Description
These bars capture the nostalgic flavor of a creamsicle in a creamy, citrus-forward treat that requires no baking. Perfect for summer picnics or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- Crust: 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets)
- 6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- Pinch kosher salt
- Filling: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 (14 oz/396 g) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh orange juice (about 2 medium oranges)
- 1 tbsp finely grated orange zest
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp unflavored gelatin (1 packet) + 2 tbsp cold water
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream, cold
- Optional topping: thinly sliced oranges or 1/3 cup orange curd
Instructions
- Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make crust: combine graham crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter. Press firmly into the pan and chill for 10–15 minutes.
- Bloom gelatin by sprinkling over 2 tbsp cold water and letting sit for 5 minutes. Warm until dissolved.
- Beat softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Mix in orange juice with dissolved gelatin, orange zest, and vanilla.
- Whip heavy cream to medium–stiff peaks and fold into the cream-cheese mixture until no streaks remain.
- Pour filling over chilled crust and smooth the top. Top with orange slices or curd if using.
- Cover and chill for at least 4 hours until firm. Use parchment to lift the slab from the pan and slice for serving.
Notes
For best results, ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature, and chill for at least 4 hours for clean slicing.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg