These orange creamsicle bars are a delicious no bake dessert that tastes just like orange cream ice cream bars. They are a yummy blend of light orange flavors and creamy vanilla.
No bake orange creamsicle bars are the perfect summer dessert. These delicious bars are kept in the freezer and taste just like cold ice cream bars. The perfect blend of fresh orange flavor with vanilla cream and a yummy graham cracker crust.
My family absolutely loves these bars. They are the perfect evening dessert, we’ve been enjoying them after dinner for a light sweet treat.
These bars are simple to put together and just require extra time to set in the freezer. I topped them with mandarin slices and fresh mint for a garnish.
I have some tips and tricks sprinkled throughout the post so you can have the most successful baking experience.
Why isn’t my Graham Cracker Crust setting up?
If your graham cracker crust isn’t hardening properly, there are a few potential reasons for this issue.
- Butter-to-crumb ratio: The ratio of butter to graham cracker crumbs is crucial for a firm crust. If there is too much butter, the crust may remain soft. Double-check the recipe to ensure you are using the correct proportions.
- Solution: You can add more graham cracker crumbs to the mixture to balance out the excess butter. This will help absorb the extra moisture and firm up the crust.
- Pressing the crust too lightly: If the crust is not firmly pressed into the pan, it might not set properly.
- Solution: Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to firmly press the crust into the bottom of the pan. Make sure it is evenly distributed and compacted.
- Chilling time: This No-bake crust requires sufficient chilling time to set and firm up. (around 4 hours)
- Solution: This crust needs to chill in the freezer for the recommended time specified in the recipe. If possible, let it chill for minimum 4 hours or overnight.
What can I substitute for gelatin in the orange creamsicle bars?
If you’re looking for a gelatin substitute, there are several plant-based alternatives available. Here are a few options:
- Agar-Agar: Derived from seaweed, agar-agar is a popular vegetarian and vegan substitute for gelatin. It sets at room temperature, and you can use it in a 1:1 ratio as a gelatin replacement. Be aware that agar-agar sets more firmly than gelatin.
- Pectin: Pectin is a natural substance found in fruits, often used as a gelling agent in jams and jellies. It can be used as a gelatin substitute in certain recipes, particularly those that involve fruit-based desserts.
- Carrageenan: Carrageenan is another seaweed-derived substitute for gelatin. It comes in different forms, such as kappa and iota carrageenan, each with different gelling properties. Carrageenan is often used in dairy alternatives and certain desserts.
These bars require gelatin or a substitute to help them set up properly. Make sure if you use a substitute, that it has gelling properties similar to regular gelatin.
These bars can be kept in the freezer with saran wrap over them or kept in an airtight container after getting them set up and cutting them.
I recommend leaving these bars out of the freezer for 8-10 minutes at room temperature before trying to cut and serve them. These bars will melt if they are kept out at room temperature. Only bring them out when you are ready to serve them. We ate them all week and just pulled them out of the freezer for a few minutes before plating them. Once you are done enjoying the bars, you can place them back in an airtight container and put them in the freezer for up to 5 days.
More Delicious Desserts:
Orange Creamsicle Bars
These orange creamsicle bars are a delicious no bake dessert that tastes just like orange cream ice cream bars. They are a yummy blend of light orange flavors and creamy vanilla.
Ingredients
- 1 1⁄2 cups graham crackers, crushed
- 2 tbsp. light brown sugar
- 6 tbsp. butter, melted
- 1⁄2 cup orange juice
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin, 1/4 oz.
- 12 oz. cream cheese (softened)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 14 oz.
- 1⁄4 cup full-fat sour cream
- 2 tsp. grated orange zest
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl mix together crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and brown sugar
- Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x9 pan until it is a firm crust.
- Pour orange juice into a small bowl and add the powdered gelatin. Let sit for a few minutes then stir to dissolve.
- In a stand mixer, add in the softened cream cheese. Beat until smooth
- Add the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Finally, add in the orange juice and mix until just incorporated into the batter.
- Pour the batter on top of the graham cracker crust. (I like to zest a little more orange on the top of the batter)
- Cover the pan in saran wrap and place in the freezer for 4 hours minimum or overnight.
- Before serving, remove the pan from the freezer and allow the bars to sit at room temperature for 8-10 minutes.
- Cut into bars and garnish with mandarin slices, and fresh mint leaves.
- Store the extra bars in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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