Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars

When I think of summer desserts, one recipe always comes to mind—my Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars. They bring me back to childhood days when I would wait eagerly for the ice cream truck, knowing that a cool, citrusy creamsicle would refresh me in the heat. Today, I’ve recreated that nostalgic flavor in the form of creamy cheesecake bars, and every bite feels like a sunny afternoon captured on a plate.

These bars combine the smooth richness of cheesecake with the vibrant brightness of fresh oranges. With a buttery graham cracker crust as the base, the filling is a luscious mix of cream cheese, sour cream, and fresh citrus. It is simple yet elegant, making it perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions. I love how each bar feels refreshing while still being indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll adore these Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars for more than just their nostalgic taste. First, the texture is incredibly smooth and creamy, balanced by the crunch of the crust. Second, the bright orange flavor lifts the richness, so it never feels heavy. And finally, this dessert looks as stunning as it tastes, with its pale orange hue and refreshing citrus aroma.

Versatile

This recipe is versatile enough to adapt to different occasions. You can serve it at picnics, summer parties, or even as a holiday treat with a citrus twist. If you want variation, you can substitute lemon or lime zest for the orange to create a tangier profile. Toppings such as whipped cream, candied orange slices, or even a drizzle of white chocolate make these bars look and taste even more special.

Budget-Friendly

What I appreciate most is that this dessert doesn’t require expensive ingredients. The graham cracker crust uses pantry basics, while the filling needs cream cheese, sour cream, and fresh oranges—items that are affordable and easy to find. For a dessert that serves twelve generous bars, the cost is surprisingly reasonable. It’s proof that you can create something elegant without overspending.

Ingredients for Recipe

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

• ½ cup granulated sugar (divided)

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter (melted)

• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)

• 1 cup sour cream (full-fat)

• 3 large eggs (room temperature)

• Zest of 2 fresh oranges

• ½ cup fresh orange juice

  How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars

  Making these Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars may sound like a task for professionals, but the truth is, it’s simple enough for anyone to handle. I enjoy preparing them on a quiet afternoon because the steps are straightforward, and the end result always feels like a bakery-quality dessert. The key is taking your time with each stage and letting the citrus shine through in the filling.

  Step-by-Step Instructions for Making

  Step 1: Prepare the baking pan
  Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Using parchment paper with an overhang makes it easier to lift the bars out later for clean slicing.

  Step 2: Make the crust
  In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and ⅓ cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter, forming a sandy mixture. Pour this into the prepared pan, then press it firmly into an even layer using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

  Step 3: Prepare the cheesecake filling
  In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the remaining ¼ cup of sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Next, blend in 1 cup of sour cream, the zest of two fresh oranges, and ½ cup of orange juice. Mix gently, ensuring the batter is smooth without overbeating. Overmixing introduces too much air, which can cause cracks during baking.

  Step 4: Add the eggs
  Crack three large eggs into a separate bowl. Add them one at a time into the cream cheese mixture, mixing on low speed after each addition. Stop as soon as the eggs are fully incorporated. The goal is to keep the batter thick, creamy, and free from excess bubbles.

  Step 5: Bake the cheesecake bars
  Pour the filling over the baked crust and spread it evenly with a spatula. Place the pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cheesecake is ready when the edges look set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Avoid overbaking, as the bars will continue to firm up while cooling.

  Step 6: Cooling process
  Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. This step prevents sudden temperature changes that could cause cracks. Once cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least four hours or, ideally, overnight. The chilling process allows the flavors to develop and the texture to set beautifully.

  Step 7: Slice and serve
  After chilling, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place them on a cutting board and slice them into neat squares or rectangles. Clean your knife between cuts for sharp, professional-looking slices. Serve the bars chilled, optionally topped with whipped cream, orange zest, or fresh orange slices for extra flair.

  Quick and Easy

  What I love most about this recipe is how it balances elegance with ease. Each step is simple, and the baking time is short compared to traditional cheesecakes. By using a square pan instead of a springform pan, there’s no need for a water bath, yet the result is just as creamy and delicious.

  Customizable

  These bars can be adjusted to suit personal taste. For example, you can use lime or lemon zest instead of orange for a tangier twist. If you prefer a sweeter crust, sprinkle a little cinnamon into the graham cracker mixture. Toppings are also highly customizable—white chocolate drizzle, candied citrus, or even a dusting of powdered sugar all work beautifully.

  Crowd-Pleasing

  Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars are always a hit at gatherings. Their vibrant flavor appeals to both adults and children, while the individual bar servings make them easy to share. Because the recipe yields twelve servings, it’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or festive events. Whenever I bring these bars to a party, they disappear quickly, leaving people asking for the recipe.

  FAQs

  Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?
  Yes, absolutely. These bars taste even better when chilled overnight, which makes them perfect for preparing in advance.

  How do I know when the cheesecake bars are baked?
  The edges should look set, but the center should have a slight jiggle. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

  Can I freeze Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars?
  Yes, you can freeze them for up to two months. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

  What if I don’t have fresh oranges?
  You can substitute bottled orange juice and dried orange zest, but fresh oranges give the best flavor and brightness.

  Can I use a different citrus fruit instead of orange?
  Yes, lemon or lime zest and juice work well. They provide a sharper citrus flavor that is equally refreshing.

  Why did my cheesecake crack?
  Overmixing or sudden temperature changes during cooling can cause cracks. Mixing gently and cooling slowly helps prevent this issue.

  How should I store leftovers?
  Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days to keep them fresh and creamy.

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  Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars

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  Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars combine the nostalgic flavor of citrus creamsicles with the richness of creamy cheesecake. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth orange-infused filling, these bars are refreshing, indulgent, and perfect for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

  Ingredients

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  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

  • ½ cup granulated sugar (divided)

  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter (melted)

  • 16 oz cream cheese (softened)

  • 1 cup sour cream (full-fat)

  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)

  • Zest of 2 fresh oranges

  • ½ cup fresh orange juice

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  Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.

  • In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter. Stir until combined. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan.

  • Bake crust for 10 minutes, then remove and cool slightly.

  • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add remaining ¼ cup sugar, sour cream, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix gently until well combined.

  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing slowly after each addition. Avoid overmixing.

  • Pour filling over crust and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly.

  • Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

  • Lift from pan using parchment paper, slice into bars, and serve chilled.

  Notes

  • For variation, substitute lemon or lime zest for the orange.

  • Toppings like whipped cream, candied citrus, or white chocolate drizzle add extra flair.

  • Clean the knife between slices for neat portions.

  • Author: Layla
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes