Description
Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars are a nostalgic dessert that blends the zesty brightness of orange with the creamy texture of classic cheesecake. A refreshing twist on a traditional treat, they offer a cool, citrusy indulgence reminiscent of your favorite childhood ice cream.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
- Orange slices or zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish and bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, then mix in eggs one at a time.
- Add vanilla extract, sour cream, orange juice, and orange zest. Mix until smooth and fully combined, without overmixing.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Let cool in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent cracking.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until fully set.
- Before serving, top each square with whipped cream and garnish with orange slices or zest if desired.
- Optional: Drizzle with orange sauce or garnish with mint for presentation.
Notes
- Use gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free version.
- Vegan options include dairy-free cream cheese, coconut yogurt, and applesauce instead of eggs.
- Do not overmix the filling to prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
- Chilling overnight gives the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: orange creamsicle, cheesecake bars, citrus dessert, nostalgic treat, summer dessert