Orange Creamsicle Pie Bars Recipe: The Ultimate No-Bake Summer Dessert

Introduction
Orange Creamsicle Pie Bars Recipe—this one takes me right back to summers in my grandma’s kitchen in Ohio. I’m Molly Harrington, a lifelong dessert lover based in Asheville, North Carolina, where the scent of vanilla and citrus often drifts from my kitchen window. These bars aren’t just a dessert—they’re a memory. Creamy, bright, and packed with the nostalgic flavor of orange Creamsicles, they’re everything I loved as a kid, but with a grown-up twist.

If you’ve never tried making an orange creamsicle pie bars recipe from scratch, this version is a perfect place to start. It’s simple, no-bake, and layered with love: a buttery Nilla wafer crust, a light cheesecake middle, and a smooth, orange-infused topping that melts in your mouth.

What makes this orange creamsicle pie bars recipe extra special is how effortlessly it comes together. It’s the kind of treat you make once and keep in your summer dessert rotation forever.

If you’re looking for an easy dessert that feels like sunshine on a plate, you’re in the right place—this orange creamsicle pie bars recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

What Are Orange Creamsicle Pie Bars?

Understanding the Classic Creamsicle Flavor

Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about why this flavor matters. The classic Orange Creamsicle is a frozen dessert that pairs tangy orange popsicle with smooth vanilla ice cream—an iconic combo that’s been around since the 1930s. It’s bright, sweet, and cooling, which is why so many of us associate it with summer and carefree moments.

This orange creamsicle pie bars recipe captures that same nostalgic flavor—only now, it’s wrapped in layers of creamy filling, citrus gel, and a buttery cookie crust. It’s a no-bake treat that feels both old-fashioned and fresh, ideal for sunny afternoons, parties, or anytime you want dessert without turning on the oven.

Orange Creamsicle Pie Bars Recipe: The Ultimate No-Bake Summer Dessert

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• Author: Molly
• Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 12

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Description

A no-bake orange creamsicle pie bars recipe with creamy vanilla cheesecake, citrus gelatin, and a buttery Nilla Wafer crust—perfect for summer.

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Ingredients

1⅓ cups Nilla Wafer cookie crumbs
5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
3 oz orange gelatin
¾ cup boiling water
¾ cup cold water
8 oz cream cheese (x2)
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp orange extract
8 drops orange food coloring (optional)
3 cups Cool Whip (divided)

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Instructions

Line an 8×8 pan with parchment. Press crust mixture into base and freeze.
Make gelatin with ¾ cup hot + cold water, then chill.
Blend cream cheese, orange extract, sugar, and gelatin. Chill.
Beat second cream cheese with sugar and vanilla. Fold in Cool Whip.
Assemble layers, refrigerate overnight, and slice before serving.

Notes

• Use the amounts of water in this recipe required to mix the orange gelatin. DO NOT use the amounts listed in the box instructions. We want a more stable gelatin and less of it.
• If Orange Cream mixture is left in refrigerator for more than one hour, the gelatin will harden and form. This isn’t an issue unless you want a completely creamy layer for the top with NO orange gelatin specks. I think it’s a matter of personal preference and won’t affect the taste. It does look nice both ways, and will be delicious regardless, so don’t fret if there are chunks you hadn’t expected.

• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

The Dream Bar Twist on a Nostalgic Favorite

If you’ve never made a Dream Bar before, you’re in for something special. A Dream Bar is a layered dessert that typically includes a cookie crust, a rich cheesecake or pudding center, and a whipped or fruity topping. They’re super popular in my kitchen because they’re so versatile and can be made ahead without any baking fuss.

In this version, the orange creamsicle dream bar starts with crushed Nilla Wafers mixed with melted butter to create a firm, flavorful crust. That’s topped with a smooth cheesecake layer, and then an orange gelatin cream that mimics the Creamsicle flavor we all love. Finish with a touch of whipped topping, and you’ve got a dessert that’s both show-stopping and foolproof.

What makes these bars truly magical is the texture—each layer brings something different. Crunch from the crust, fluff from the whipped cream, and creamy citrus from the orange layer. They chill beautifully and slice clean, making them a go-to dessert for entertaining or gifting.

