Make refreshing, bright orange creamsicle cheesecake bars that set in the refrigerator without any baking required. These bars feature a graham cracker crust and a creamy, citrus filling.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:0 min
Total Time:6 hr 20 min
Yield:16 bars
Category:Dessert
Method:Chilling/No-Bake
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/4 cup heavy cream, cold
Orange food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Chill the crust for 15 minutes.
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and 1/2 cup sugar, beating until fully incorporated.
Mix in the liquids and zest: Add vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until smooth. Add a drop or two of orange food coloring if you desire a brighter orange color.
Whip the cream: In a separate, clean bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Assemble the bars: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust.
Chill to set: Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until the bars are firm.
Cut and serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake from the pan. Cut into 16 squares before serving. Keep chilled until ready to eat.
Notes
For a firmer crust, you can bake the crust for 8 minutes at 350°F (175°C) and cool completely before adding the filling, though this is not required for the no-bake version.
Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor. Bottled juice may alter the texture slightly.
If you prefer a layered look, reserve 1/3 of the filling, mix it with extra zest/color, and layer it on top of the base layer before chilling.