No-Bake Orange Cream Bars

Jonathan, The Candid Appetite

These no-bake orange bars taste just like an orange cream popsicle you had as a kid! They’re perfect for summer since you don’t have to turn on the oven to make them!
20 min Prep Time
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Servings: 12 servings

Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 16 graham crackers)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • For the Filling:

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, divided
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons fresh orange zest
  • 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange liqueur
  • couple drops of orange food coloring (optional)
  • fresh orange slices, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1

For the Crust:

Step 2

In medium bowl, toss together graham cracker crumbs, butter and sugar until combined. Pour into buttered 9x13-inch baking dish and press down firmly onto bottom of dish. Place in freezer while you prepare filling.

Step 3

For the Filling:

Step 4

In bowl of stand mixer, beat 1 cup heavy cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Transfer to bowl and set aside.

Step 5

Return bowl to stand mixer and beat together cream cheese, condensed milk and granulated sugar until thick and well combined. Stir in orange zest, orange juice, orange liqueur, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Gently fold in whipped cream, trying not to over-mix at this point.

Step 6

Pour half of mixture over chilled crust, spreading into an even layer. Return to freezer for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, add orange food coloring to remaining filling and mix until evenly colored; refrigerate until first layer is set. Pour remaining orange filling over top of bars and spread into an even layer. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set; at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 7

To serve, beat remaining 1/2 cup whipped cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Cut bars into squares and dollop each with whipped cream and garnish with an orange slice. Serve chilled.
Note: The bars are best when served cold, they melt slightly if left out too long.