The sun shines brightly, casting a warm glow over a plate of Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars. Imagine biting into a creamy, dreamy slice where the refreshing tang of oranges harmonizes with velvety cheesecake, all nestled atop a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s an explosion of sunshine on your taste buds that beckons you to take another bite.
As I remember the first time I made these delightful bars, it was during a summer gathering with friends. The laughter was loud, and the air was filled with the aroma of oranges mingling with sweet cream. These bars quickly became the star of the show, leaving everyone begging for seconds and asking for the recipe. Perfect for picnics or backyard barbecues, they promise to turn any occasion into a celebration.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for any baking novice
- Their light, citrusy flavor profile is refreshing and satisfying
- Visually stunning with their vibrant orange hue, they will impress any guest
- Versatile enough for summer parties or holiday gatherings, they are sure to be a hit
Every time I serve these bars, my friends’ eyes light up in delight as they take their first bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Choose finely crushed crumbs for an even base that holds together beautifully.
-
Unsalted Butter: Use melted butter to bind the crust; it adds richness and flavor.
-
Philadelphia Cream Cheese: Go for the full-fat version for that luscious texture we all love.
-
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and balances sweetness; don’t skip it!
-
Granulated Sugar: Sweeten things up just right—adjust based on your preference.
-
Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice is key; it brightens flavors like no other.
-
Zest of an Orange: The zest enhances the orange flavor and gives a lovely aroma.
-
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is best; it complements all those delicious flavors.
-
Eggs: Helps set the cheesecake filling perfectly; room temperature eggs work best here.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal later.
Create the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan using your fingers or a flat-bottomed glass for an even layer.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer on medium speed. Gradually add granulated sugar while mixing until fully incorporated and fluffy.
Add Flavors: Pour in sour cream, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until smooth—your kitchen should start smelling like sunshine at this point.
Add Eggs Carefully: Beat in eggs one at a time on low speed just until combined—do not overmix! This keeps your cheesecake light and airy.
Bake Your Creation: Pour the filling over your crust evenly and bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Cool Down Time!: Turn off the oven and leave your cheesecake bars inside for another hour to cool gradually (this prevents cracking). Once cooled completely at room temperature, refrigerate them for at least four hours before slicing into squares.
These Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars are not only scrumptious but also bring joy to everyone who tries them! Enjoy every creamy bite while reminiscing about sunny days spent with loved ones.
You Must Know
- Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that combines smooth cream cheese with vibrant orange flavors
- Use fresh oranges for the best taste and aroma
- These bars are perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying on a sunny afternoon
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust while preheating your oven to 350°F. Bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the cheesecake layer for even cooking and texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the orange zest for lemon or lime if you want a tangy twist. You can also add chocolate chips for an unexpected flavor burst.
Storing & Reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a perfectly creamy texture, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing
- Avoid overmixing to prevent cracks in your cheesecake bars
- A parchment paper lining will make it easier to remove the bars after cooling
This recipe reminds me of summer picnics with friends, where everyone would eagerly wait for dessert. The joy on their faces when they took that first bite was priceless!
FAQ
Can I use other flavors instead of orange?
Absolutely! Lemon, lime, or even mixed berry flavors work beautifully in these cheesecake bars.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly; it will firm up as it cools.
Can I freeze Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars?
Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months; just thaw before serving.
Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Makes about 12 servings 1x
Description
Experience a burst of summer with these refreshing Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars. The luscious cream cheese filling infused with bright citrus flavors contrasts beautifully with the buttery graham cracker crust, making every bite a delightful treat. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or simply enjoying on a sunny afternoon, these bars promise to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 16 oz Philadelphia cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar and mix until fluffy.
- Add sour cream, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture; blend until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time on low speed until just combined; do not overmix.
- Pour cheesecake filling over the crust and bake for 35-40 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Turn off the oven and leave cheesecake bars inside for an hour to cool gradually. Refrigerate for at least four hours before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approximately 90g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
