Description
Zesty Orange Citrus Delight Bars offer a tangy-sweet escape from ordinary desserts. Creamy orange-infused filling nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust promises a refreshing slice of Mediterranean sunshine you can savor in each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
- 8 ounces (226 grams) Cool Whip, divided
- 3 ounces (85 grams) orange gelatin
- 1 ⅓ cups (165 grams) Nilla Wafer Cookie Crumbs
Liquid Ingredients:
- 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) unsalted butter
- ¾ cup (180 milliliters) boiling water
- ¾ cup (180 milliliters) cold water
- 2 teaspoons orange extract
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Sweeteners and Coloring:
- ¼ cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 cup (120 grams) confectioners’ sugar
- 8 drops orange Wilton Gel Food Color (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the foundation by lining an 8×8-inch (20×20 centimeters) baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
- Melt of unsalted butter and transform Nilla Wafers into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor.
- Combine the wafer crumbs with melted butter, mixing thoroughly until the texture resembles damp sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, creating a compact base layer.
- Transfer the crust to the freezer and allow it to set for 30 minutes, which will help solidify the foundation.
- Dissolve orange gelatin powder completely in of boiling water, stirring until no granules remain.
- Add of cold water to the gelatin mixture, then refrigerate for approximately 10 minutes without allowing it to fully set.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth, then incorporate powdered sugar, orange extract, and a few drops of orange food coloring.
- Gradually introduce the chilled gelatin mixture into the cream cheese blend, whisking continuously to ensure uniform incorporation.
- Refrigerate the orange cream layer for one hour, allowing it to thicken and develop a stable consistency.
- Create the cheesecake layer by beating cream cheese with confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until achieving a creamy, lump-free texture.
- Gently fold whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining a light and airy consistency.
- Spread the cheesecake layer evenly over the chilled Nilla Wafer crust, using a spatula to create a smooth surface.
- Incorporate the remaining whipped topping into the orange cream mixture, folding until completely smooth and well-integrated.
- Carefully spread the orange cream layer over the cheesecake layer, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Refrigerate the dessert overnight or for a minimum of 6 hours to allow complete setting and flavor melding.
Notes
- Prepare parchment paper carefully to ensure easy removal and clean slicing of dessert bars.
- Freeze the Nilla Wafer crust to create a firm, stable base that prevents crumbling when cutting.
- Allow gelatin to partially cool before mixing with cream cheese to prevent unwanted texture separation.
- Use food coloring sparingly to achieve a soft, natural orange hue without an artificial appearance.
- Refrigerate layers completely between additions to maintain distinct, clean layer definition.
- Chill overnight for optimal flavor melding and firm, sliceable texture that holds its shape perfectly.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 278 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 174 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg