Description
These No-Bake Orange-Vanilla Cheesecake Bars are a refreshing and creamy layered dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust, infused with citrusy orange zest and vanilla. Perfect for warm days and easy to prepare without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 graham crackers
- 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1 stick salted butter, melted
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tsp. grated orange zest
- 1 Tbsp. fresh orange juice
- 1/2 tsp. orange extract
- 1 drop red food coloring
- 1 drop yellow food coloring
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a food processor, pulse graham crackers and granulated sugar until fine. While running, slowly add melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form an even crust layer. Freeze for 20 minutes to set.
- In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
- In the same mixer bowl (switch to whisk attachment), beat heavy cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3–4 minutes.
- Fold one-third of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to lighten it, then gently fold in the rest until fully combined.
- Divide the cheesecake filling into two bowls. In one bowl, mix in orange zest, orange juice, orange extract, and food coloring to create the orange layer. In the other bowl, add vanilla extract for the vanilla layer.
- Spread the vanilla mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Top with the orange mixture, smoothing it gently with a spatula. Use a toothpick to swirl the layers, if desired.
- Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until fully set. Slice and serve cold.
Notes
- For best results, chill overnight for maximum firmness.
- Use a hot knife to slice clean bars.
- Add extra orange zest on top for a decorative touch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: no-bake cheesecake bars, orange vanilla dessert, citrus cheesecake, layered cheesecake, summer desserts