! With a crunchy crust, a sweet cheesecake layer, and a refreshing orange cream topping, this treat is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply enjoying a sunny day at home, these bars will impress your family and friends with their vibrant flavor and delightful texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No-Bake Convenience: These bars require no baking, making them easy to prepare even on the hottest days.
• Refreshing Flavor: The combination of creamy cheesecake and zesty orange brings a burst of freshness that is perfect for summer.
• Family-Friendly: This dessert appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone will enjoy every bite.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve these bars at parties, picnics, or as a fun family dessert.
• Make Ahead: Prepare in advance and store in the fridge for a hassle-free treat whenever you need it.

Tools and Preparation

Getting your kitchen ready is key to making these Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars effortlessly. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dessert.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×9-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Speeds up the process of mixing ingredients smoothly, especially the cream cheese layer.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for separating layers and keeping ingredients organized before combining.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 8 ounces Cool Whip (divide into 3 separate cups)
• 1 ⅓ cups Nilla Wafer Cookies
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Orange Layer

• 3 ounces orange Vegan Gelatin
• 3/4 cup boiling water
• 3/4 cup cold water
• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons orange extract
• 8 drops orange Wilton Gel Food Color (optional)

For the Topping

• 2 cups Cool Whip
• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup Cool Whip

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, crush Nilla Wafer Cookies until fine.
2. Melt the unsalted butter and combine it with the crushed cookies until well mixed.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Orange Layer

1. In another bowl, dissolve orange Vegan Gelatin in boiling water, then add cold water.
2. Allow it to cool slightly while mixing together room temperature cream cheese and powdered sugar in an electric mixer until smooth.
3. Add orange extract and optional gel food color to achieve your desired shade.
4. Pour the gelatin mixture into the cream cheese mixture and blend until combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

1. Pour the orange mixture over the crust in your baking dish.
2. Spread it evenly using a rubber spatula.
3. Refrigerate for about 4 hours or until set.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

1. Beat room temperature cream cheese with confectioners’ sugar until creamy.
2. Fold in Cool Whip gently until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Spread the topping over set orange layer evenly.
2. Chill for an additional hour before slicing into bars.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Enjoy your refreshing Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars!

How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars

These delightful Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars are perfect for any summer gathering. Their refreshing taste and creamy texture make them a standout dessert that everyone will enjoy. Here are some creative ways to serve them.

Individual Portions

• Serve each bar cut into squares on small dessert plates for a neat presentation.
• Use cupcake liners for a fun touch, making them easy to grab and go.

Topped with Fresh Fruit

• Add slices of fresh oranges or strawberries on top of each bar for an extra burst of flavor.
• Garnish with a sprig of mint for added color and freshness.

Accompanied by Ice Cream

• Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla or orange sherbet ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Drizzle some chocolate syrup over the ice cream to elevate the dessert experience.

Chilled in a Glass

• Layer crumbled bars with whipped cream in clear glasses for an attractive parfait-style serving.
• Top with additional Cool Whip and orange zest for visual appeal.

How to Perfect Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars

To ensure your Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars turn out perfectly, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature cream cheese: This helps create a smooth filling without lumps.
• Chill thoroughly: Allow the bars to set in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours before serving. This enhances the flavor and texture.
• Layer carefully: Spread each layer evenly to achieve beautiful layers that look appetizing when cut.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste the filling and adjust the powdered sugar according to your preference for sweetness.
• Add color thoughtfully: If using food coloring, start with one drop at a time until you achieve your desired shade without overpowering the orange flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars

Serving side dishes alongside your Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some ideal pairings that complement their flavors beautifully.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the bars.
2. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy contrast that pairs well with the bars.
3. Lemonade or Citrus Punch: Refreshing drinks like lemonade enhance the citrusy flavors of the dessert.
4. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch provides a delightful contrast to the sweet bars.
5. Mini Cheesecake Bites: These offer another creamy dessert option that complements the cheesecake layer in the bars.
6. Pineapple Salsa: The tropical fruit salsa adds a tangy twist that brightens up your dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars can be a fun experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes and how to steer clear of them:

• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Always use cream cheese at room temperature. Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in your filling. Let it sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.
• Not measuring accurately: Precision is key when making desserts. Use dry and liquid measuring cups for accurate results, especially for sugar and water.
• Overmixing the filling: Mixing too vigorously can introduce air into the mixture, causing the bars to become fluffy instead of smooth. Mix just until combined.
• Skipping the chilling time: Patience is crucial! If you don’t chill your bars long enough, they won’t set properly. Allow at least 4 hours in the fridge.
• Using too much gel food color: While color enhances the appearance, too much can affect flavor and texture. Use sparingly, starting with a drop or two and adjust as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars

• Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until slightly warm.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, place one bar in the skillet, and cover until warm, usually about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other flavors in my Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars?

Yes! You can experiment with different flavored gelatin or extracts like lemon or lime for a unique twist on this recipe.

How do I make these Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars dairy-free?

To make them dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and use coconut whipped topping instead of Cool Whip.

What if I can’t find Nilla Wafers?

You can substitute Nilla Wafers with graham crackers or any vanilla-flavored cookies that you enjoy.

How do I serve Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars?

For an impressive presentation, slice them neatly into squares and garnish with fresh orange zest or slices before serving.

Final Thoughts

These Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars offer a delightful combination of creamy sweetness and refreshing citrus flavor, making them an ideal dessert for summer gatherings. Their no-bake nature allows easy preparation, while customization options let you play with flavors and colors. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—your friends and family will thank you!

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Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful taste of Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars, the perfect no-bake dessert for warm summer days. These bars feature a crunchy Nilla wafer crust, a creamy orange cheesecake layer infused with zesty flavors, and a light Cool Whip topping that brings everything together. Ideal for family gatherings, barbecues, or simply as a sweet treat at home, these bars are sure to impress. With their vibrant color and refreshing taste, they evoke the essence of summer in every bite. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this dessert will become your go-to recipe for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces Cool Whip (divided)
• 1 ⅓ cups Nilla Wafer Cookies
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 3 ounces orange Vegan Gelatin
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. For the crust: Crush Nilla Wafers and mix with melted butter. Press into a 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. For the orange layer: Dissolve gelatin in boiling water; mix with room temperature cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add orange extract and blend well.
3. Pour the orange mixture over the crust and refrigerate for about 4 hours or until set.
4. Prepare topping by beating cream cheese with confectioners’ sugar; fold in remaining Cool Whip until creamy.
5. Spread topping over the chilled orange layer, refrigerate for an additional hour, then slice into bars.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg