Heavenly Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Sweet Dreams

Creamy desserts hold a special place in every sweet tooth’s heart, especially when they capture the nostalgic orange creamsicle flavor in irresistible cheesecake bars.

These decadent bars blend the tangy zest of oranges with a silky smooth cheesecake base that melts in your mouth.

The classic childhood treat gets a sophisticated upgrade through this delightful recipe.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of citrusy brightness and rich, velvety texture.

The graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch that complements the creamy filling.

Layers of orange and cream swirl together to create a dessert that’s both elegant and playful.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that transports you to sunny memories and pure culinary bliss.

Serve Orange Creamsicle Bars for Summer or Holidays

• Brunch Bliss Plate: Create a stunning brunch presentation by arranging these orange creamsicle cheesecake bars alongside fresh seasonal berries and a sprinkle of mint leaves for a vibrant and refreshing look.
• Summer Dessert Companion: Pair these bars with a chilled glass of sparkling orange-infused prosecco or a light citrus mocktail to enhance the orange flavor and create a delightful dessert experience.
• Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack these bars in individual small containers for outdoor gatherings, making them an easy-to-transport dessert that will impress friends and family during summer picnics or beach outings.
• Ice Cream Social Twist: Serve these bars slightly chilled with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side, allowing guests to create their own creamy orange dessert combination that complements the cheesecake's texture.

Store These Cheesecake Bars for Later Slices

• Keep bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing flavor absorption from other foods.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in freezer-safe containers for delightful treats lasting 2-3 months.
• Always refrigerate cheesecake bars between 35-40°F to maintain optimal texture and prevent bacterial growth, keeping your dessert safe and delicious.
• Remove bars from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly, allowing the creamy texture to shine and flavors to develop fully.

FAQs

• Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh orange juice?

Fresh orange juice provides the best flavor and brightness. Bottled juice will work, but might taste less vibrant and could impact the overall citrus profile of the cheesecake bars.

• What type of cream cheese works best for this recipe?

Full-fat, block-style cream cheese at room temperature is ideal. Avoid whipped or reduced-fat cream cheese as they can affect the texture and stability of the cheesecake filling.

• How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Follow the recipe’s cooling method by leaving the cheesecake in the turned-off oven for an hour after baking. This gradual cooling helps prevent sudden temperature changes that cause cracking. Also, avoid overmixing the batter and overbaking the cheesecake.

• Can I freeze these orange creamsicle cheesecake bars?

Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients That Build Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Essential foundation that provides delightful crunch and sweet undertone, choose finely ground crumbs for smooth texture.
• Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps bind crust ingredients, opt for granulated white sugar.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich binding agent, ensures crispy golden base with smooth consistency.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers rich, velvety texture, select full-fat philadelphia-style cream cheese for maximum smoothness.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances tangy cream cheese with gentle sweetness, use pure white sugar for clean flavor profile.
• Eggs: Provide structural support and silky consistency, select fresh large eggs at room temperature.
• Sour Cream: Introduces subtle tanginess and extra creaminess, choose full-fat variety for luxurious mouthfeel.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances luxurious texture and lightness, select fresh, high-quality cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm aromatic depth, use pure vanilla for authentic flavor.

• Orange Zest: Delivers bright, intense citrus aroma, use fresh oranges and grate carefully.
• Fresh Orange Juice: Brings vibrant, natural sweetness, select ripe, juicy oranges for maximum flavor.

Tools to Make Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars Smooth

• 9×9-inch baking pan: Essential for perfectly shaped bars.
• Electric mixer: Crucial for creating smooth, creamy cheesecake filling.
• Medium mixing bowl: Needed for combining graham cracker crust ingredients.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for preparing cheesecake batter.
• Zester or grater: Required for extracting fresh orange zest.
• Spatula: Helpful for spreading and smoothing batter.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Sharp knife: Used for cutting chilled cheesecake bars into clean squares.

Bake Orange Cheesecake Bars with Swirls of Citrus

• Create Crispy Crust

Grab your mixing bowl and blend graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar. Press this mixture firmly into a greased baking pan, creating a smooth, solid foundation. Slide the pan into a warm oven and bake until golden, then let it cool down completely.

• Whip Up Dreamy Filling

Grab your electric mixer and transform cream cheese into a silky, smooth mixture. Gently fold in sugar, eggs, sour cream, and a splash of orange – zest and fresh juice. Pour this luscious batter over your perfectly prepared crust, spreading it evenly.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide your creation into the oven and let it bake slowly, developing a creamy texture. Keep an eye on it until the center looks just set with a gentle wiggle. After baking, let it rest inside the warm oven, helping it set without cracking.

• Chill and Decorate

Refrigerate your cheesecake for several hours until completely cold and firm. When ready, slice into beautiful squares. Crown each piece with fluffy whipped cream and a sprinkle of bright orange zest. Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Tips for Balancing Creamy and Fruity Layers

• Graham Cracker Perfection – Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, using the back of a measuring cup or flat-bottomed glass to create a compact, smooth base that won't crumble when cutting.
• Orange Intensity – Boost the orange flavor by adding extra orange zest directly into the cheesecake batter, which releases natural oils and enhances the vibrant citrus profile without making the filling watery.
• Gentle Cooling Technique – Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the turned-off oven with the door slightly ajar, preventing sudden temperature changes that cause unsightly surface cracks and ensuring a silky smooth texture.
• Gluten-Free Alternative – Replace traditional graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious crust texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option – These bars can be prepared ahead and frozen for up to 2 weeks, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container, making party prep incredibly convenient and stress-free.

Dreamy Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Creamy Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars blend nostalgic summer flavors with a luscious dessert. Silky cream cheese and zesty orange notes create a delightful treat that satisfies sweet cravings with each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

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• 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) orange marmalade
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 tbsp water
• Orange food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Pulse graham crackers with sugar and melted butter until well combined, then press the mixture compactly into a lined baking pan, creating a solid base.
2. Crust Refinement: Bake the crust at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then cool completely to ensure a crisp foundation.
3. Cheesecake Mixture: Cream cheese in a stand mixer until smooth, gradually adding sugar and blending until light and fluffy, incorporating eggs individually with minimal mixing to maintain a silky texture.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Fold in sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla extract, orange zest, and fresh orange juice, stirring until the mixture achieves a uniform, velvety consistency.
5. Baking Process: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake at 325°F for 35-40 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken.
6. Cooling and Setting: Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake rest for 1 hour to prevent cracking, then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Serving Presentation: Cut into precise squares, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of orange zest, showcasing the vibrant orange creamsicle-inspired dessert.

Notes

• Crust Consistency Check: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a stable, compact base that won’t crumble when cutting bars.
• Prevent Overmixing Eggs: Incorporate eggs gently and minimally to avoid introducing excess air, which can cause cheesecake to crack or become dense.
• Temperature Control Technique: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and prevent lumpy cheesecake texture, especially with cream cheese.
• Moisture Management: Pat orange zest dry before adding to prevent excess liquid from disrupting the cheesecake’s delicate consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 338
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 201 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 76 mg