Silky Orange Creamsicle Bars

As the sun shines brightly and the temperatures rise, there's nothing quite like a refreshing dessert to cool you down. Enter Silky Orange Creamsicle Bars, the perfect treat to enjoy during the warmer months. These delightful bars encapsulate the essence of summer with their vibrant citrus flavor and creamy texture, making them an excellent choice for picnics, barbecues, or simply a sweet indulgence at home.

Beat the heat with Silky Orange Creamsicle Bars, a refreshing dessert perfect for warm days! These bars combine a crunchy graham cracker crust with a luscious orange cream filling made from fresh juice and zest. Easy to prepare and serve, they’re ideal for picnics or gatherings, delivering a burst of nostalgic flavor with every bite. Customize your dessert with fresh whipped cream and orange slices for a stunning presentation. Enjoy the vibrant essence of summer with this delightful treat.

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Orange Cream Filling:

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)

Zest of 1 orange

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin

3 tablespoons cold water

For the Topping:

Whipped cream (optional)

Fresh orange slices for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt. Mix until well combined.

- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch (or similar size) baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool.

Make the Orange Cream Filling:

- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom.

- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, orange zest, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, then remove from heat.

- Add the bloomed gelatin mixture to the warm orange juice and stir until fully dissolved.

- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until medium peaks form.

- Gently fold the whipped cream into the orange juice mixture until fully combined, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream.

Combine Filling and Crust:

- Pour the orange cream filling over the cooled crust. Smooth it out with a spatula.

- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.

Serve:

- Once set, cut into bars and, if desired, top with whipped cream and fresh orange slices. Enjoy!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

20 minutes | 4 hours, 20 minutes | 12 bars