Orange Creamsicle Bars

Orange Creamsicle Bar Variations
Try a graham crust: Instead of making this as a recipe with a cookie crust, make a crust from scratch with graham crackers. Our easy graham cracker crust recipe shows how to do it.
Experiment with other types of crumb crusts: Don’t be afraid to experiment with other ingredients you can turn into a crumb crust. A nutty pecan or almond crust could work nicely in this context, as could a shortbread crust.
Add orange zest: For extra orange flavor and flecks of color, fold orange zest into the orange filling layer.
How to Store Orange Creamsicle Bars
Because the orange creamsicle dream bars are made with dairy products, they should be refrigerated to make them last. Transfer the bars to a platter and cover them with storage wrap, or move them into resealable containers. Keep them chilled in the fridge.

How long do orange creamsicle bars last?
Your orange creamsicle bars will last for up to five days when they’re kept tightly covered and stored in the fridge to protect the quality and flavor.

Can you freeze orange creamsicle bars?
Yes, these bars can be frozen so you can have a dessert stashed away for a future treat. Transfer the orange creamsicle bars into a freezer-proof container and cover it tightly. Store the bars in the freezer for up to two months. To thaw them, move the bars to the fridge to defrost for several hours or overnight.

Can you make orange creamsicle bars ahead of time?
Yes, this orange creamsicle dream bars recipe is a great one to make in advance to save time on the day you want to serve them. After adding all the filling layers to the crust, the dessert can be covered and held in the fridge up to three days ahead of time. Then slice and garnish the bars just before serving. Another option is to slice the bars the day before you want to serve them. Arrange them on a serving platter, cover it with food wrap and hold it in the fridge. Add the optional garnishes just before serving.

Orange Creamsicle Bar Tips
How do you get a clean slice of orange creamsicle bars?
Orange creamsicle bars are prettiest when you can clearly see the orange and white stripes inside. To get clean slices, first let the bars chill thoroughly so they’ll set and be easier to cut. Use a long, sharp chef’s knife (a must-have kitchen knife) and press the blade straight down into the dessert. Press firmly when you get to the cookie crust. It’s also important to wipe the knife clean after each cut so that the slices stay clean and tidy. Use a small spatula to carefully move the bars apart.

How do you keep orange creamsicle bars from getting soggy?
One step in the orange creamsicle bars recipe that keeps the bars from getting soggy is chilling the crust in the freezer. The butter in the crust quickly firms up to prevent the filling from soaking in. After adding the filling, it’s also important to get the pan into the fridge right away so the dessert can chill and set. The concentrated orange juice adds orange flavor without adding too much liquid that would keep the filling from setting. Orange zest is a way to add more orange flavor, if so desired, without making the filling too liquidy.

Ingredients
1 package (12 ounces) vanilla wafers, crushed
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
3 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
2-1/2 tablespoons orange gelatin
Fresh orange slices, candy orange slices, orange zest or additional orange juice concentrate, optional
Directions
1
In a small bowl, combine wafer crumbs and butter. Press onto the bottom of parchment-lined 8-in. square baking dish; freeze until set.
2
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, 2-3 minutes. Add confectioners’ sugar, orange juice concentrate, vanilla extract and salt; beat until smooth, 2-3 minutes, scraping sides as needed. Fold in 1-1/2 cups whipped topping until well incorporated.
3
Divide filling in half. Spread one half over crust.
4
Add orange gelatin to the remaining filling; beat at medium speed until slightly thickened, 1-2 minutes. Gently spread over cream cheese layer. Top with remaining 1-1/2 cups whipped topping. Cover; refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
5
Using the edges of the parchment paper, remove from pan. Cut into bars. Garnish with orange slices, candy, orange zest or additional orange juice concentrate before serving, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
1 piece: 592 calories, 39g fat (23g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 410mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.