Ingredients Breakdown for the Perfect Layers

The Crunchy Nilla Wafer Crust Explained

Let’s kick things off with the base of our orange creamsicle pie bars recipe—the crust. This layer is all about texture. We use Nilla Wafer cookie crumbs and melted butter to create a no-bake crust that’s just sweet enough, perfectly crisp, and sturdy enough to hold every creamy layer above it.

You’ll need:

• 1⅓ cups Nilla Wafer crumbs
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

To prep, pulse the wafers in a food processor until fine. Mix with melted butter, then press into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan. Freeze the crust for at least 30 minutes while preparing the next components of this orange creamsicle pie bars recipe. This helps the crust firm up and ensures those perfect bite-through layers when you slice into it.

Pro Tip: Want to experiment with the crust? Try swapping Nilla Wafers for shortbread cookies or crushed sugar cones. I’ve tested them all, and while Golden Oreos made the bars a bit too sweet, shortbread brought just the right richness.

Creamy Cheesecake Meets Orange Gelatin: Magic in Layers

The magic of this orange creamsicle pie bars recipe lies in its dreamy double filling: a soft vanilla cheesecake layer topped with a vibrant orange cream layer that tastes like frozen sunshine.

Cheesecake Layer Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup Cool Whip

This layer adds a smooth, tangy depth that perfectly offsets the zesty orange topping. It’s soft yet stable, and adds a luxurious mouthfeel to each bite of the orange creamsicle pie bars recipe.

Orange Cream Layer Ingredients:

• 3 ounces orange JELL-O
• ¾ cup boiling water
• ¾ cup cold water (don’t follow box instructions!)
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons orange extract
• 8 drops orange food gel (optional, but gives a vibrant hue)
• 2 cups Cool Whip

First, dissolve the JELL-O powder in boiling water. Add cold water and chill briefly—just enough so it’s cool, but not set. Gradually mix in the cream cheese and powdered sugar, then slowly drizzle in the gelatin to keep the texture smooth. Blend until smooth, then fold in the Cool Whip. The result is a luscious orange topping that transforms this orange creamsicle pie bars recipe into a creamy dream dessert.

The beauty of this orange creamsicle pie bars recipe is that it uses common ingredients in unexpected ways. It’s affordable, easy to prep, and made for make-ahead entertaining. Hosting a summer party? Just double the recipe and use a 9×13 pan. These bars hold their shape beautifully, slice like a dream, and deliver serious flavor nostalgia in every creamy-orange bite.

Tools You’ll Need for Flawless Assembly

Must-Have Kitchen Tools for No-Bake Bars

Making a great orange creamsicle pie bars recipe doesn’t require a pro pastry setup—but having the right tools will make the process smoother and your layers neater.

Here’s what I always keep on hand when making Dream Bars:

If you’re doubling this orange creamsicle pie bars recipe, use a 9×13 pan and increase your crust and filling amounts proportionally. A small digital kitchen scale can also help if you’re prepping multiple trays for parties or events.

Using Parchment and Offset Spatulas Like a Pr

Lining your baking pan with parchment paper might seem optional—but trust me, it’s a game changer. Once the bars are set, you can lift the entire slab out of the pan and slice cleanly on a cutting board.

I like to leave extra parchment hanging over the edges for easy lifting. When I first started baking dream bars like these, I skipped this step and struggled with messy slices and broken crusts. Now, I never make this orange creamsicle pie bars recipe without it.

An offset spatula is another unsung hero. It helps smooth out the cheesecake and orange cream layers evenly, creating those beautiful, defined layers that make these bars so visually satisfying.

Having these tools doesn’t just help the process—it boosts confidence. And once you see those perfectly layered slices stacked on a plate, you’ll be glad you gave your orange creamsicle pie bars recipe the royal treatment it deserves.

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Pie Bars Step-by-Step

Preparing and Freezing the Crust Layer

The first step in this orange creamsicle pie bars recipe is all about setting a solid base. The crust holds everything together, and getting it right makes a big difference in texture and sliceability.

1. Line your pan: Use an 8×8-inch square pan and line it with parchment paper. Let the edges hang over slightly to make lifting a breeze later.
2. Pulse 1⅓ cups of Nilla Wafers in a food processor until they turn into fine crumbs.
3. Melt the butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
4. Stir and Set: Stir the crumbs and melted butter together with a rubber spatula until fully coated. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the base of your prepared pan.
5. Chill: Transfer the pan to the freezer for a minimum of 30 minutes to help the crust solidify before layering on the filling.

