These Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars are a tasty treat. With a creamy orange filling and a crunchy crust, they remind you of sunny days and childhood treats!
Honestly, who can resist that orange flavor? I love to serve these bars chilled, and they’re perfect for sharing (or not!). Trust me, they disappear quickly! 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham cracker crumbs: These are a must for the crust! If you don’t have them, you can use digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafers for a different flavor. Just crush them until finely ground.
Butter: Unsalted butter works best as it gives you control over the salt level. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Cream cheese: I recommend full-fat cream cheese for the best creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use whipped cream cheese, but the texture may be a bit different.
Sour cream: This adds richness and tang. You can swap it for Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative, but it may change the flavor slightly.
Orange juice and zest: Freshly squeezed is ideal for flavor. If you can’t find oranges, ready-made orange juice works too, but it won’t be as vibrant. You can also use clementines for both juice and zest.
How Do You Get the Perfect Smooth Cheesecake Filling?
A smooth cheesecake filling is key to these bars. Start with softened cream cheese; this ensures it mixes well without lumps. Beat it well until creamy before adding other ingredients. Always mix in eggs one at a time for even incorporation.
- Soften cream cheese in advance, leaving it out at room temperature for about an hour.
- Use an electric mixer to blend ingredients well after each addition.
- Be gentle when folding in the zest and juice; this helps maintain a light texture.
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Zest of 1 orange
- ½ cup fresh orange juice (preferably from navel or mandarin oranges)
For the Topping:
- ½ cup orange marmalade or orange jelly
- Fresh mandarin orange segments (for garnish)
- Optional: crushed graham crackers for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 35-40 minutes for baking, and it needs at least 4 hours in the fridge to chill and set. If you plan ahead and make it overnight, you’ll have a delicious treat waiting for you the next day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some hanging over the sides—this will help you lift the bars out later. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is mixed well and the crumbs are fully moistened.
2. Bake the Crust:
Now, take the crumb mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s packed well for best results. Bake this in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes. After that, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly while you make the cheesecake filling.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until it’s all well combined. Now, it’s time to add the eggs—do this one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. After the eggs, blend in the sour cream, and sift in the flour before mixing until everything is just combined.
4. Add the Orange Flavor:
Gently fold in the orange zest and fresh orange juice until everything is nice and evenly mixed. Now, take the cheesecake filling and pour it over the baked crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
5. Bake the Cheesecake Bars:
Put the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You want the edges to set, but the center should still jiggle slightly when shaken—this is perfect! Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
6. Chill and Top:
After cooling, cover the cheesecake and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or even overnight for the best results. When it’s fully set, take it out and gently spread the orange marmalade over the top in an even layer. If you’d like, you can sprinkle some crushed graham crackers over the marmalade for an added crunch.
7. Slice and Serve:
Now, it’s time to slice your delicious cheesecake into bars. For a special touch, garnish each bar with fresh mandarin orange segments. Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, citrusy flavors that remind you of a classic creamsicle!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cookie for the Crust?
Absolutely! If you want to switch things up, try using crushed vanilla wafers or even Oreos for a chocolatey twist. Just make sure to adjust the sugar if your chosen cookies are sweeter.
How Do I Know When the Cheesecake Bars Are Done?
The bars are done when the edges are set, and the center still has a slight jiggle. It will continue to firm up as it cools and chills, so don’t worry if it seems a bit wobbly right out of the oven!
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes! These cheesecake bars can be made a day in advance, making them perfect for gatherings. Just keep them covered in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
