Print

Orange Creamsicle Bars

Orange Creamsicle Bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These Orange Creamsicle Bars feature a buttery vanilla shortbread base topped with a creamy, tangy orange layer and optional citrus glaze. Nostalgic, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion, they deliver classic creamsicle flavor in a grown-up dessert bar form.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2 medium oranges, strained)
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: a few drops of orange food coloring
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (for glaze)
  • 2–3 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
  • Orange zest for sprinkling on top (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes). Beat in vanilla extract.
  3. Add flour and salt to the butter mixture; mix until just combined and crumbly. If dough is very dry, add 1 tablespoon milk.
  4. Press dough evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until just set and edges are barely golden.
  5. While base bakes, beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
  6. Mix in orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Add flour and pinch of salt; beat until just combined. Add orange food coloring if desired.
  7. Pour orange mixture over hot base, spread evenly. Bake for 22-25 minutes, until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
  8. Cool bars in pan for 1 hour, then refrigerate at least 2 hours (overnight is best).
  9. Whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle or spread glaze over chilled bars. Sprinkle with extra orange zest.
  10. Lift bars out using parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for clean edges.

Notes

For gluten-free bars, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based butter and cream cheese. Chill bars thoroughly before glazing and slicing for clean cuts. Fresh orange juice and zest provide the best flavor. Double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan, adding 5 minutes to bake times. Bars store well refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: orange creamsicle bars, dessert bars, citrus bars, easy baking, summer treat, vanilla shortbread, cream cheese bars, homemade creamsicle, potluck dessert, kid-friendly dessert

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/orange-creamsicle-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-treat-with-buttery-vanilla-base/