A creamy, dreamy taste of summer in every delicious bite! This light dessert is perfect for picnics or potlucks!

No Bake Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars

I haven’t lived on the edge or taken any big risks in a while, so I am not feeling challenged. I thrive on being challenged! When someone tells me something can’t be done, I prove to them it can be. I was just born with this desire to do what feels impossible! I don’t know whether I’m crazy or I like testing my faith – whatever it is, I am daring myself to make a cookbook.

I haven’t done anything to work toward that goal yet, other than making up my mind to do it. Oh, and I know what style I am going for. I actually want to make 3 different cookbooks… but I have decided I am going to start with doing one on my best desserts. It’s what I am passionate about making!

I reached this decision when I was flipping through a cookbook I borrowed from the library. The food photography was terrible, yet it still inspired me to bake. It was a reminder that it doesn’t have to be perfect… I just need to do my best. Not having perfect pictures is the only thing that has been holding me back.

My other struggle is that I already have enough to do in life, most of the time more than enough! But why not at least try? What is the absolute worst that can happen? I don’t sell any and I never make a cookbook again? Worse things can happen in life than that! So I am going for it! Stay tuned!

These Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars definitely fall into the ‘best dessert’ category! They are so light and dreamy, a perfect summer time dessert! If you love this recipe, then I think you’ll like Cream Puff Cake , Strawberry Lasagna , Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes , Pineapple Orange Cake , Lemon Cheesecake Bars , Birthday Cake Delight , Lemon Lasagna , and Strawberry Jello Pudding Poke Cake , too!

What You’ll Need for the Crust

2 packages Graham Crackers

2 tsp Flour

1/2 cup Sugar

12 tbsp Butter, Melted

The Cheesecake Layer

2 (8 oz) Cream Cheese, Softened

2 cups Powdered Sugar

2 tsp Vanilla

2 cups Cool Whip, Thawed

And the Orange Cream Layer

2 (3 oz) boxes Orange Jello Gelatin

1 1/2 cups Water, Boiling

1 1/2 cups Water, Cold

2 (8 oz) Cream Cheese, Softened

1/2 cup Powdered Sugar

4 tsp Orange Extract

16 drops Orange Food Coloring

Whipped Cream, Optional

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars

Place 2 packages of Graham Crackers in a food processor and turn into crumbs. Add 2 tsp flour and 1/2 cup sugar and pulse until well combined. Add 12 tbsp melted butter and pulse together well.

Distribute evenly into a 9 x 13 pan and press down firmly. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat together 2 (8 oz) softened cream cheese, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 2 tsp vanilla until well combined. Fold in 2 cups thawed Cool Whip. Spread evenly over the crust.

Bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil in a medium sauce pan. Whisk in 2 (3 oz) boxes of orange Jello Gelatin until dissolved. Add in 1 1/2 cups cold water and stir. Place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to cool completely, but not set.

In the meantime, beat 2 (8 oz) softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 4 tsp orange extract, and 16 drops of orange food coloring in a large bowl until smooth and well combined.

Slowly pour in the cooled orange gelatin mixture while mixing it in at the same time. The slower you pour, the smoother consistency you’ll get.

Spread evenly over the cheesecake mixture.

Place in the refrigerator until chilled and thickened.

Top with whipped cream if desired.