Description
Creamy orange and classic cheesecake come together in these delightful Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars that bring summer memories right to your dessert plate. Smooth citrus flavor and rich cream cheese create a refreshing treat perfect for cooling down on warm afternoons.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) full-fat sour cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) fresh orange juice
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
Crust Ingredients:
- 1½ cups (180 g) graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
Garnish Ingredients:
- Zest of 2 large oranges
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by lining a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking dish with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
- Mix 1½ cups (180g) graham cracker crumbs with ½ cup (113g) melted unsalted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish, creating a compact base.
- Refrigerate the crust for 15 minutes while you prepare the filling to help it set firmly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 oz (454g) softened cream cheese until completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Gradually add ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar, mixing until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add 3 large eggs one at a time, thoroughly incorporating each before adding the next.
- Gently fold in 1 cup (240g) full-fat sour cream, zest from 2 large oranges, and ½ cup (120ml) fresh orange juice.
- Ensure your filling is completely smooth and well-combined, with no visible cream cheese chunks.
- Pour the filling evenly over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven for 40-45 minutes, watching for slightly jiggly center but set edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight to allow complete setting and flavor development.
- When ready to serve, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe dry between each cut for clean slices.
- Slice into 9-12 bars and serve chilled for the most refreshing creamsicle experience.
Notes
- Chill the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter that blends easily.
- Zest the orange before juicing to capture maximum citrus flavor and prevent wasting the fruit.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of the bars.
- When adding orange extract, start with a small amount and taste, as the intensity can vary between brands.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg