I just made these no-bake orange creamsicle dream bars, and boy, was I floored! They’re the perfect blend of creamy and citrusy flavors.
And between the smooth cream cheese and refreshing orange, they’re a nostalgic nod to the classic creamsicle.
The graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch, while the Cool Whip keeps everything light and airy.
Ideal for parties, potlucks, and outdoor gatherings, these bars are a summer treat everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love These Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars
No-Bake Bliss: I appreciate any recipe that requires ZERO oven time – especially when they taste this good. These no-bake bars are perfect for hot summer days or any time you just don’t feel like baking.
Nostalgic Treat: You’ll love the creamy orange-vanilla combo. It’ll evoke memories of childhood summers and those catchy ice cream truck jingles.
Creamy Texture: The contrast between the crunchy crust and smooth, creamy layers is divine. Eating these bars is a genuinely enjoyable experience.
Ingredients
- Graham Cracker Crust: A quick mix of cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. No need to bake, just chill and slice!
- Orange Jello: Sets the filling and brings a yummy citrus flavor.
- Cream Cheese: The creamy, tangy foundation for the layers.
- Powdered Sugar: To sweeten the layers. It dissolves into the cream cheese more smoothly than granulated sugar.
- Vanilla Extract: A warm, aromatic flavor enhancer.
- Cool Whip: Light and airy, it ensures a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert.
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars
I’m absolutely in love with how these bars turned out.
They’re definitely going to be on repeat all summer long for backyard BBQs and pool parties.
Here’s how to make them:
1. MIX ORANGE FILLING: Combine the orange jello mix with boiling water until dissolved. Stir in the ice cold water and refrigerate until cool, about 10 minutes.
2. BLEND: Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar until well combined. Blend in the cooled orange jello and fold in the Cool Whip. Refrigerate.
3. PREPARE CRUST: Line the 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until sandy. Press into the bottom of the dish. Refrigerate.
4. MAKE CREAMY FILLING: Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, blending until smooth. Fold in the Cool Whip.
5. ASSEMBLE: Spread half of the creamy filling over the crust. Top with the orange filling, then the remaining creamy filling. Spread each layer evenly.
6. CHILL: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Garnish with orange zest and slices before cutting. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars
If you follow the recipe as written, you should be fine. It’s a fairly simple process. With that in mind, I only have these few tips:
- Cool the jello. The hot water dissolves the jello, and the cold water cools the mix down. If you can, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before mixing in the Cool Whip.
- Chill the dessert well. To get the cleanest slices, go for 4 hours at least. Overnight is even better if you have the time. Just be sure to wrap the top.
- Use a hot knife. Your slices will be cleaner if you use a hot knife. Simply run hot water over a clean knife for a minute or so. Then, dry the knife and use it while it’s still warm. Wipe and repeat between cuts.
- Double it up. Use a 9×13-inch baking dish to feed a bigger crowd.
- Flavor variations. You can swap the orange Jello for any flavor you like. Try a Nilla Wafer crust or maybe Oreo.
How to Store
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to freeze any leftover bars. The consistency and texture just don’t hold up once thawed.
You can keep leftovers for a few days, though.
To Store: Place the bars in an airtight container, or cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
More Dreamy Orange Desserts You’ll Love
Orange Juice Cake
Mandarin Orange Cake with Pineapple Frosting
Orange Creamsicle Pie
Orange Creamsicle Truffles
Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars
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kcalThese no-bake orange creamsicle dream bars feature layers of tangy cream cheese and vibrant orange flavor on a delicious graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
- For the Orange Filling
1 (3 ounce) box orange jello mix
3/4 cup boiling water
3/4 cup ice cold water
1 (8 ounce) block cream cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 (8 ounce) tub Cool Whip
- For the Crust
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled
- For the Creamy Filling
1 (8 ounce) block block cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (8 ounce) tub Cool Whip
Instructions
- Make the orange filling: In a large bowl, mix the orange jello mix and boiling water until the jello dissolves. Then, stir in the ice cold water and refrigerate until cool, about 10 minutes.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl, add the powdered sugar, and slowly mix until well combined.
- Blend in the cooled orange jello on low until smooth, then fold in the Cool Whip until evenly combined. Refrigerate.
- Make the crust: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until it resembles wet sand. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish. Refrigerate.
- Make the creamy filling: In a clean bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and blend until lump-free. Fold in the Cool Whip.
- Assemble: Pour half of the creamy filling over the crust. Carefully top with the orange filling, followed by the rest of the creamy filling. Spread each layer evenly with a spatula before adding the next.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Garnish with orange zest and slices before cutting. Enjoy!
Notes
- Chill the dessert well. To get the cleanest slices, go for 4 hours at least. Overnight is even better if you have the time. Just be sure to wrap the top.
- Use a hot knife. Run hot water over a clean knife for a minute or so. Then, dry the knife and use it while it’s still warm. Wipe and repeat between cuts.
can you use real whipped cream instead of cool whip?