Orange Creamsicle Bars Recipe

Yields: 16 servings

Ingredients

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups finely ground graham cracker crumbs
• 1 tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
• 3 tablespoons confectioner's sugar
• 1 3/4 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
• 1 (0.25 ounce) packet unflavored powdered gelatin
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, divided
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 2 drops orange food coloring (optional)

Directions

1. Line a 9x9-inch square pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges overhang for easy removal later.
2. In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and salt. Add melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and place it in the freezer to chill while you prepare the filling.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate until needed.
4. Place the gelatin in a small microwave-safe bowl and pour 1/4 cup of orange juice over it. Let the gelatin bloom for 5 minutes.
5. In a high-speed blender, combine cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, the remaining 1/4 cup of orange juice, lemon juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and salt. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until smooth and fully incorporated. Stop to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
6. Microwave the bloomed gelatin for about 30 seconds until melted. Stir it until fully dissolved and incorporated. With the blender running, pour the melted gelatin into the cream mixture. Continue blending for 30 seconds until well combined.
7. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until everything is well combined.
8. Remove the chilled crust from the freezer. Pour half of the filling over the crust and smooth it into an even layer. Place the pan back in the freezer for about 15 minutes, or until the filling starts to set.
9. To the remaining filling, add the orange zest, lemon zest, and orange food coloring (if using). Fold together gently until fully combined.
10. After the first layer of filling has set, carefully pour the orange-colored layer over it. Spread it evenly, ensuring it covers the cream layer completely.
11. Return the pan to the freezer and let the bars set for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best texture.
12. When ready to serve, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Peel off the parchment paper and slice the bars into 16 equal pieces. For an extra touch, top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream and a small slice of orange.
13. Store the bars in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 23g (30% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 14g (69% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 68mg (23% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 194mg (8% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 29g (11% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 0g (1% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 24g
• Protein: 7g (15% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 6mg (6% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 143mg (11% Daily Value)
• Iron: 0mg (3% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 210mg (4% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.