Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars are a delicious throwback treat, combining vibrant orange citrus with luscious, velvety layers in every bite. This irresistible treat starts with a buttery graham‑cracker crust and is finished with fluffy, whipped filling infused with fresh orange zest and gelatin. Bursting with citrus goodness and luscious texture, these bars are perfect for summer parties or an afternoon pick‑me‑up. Perfect for parties or a personal indulgence, these bars will have everyone grinning—and going back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’ve ever enjoyed that classic orange‑vanilla ice‑cream bar, these Dream Bars capture all that nostalgic flavor with a fresh twist. They’re incredibly easy to make—no baking required—yet look elegant and stunning when sliced. The light, fresh orange zest and juice brighten up a silky cream‑cheese and Cool‑Whip combo, making them a crowd‑favorite for potlucks, showers, or casual family dinners. Plus, they stay chilled and ready to slice, saving you time and effort when entertaining.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 Tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 12 standard graham cracker sheets (about 6.5 ounces), or substitute with 1½ cups of pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1 medium orange (zest, juice, and ½ orange for garnish)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- One 8-ounce container of thawed frozen whipped topping, such as Cool Whip, divided for layering
- 2 Tbsp powdered orange gelatin (≈1 oz packet)
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars
- Prep the cream cheese: Soften at room temperature for ~45 minutes or microwave briefly (15–20 sec).
- Line the pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with two overlapping sheets of parchment paper, ensuring a 1-inch overhang on all sides.
- Make crust: Melt butter, pulse graham crackers (or mix crumbs) with sugar and ¼ tsp salt into fine crumbs. Stir in butter, press firmly into pan edges and corners. Chill.
- Zest & juice orange: Zest half the orange into processor, juice until about 2 Tbsp, reserve the other half for garnish.
- Mix base layer: Add softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and remaining ¼ tsp salt to processor. Blend until smooth (~1 min).
- First creamy layer: For the first layer, transfer ½ cup of the filling into a bowl and gently fold in ¾ cup of whipped topping. Spread smoothly over chilled crust.
- Make orange layer: With remaining filling in processor, blend in 2 Tbsp orange gelatin until fully colored. Scoop into a bowl, fold in ¾ cup whipped topping. Spread gently over first layer.
- Top with whipped: Spread the remaining 1½ cups whipped topping on top. Cover and chill for ≥4 hours or overnight.
- Garnish & serve: Lift slab, grate extra zest over top, cut ½ orange round into 9 wedges and arrange atop bars. Slice into 9 squares, wiping the knife between cuts.
Helpful Tips
- Soften cheese properly: Let cream cheese sit until fully softened to avoid lumps.
- Press crust evenly: Use a measuring cup or fingers to get smooth, compact base.
- Fold gently: To retain light texture, combine whipped topping with filling using a spatula rather than vigorous mixing.
- Chill thoroughly: Bars firm up best after at least 4 hours; overnight chilling enhances flavor.
- Clean slicing: Wipe knife blade between cuts for crisp layers.
Substitutions And Variations
- Whipped topping: Use 3 cups homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip.
- Citrus swap: Try lime or lemon zest/juice with matching gelatin for a tangy twist.
- Crust variation: Replace graham crackers with vanilla wafer crumbs or shortbread cookies.
- Gelatin-free: Skip orange gelatin and add an extra tablespoon of orange zest and juice for a no‑gelatin version—just note it’ll be softer.
Storage Instructions
Store bars in an airtight container, refrigerated, for up to 4 days. The crust may soften over time, but the texture deepens in flavor when chilled. For easier slicing later, chill the entire pan until very firm, then slice quickly before serving.
Nutritional Information
(Per bar, 1 of 9 servings, approximate)
- Calories: ~280
- Fat: ~19 g
- Saturated fat: ~11 g
- Carbohydrates: ~24 g
- Sugar: ~16 g
- Protein: ~2 g
- Sodium: ~220 mg
These bars are rich and rich in flavor—but small portions deliver creamy, dreamy satisfaction without overindulging.
Serving Suggestions
- Add a pop of color and flavor by pairing the bars with fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries.
- Garnish styles: Try mint sprigs or edible flowers for a colorful garnish.
- Plate presentation: Dust with extra powdered sugar and add a citrus twist on the side.
- Pairing: These bars go wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, iced tea, or sparkling orange water for a refreshing summer treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! After they’re fully chilled, wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. While freezing may slightly soften the crust, the texture remains delightful.
Can I halve or double the recipe?
Absolutely—use a 9×9″ pan for half or a 9×13″ pan for double. Adjust chilling time accordingly; larger pans may take longer to set.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
No problem! Break graham crackers and crush them in a plastic bag with a rolling pin or use a blender. For filling, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and zest in a bowl until smooth, then gently fold in toppings and gelatin mixture.
Is there a gelatin-free version?
Yes. Omit orange gelatin and add extra orange juice/zest for flavor. The texture will be softer, more like a mousse—but still delicious. Just increase chilling time to help set.
Can I make ahead of time?
Definitely! These bars are ideal make‑ahead treats. Prepare 1 day in advance, cover tightly, and chill. Garnish and slice just before serving for best presentation and texture.
Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
Description
Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars are a refreshing, no-bake layered dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy orange filling, and whipped topping. A perfect treat for hot days or citrus lovers
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
12 standard graham crackers (≈6.5 oz), or 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
2 tbsp granulated sugar
½ tsp kosher salt, divided
1 medium orange (zest, juice, and ½ orange for garnish)
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 (8 oz) thawed frozen whipped topping, divided
2 tbsp powdered orange gelatin (≈1 oz)
Instructions
Soften cream cheese at room temp or microwave briefly.
Line 8×8″ pan with parchment, leaving 1″ overhang.
Crush graham crackers with sugar and ¼ tsp salt. Mix in melted butter. Press into pan and chill.
Zest and juice half the orange.
In food processor, blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, zest, juice, and ¼ tsp salt until smooth.
Transfer ½ cup mixture to bowl. Fold in ¾ cup whipped topping. Spread on crust.
Add gelatin to remaining mixture. Blend. Fold in ¾ cup whipped topping. Spread over first layer.
Top with remaining whipped topping. Chill 4+ hours.
Garnish with orange wedges and zest. Cut into 9 bars.
Notes
Use homemade whipped cream (3 cups) as a Cool Whip substitute.
Try lemon or lime zest/juice for flavor variation.
Chill overnight for best texture and clean slices.
Store refrigerated up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 2g
Conclusion
Thank you for trying these Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars! I absolutely love how the creamy layers and zesty orange flavor come together to create a bright, nostalgic dessert with minimal fuss. It’s amazing how simply assembling these layers can yield such a show‑stopping treat. I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it does me—so easy to make yet so full of flavor and charm. Happy baking, and thank you for being part of our food‑loving community. May every bite brighten your day!