Freezing also prevents the cheesecake layer from sinking or mixing into the base.

Blending the Orange Gelatin Cream Layer

This next layer delivers the creamy, citrusy punch that defines a true orange creamsicle pie bars recipe. Smooth texture is key here, so take your time blending.

1. Make the gelatin: In a large measuring cup, stir together 3 ounces of orange JELL-O and ¾ cup boiling water until dissolved.
2. Add cold water: Pour in ¾ cup cold water and stir. Place it in the fridge to cool down (not set), about 10 minutes.
3. Beat the cream cheese: In a bowl, mix 8 ounces of room-temperature cream cheese with ¼ cup powdered sugar and 2 teaspoons orange extract.
4. Combine: Slowly pour the cooled gelatin into the cream cheese mixture while beating on low to medium speed. Add orange food coloring if desired.
5. Chill: Place the bowl in the fridge to thicken for about 1 hour.

If left longer than 1 hour, the gelatin may start to set. That’s not a problem—it just changes the texture slightly.

Crafting the Creamy Cheesecake Middle

The cheesecake layer balances out the orange top with rich, velvety vanilla flavor.

1. Mix: In a separate bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 cup confectioners’ sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Fold in Cool Whip: Gently fold in 1 cup of Cool Whip using a rubber spatula.
3. Add the Layer: Take the crust out of the freezer and gently smooth the cheesecake mixture over the top with an offset spatula, creating an even layer.

This rich cheesecake filling is the soul of what makes these orange creamsicle pie bars so irresistible. It adds richness and ensures the bars hold together beautifully when sliced.

Final Assembly and Chill Time Tips

You’re almost there! Now it’s time to pull it all together.

1. Fold in Cool Whip to orange layer: Take the chilled orange gelatin cream from the fridge and fold in 2 cups of Cool Whip until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add the orange layer: Gently spoon the orange cream over the cheesecake base and use an offset spatula to smooth it into an even, glossy finish.
3. Refrigerate until set: Cover the pan and let the bars chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours—or overnight for the cleanest slices.

Once fully chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares with a warm knife and enjoy them cold for the creamiest texture.

Pro Tips for the Best Orange Creamsicle Bars

Achieving the Perfect Texture and Flavor Balance

Getting every layer just right is what turns a good dessert into an unforgettable one. In this orange creamsicle pie bars recipe, the key is balance—between citrus and cream, softness and structure, and sweetness and freshness.

Here are my favorite pro tips to take your bars from simple to spectacular:

• Soften your cream cheese fully: Cold cream cheese leads to lumps and uneven texture. Let it sit out for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a velvety finish in your orange creamsicle pie bars recipe.
• Use both orange extract and gelatin: Orange JELL-O brings color and body, but real citrus depth comes from a quality orange extract. Together, they amplify the flavor in every bite.
• Fold gently, don’t stir: When incorporating Cool Whip into your layers, always fold with care. This keeps the texture airy and prevents flattening your orange creamsicle pie bars recipe.
• Chill overnight for clean slices: Give your bars plenty of time in the fridge to firm up. Overnight chilling guarantees the best structure and presentation.

What NOT to Do When Working with Gelatin

This orange creamsicle pie bars recipe relies on gelatin to hold that beautiful top layer in place. But if not handled correctly, gelatin can create problems in both texture and appearance.

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Don’t use box instructions: The standard gelatin packet uses more water than we want here. Stick to the ¾ cup hot and ¾ cup cold water combo to keep your orange creamsicle pie bars recipe firm.
• Never add hot gelatin to cream cheese: It will separate, melt the base, and ruin your layer. Always let the gelatin mixture cool slightly before blending.
• Don’t rush the chill time: You might be tempted to serve the bars early, but under-chilling makes for messy slices and layers that slide. Give this orange creamsicle pie bars recipe time to set properly for those perfect cuts.

Even if you do end up with a few orange specks or uneven slices, don’t worry—this orange creamsicle pie bars recipe is forgiving. The flavor always shines through, and the imperfections make it feel even more homemade.

Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, mastering these techniques will make every batch of this orange creamsicle pie bars recipe taste just as good as it looks.

Substitutions and Variations You’ll Love

Making It Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free

The great thing about this orange creamsicle pie bars recipe is how easily it adapts to different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you’re baking for a gluten-sensitive friend or avoiding dairy, there are easy swaps to make this dreamy dessert more inclusive.

