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Orange Creamsicle Bars

A delightful dessert that combines creamy sweetness with vibrant orange flavor, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 9 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Summer

Ingredients
  

Crust Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups finely ground graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling Ingredients
  • 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
  • 3 tablespoons confectioner's sugar
  • 1.75 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
  • 1 packet unflavored powdered gelatin (0.25 ounces)
  • 0.5 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, divided
  • 2 packages cream cheese (8 ounces each)
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
  • 0.5 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 2 drops orange food coloring, optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Line a 9x9 inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to lift out the bars later.
  2. In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and salt. Drizzle in the melted butter and mix until crumbly.
  3. Pack the mixture into the lined pan to create a crust, then freeze while preparing the filling.
  4. Beat heavy cream with confectioner’s sugar and a pinch of vanilla until stiff peaks form. Place in the fridge.
  5. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine gelatin and 1/4 cup of orange juice and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
  6. Blend cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, remaining orange juice, lemon juice, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla until smooth.
  7. Heat gelatin in the microwave until melted, then stir into the cream mixture while blending until well combined.
  8. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
  9. Pour half of the filling over the crust, smoothing it out, then freeze until it just begins to set, about 15 minutes.
  10. To the remaining filling, add orange and lemon zest and optional food coloring, fold together, then pour over the first layer.
  11. Spread evenly and refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours or overnight.
  12. Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang, slice into quarters, and top with whipped cream and an orange slice if desired.

Notes

Best served chilled. If desired, sprinkle with crushed pistachios or nuts before serving. For different flavors, try swapping juices or adding berry puree.