Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars (Print-Friendly Version)

Layered bars with creamy orange filling and a crunchy graham cracker crust. Light and perfect for gatherings.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Crust

01 - 2 packages graham crackers
02 - 2 teaspoons plain flour
03 - 120 grams caster sugar
04 - 170 grams unsalted butter, melted

→ Cheesecake Layer

05 - 450 grams cream cheese, softened
06 - 240 grams powdered sugar
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 - 480 millilitres whipped topping, thawed

→ Orange Cream Layer

09 - 170 grams orange jelly powder (2 x 85g boxes)
10 - 355 millilitres water, boiling
11 - 355 millilitres water, cold
12 - 450 grams cream cheese, softened
13 - 60 grams powdered sugar
14 - 4 teaspoons orange extract
15 - 16 drops orange food colouring

→ Optional Topping

16 - Whipped cream, for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Place graham crackers in a food processor and blend into fine crumbs. Add flour and sugar, pulsing to combine. Pour in the melted butter and pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand.
02 - Transfer the crumb mixture to a 23 x 33 cm pan and press firmly into an even layer. Set aside.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated. Spread this mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
04 - Boil water in a medium saucepan. Add orange jelly powder and whisk until fully dissolved. Stir in the cold water. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to cool completely without setting.
05 - In a separate large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, orange extract, and orange food colouring until smooth and well blended.
06 - Slowly pour the cooled orange gelatin into the orange cream mixture while continuously mixing to ensure a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
07 - Spread the orange cream mixture gently over the cheesecake layer.
08 - Refrigerate dessert until fully chilled and the orange cream layer is set.
09 - Top individual portions with whipped cream before serving, if desired.

# Extra Information:

01 - Ensure the orange gelatin mixture is cool before combining with the cream cheese to prevent curdling.
02 - Allow ample time for chilling to achieve clean layers and optimal texture.