To make it gluten-free:

• Swap the Nilla Wafers for gluten-free vanilla cookies or shortbread-style GF cookies.
• Double-check that your orange gelatin is labeled gluten-free—most JELL-O products qualify, but it’s best to confirm.

To make it dairy-free:

• Replace cream cheese with a plant-based alternative (almond or cashew-based cream cheese work well).
• Use a non-dairy whipped topping like So Delicious CocoWhip in place of Cool Whip.

The result? A still-creamy, citrusy dessert bar that stays true to the original orange creamsicle pie bars recipe—just with a little extra care.

Other Citrus Twists: Lemon or Lime Bars

Want to put your own spin on this orange creamsicle pie bars recipe? Citrus desserts are all about brightness and zing, and you can swap flavors while keeping the no-bake format intact.

Try these fun variations:

I love mixing up the orange creamsicle pie bars recipe base with seasonal fruits, too—think mandarin slices or crushed pineapple folded into the topping. These bars are endlessly flexible once you master the basic technique.

Whether you’re staying classic or going custom, this orange creamsicle pie bars recipe adapts beautifully. Once you’ve made them a few times, don’t be surprised if you start inventing your own dream bar variations.

Serving, Cutting, and Storing Like a Pro

How to Slice Dream Bars Cleanly

Slicing layered no-bake desserts like this orange creamsicle pie bars recipe can be tricky if you’re not prepared. But with a few simple techniques, you’ll get those clean, bakery-style squares every single time.

Here’s how I do it:

• Chill thoroughly: These bars need at least 6 hours in the fridge to set. Overnight is best for the cleanest cuts.
• Lift before slicing: Use the parchment paper to lift the entire dessert slab out of the pan. Set it on a cutting board before slicing.
• Warm the blade: Rinse a large knife under hot water, then dry it off before slicing. Slice gently, and clean the blade between each cut to keep those layers sharp and defined.
• Mark before slicing: Gently score the top with a butter knife to guide even portions. This works especially well if you’re planning to serve these orange creamsicle pie bars recipe at a party or event.

If you’re prepping ahead, these bars can be sliced in the morning and plated just before guests arrive. They hold their shape well and look gorgeous when topped with a dollop of Cool Whip and a twist of orange zest.

Storage Tips to Keep Bars Fresh for Days

One of my favorite things about this orange creamsicle pie bars recipe is how well it stores. Whether you’re making a batch for a weekend picnic or saving leftovers, the texture and flavor hold up beautifully.

Short-term storage:

• Place bars in an airtight container with parchment between layers.
• Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Long-term storage:

• These bars can be frozen! Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container.
• Thaw in the fridge for 4–6 hours before serving.
• Avoid thawing at room temp, as that may cause separation in the gelatin layer.

The creamy texture, citrus flavor, and firm structure of this orange creamsicle pie bars recipe make it a fantastic make-ahead dessert. I always keep a few slices in the freezer “just in case.”

Whether you’re serving them at a cookout or prepping dessert days in advance, these dream bars are designed to impress—and to last.

Conclusion – Why These Dream Bars Will Be Your New Favorite Treat

There’s something magical about combining childhood nostalgia with simple, modern recipes—and that’s exactly what this orange creamsicle pie bars recipe does. With every bite, you get the perfect blend of citrusy brightness, creamy vanilla smoothness, and a satisfying cookie crunch. It’s like the frozen treat you loved as a kid, reimagined in dessert bar form for grown-up gatherings, lazy summer weekends, and everything in between.

Whether you’re sharing them at a family barbecue, storing them in the freezer for impromptu sweet cravings, or gifting them in a pretty box tied with twine, these bars fit the moment. No baking, no stress—just vibrant flavor, easy layers, and guaranteed compliments.

Over the years in my Asheville kitchen, I’ve baked everything from croissants to custards, but Dream Bars like these? They’re always the first to disappear. And the beauty of this orange creamsicle pie bars recipe is its adaptability. You can customize it for different diets, remix it with new citrus twists, or keep it classic—either way, it never fails.

So go ahead—stock up on Nilla Wafers, grab your orange extract, and start layering. You’ll be amazed how quickly these bars become your most-requested treat.

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FAQs About Orange Creamsicle Pie Bars Recipe