Description
Creamy orange creamsicle cheesecake bars blend nostalgic summer flavors with rich, tangy cream cheese. Cool citrus notes and graham cracker crust create a dreamy dessert that transports senses to childhood memories, tempting you to savor each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Bars Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (450 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
Crust Ingredients:
- 2 cups (200 grams) graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
Additional Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) orange marmalade
- 1 tablespoon water
- Orange food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Craft a buttery foundation by pulverizing graham crackers with sugar and melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into a prepared baking pan.
- Toast the crust briefly in a preheated oven until it achieves a delicate golden hue, then allow it to cool completely.
- Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually incorporating sugar to create a velvety base.
- Gently fold in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is thoroughly integrated without overmixing.
- Introduce sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla, vibrant orange zest, and fresh citrus juice, blending until the mixture becomes uniform and luxuriously creamy.
- Cascade the luscious cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading evenly to create a perfect layer.
- Slide the pan into the oven, baking at a gentle temperature until the center sets with a subtle tremor when nudged.
- After initial baking, allow the cheesecake to rest in the warm oven, which helps prevent unsightly surface cracks.
- Transfer the pan to the refrigerator, letting it chill thoroughly for several hours or overnight to develop maximum flavor intensity.
- When ready to serve, slice into elegant squares and embellish with billowy whipped cream and a sprinkle of zesty orange garnish.
- Present these decadent creamsicle-inspired bars, celebrating the harmonious blend of tangy citrus and rich, creamy cheesecake.
Notes
- Crumb Consistency Matters: Use fine graham cracker crumbs for a smoother, more compact crust that holds together perfectly when cutting the bars.
- Temperature Control is Key: Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure a silky, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly.
- Prevent Cheesecake Cracks: The slow cooling method in the oven helps prevent unsightly surface cracks, creating a beautifully smooth and professional-looking dessert.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives or use almond flour for a low-carb version that maintains the delightful orange creamsicle flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg