Description
These Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars are a refreshing no-bake dessert featuring a buttery crust, creamy citrus filling, and a light whipped topping — the perfect balance of tangy orange and smooth vanilla flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2–3 oranges)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, and salt. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crust mixture into the bottom of a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest. Mix until fully incorporated and fluffy.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until combined, keeping the texture light and airy.
- Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the filling is fully set.
- Cut into bars and serve chilled. Garnish with orange zest if desired.
Notes
- Ensure crust is completely cooled before adding filling to prevent melting.
- Do not overmix the filling to maintain its creamy texture.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice is recommended for best flavor.
- Bars can be frozen for up to 3 months when wrapped and stored properly.
- Try adding strawberries, raspberries, or different citrus juices for variations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Oven-Baked Crust
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: orange creamsicle, dream bars, no-bake dessert, citrus bars, summer dessert, cream cheese dessert