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Orange Creamsicle No-Bake Cheesecake in a jar!
Enjoy this fun, light, bright and creamy summer make-ahead dessert great for entertaining!
Do you remember those yummyย Orange Creamsicle Popsicle bars that have been around forever? While I was growing up we used to buy them during the summer at the local swimming pool. Dripping wet from the pool we’d sit in the shade wrapped in towels and quickly devour our delicious frozen treats.
Orange anything is healthier, right? We didn’t have to worry about the carbs and calories back in those days, we were burning it off playing and swimming for hours and hours, day after day. What a fun memory ๐ We wanted to recreate that memorable and delicious creamsicle flavor in a cool treat that’s easy to make and pretty enough to serve company.
No-bake cheesecakes are a favorite dessert in summer.
Everybody loves our Key Lime Icebox Cheesecake and while it’s very easy to make, these little jars of sunshine are even easier!ย This whole recipe is designed to be quick and simple with no baking required. While we love how simple it is to make, we also want it to deliver big orange flavor too.
How to make Orange Creamsicle No-Bake Cheesecake in a jar:
First, start with a base of Lorna Doone cookies, which is our favorite store-bought shortbread cookie. The cookies crumble beautifully and are not very sweet making them perfect for this no-bake cheesecake recipe. The cookie crumbs are combined with fresh orange zest and melted butter and divided between six (8-ounce) jars, cups or glasses. Don’t pack the base too tightly; leave it a bit loose to make it easier to scoop out with a spoon. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
Next, combine the filling ingredients and pour over the base. These orange creamsicle no-bake cheesecakes are ready to eat! Top with whipped cream and an orange slice for a pretty garnish. Serve ๐
How to make a flavorful orange cheesecake filling:
Instead of squeezing fresh oranges to get plenty of orange flavor, we use frozen orange juice concentrate (no sugar added). We don’t want to water down the no-bake cheesecake filling with too much liquid and knew these could support the intense flavor of the concentrated juice. This shortcut added the flavor we wanted and cut the prep time dramatically, a win-win with amazing results!
Can you double this recipe for a party?
If you’re serving a crowd, you can double or triple this no-bake cheesecake recipe and serve in clear plastic disposable cups. Clean up has never been easier! Just before you’re ready to serve, add a good dollop of whipped cream, a little fresh orange zest and orange wedges. Fun, easy and delicious – another great ending to a fabulous meal.
Can these cheesecakes be made ahead?
These no-bake cheesecakes can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Once assembled, cover the jars, glasses or cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.ย Add whipped cream just before you’re ready to serve. Easy peasy!
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Orange Creamsicle No-Bake Cheesecake
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup crushed shortbread cookies about 17-18 Lorna Doone cookies
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
For the filling:
- ยพ cup heavy whipping cream
- โ cup granulated sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- ยฝ cup orange juice concentrate thawed (no sugar added)
- zest from 1 small orange
For serving (optional):
- Sliced orange wedges
- Whipped cream
- Additional orange zest
- Extra shortbread cookies
Instructions
To prepare the crust:
- Mix together the crushed cookies, butter and zest. Divide the mixture (about 2 ยฝ tablespoons each) between six (8-ounce) jars and press down gently. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
To prepare the filling:
- Combine the cream and granulated sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium-high until soft peaks form, about 2-minutes. Cut the cream cheese into small pieces and scatter half over the beaten cream. Blend on medium-low until combined, about 1 minute. Add the remaining cream cheese pieces to the mixture and blend until smooth. Some small pieces may remain - this is okay. Add the orange juice and beat on low until combined. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Beat one more minute on medium-high until the mixture is very smooth. Add the zest and beat on medium-high until smooth, light and airy, about 2 minutes.
- Pour the filling into the prepared jars. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with dollops of whipped cream, orange slices and additional orange zest. Serve with extra cookies if desired.
Recipe Notes
- The filling is ready to eat once made, but sets up nicely given a few hours to chill.ย
Nutrition
Here are a few more of our favorite ‘mostly no-bake treats’ great for summer entertaining and enjoying!
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars โ creamy, refreshing, and lightly sweet with an intense strawberry flavor making these deliciously crave-able and perfect for all your summer dessert needs!
Key Lime Icebox Cheesecake โ a terrific summer dessert with a light and creamy no-bake filling, a not-too-sweet tart and tangy flavor, and a perfectly crunchy graham cracker crust.
Peach Sherbet โ a creamy, delicious, velvety smooth fresh peach dessert โ made with only two ingredients right in your blender! Make this sherbet when you have the best fresh, sweet, fragrant peaches you can find. So easy and really fantastic!
These small Weck jars that are great for serving this dessert – and jams too! If at a potluck or event, these 9-ounce disposable/recyclable cups would be perfect too. Click on the photo for more information:
If you decide to purchase something at Amazon after following my affiliate link, I receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, which I use to pay for web hosting and services for this blog.ย
Here are a few more orange creamsicle recipes you might enjoy: Great for summer parties, check out this pretty Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake from Trish at Mom on Timeout. Love this creative No Fail Orange Creamsicle Fudge from Jocelyn at Inside BruCrew Life. And finally, here’s a quick and easy recipe for frozen Creamy Orange Creamsicle pops from Cheryl at Tidy Mom.ย
Barbara
Hi Tricia, I am going to make your no bake creamsicle dessert. Canโt wait to make it! Can I put it in a pie plate instead of individual cups? Thanks Barbara
Tricia Buice
Yes you can Barbara! If using a pre-made graham cracker crust, you’re good to go. If you’re making homemade, I would bake it first so it will hold together when sliced. Good luck!
Tanya
Hi! No shops near me sell frozen OJ concentrate anymore. Can I sub with regular OJ?
Tricia Buice
Hi Tanya – Yes, you can use fresh orange juice. The flavor won’t be as intense but will still be delicious! Enjoy ๐
Melissa Sperka
What a simple and sweet ending to a meal, so pretty!
Tricia Buice
Thanks Melissa – so fresh and light – we love it ๐
Gerlinde
You created a tasty treat Tricia, I would love to have one right now.
Tricia Buice
Thanks Gerlinde – it’s a wonderful flavor for sure!
Susan
Creamsicles were my very favorite summer treat when I was a kid! And Lorna Doones were my daughters favorite cookie. What a winning combination in an easy to make treat! Very pretty too, I might add ๐
Tricia Buice
Something about creamsicles that just can’t be beat. Thank you very much!
Noble Pig
This is a stunning example of a summer dessert!
Tricia Buice
Thank you Cathy!
sue @theviewfromgreatisland
There’s something about orange and cream, it’s such a dreamy combination, these look so refreshing Tricia!
Tricia Buice
I agree Sue – thanks so much!
Larry
Looks like an easy and delicious dessert Tricia. I’t been awhile but I used to really like the Lorna Doone shortbread cookies.
Tricia Buice
It had been a while for me too Larry. Since I bake a lot, no need to buy cookies, usually ๐
Chris Scheuer
BEAUTIFUL Tricia! And who doesn’t love dreamsicles and a super easy summery dessert? I’m all in!
Tricia Buice
Thanks Chris – we love this kind of summer treat – thanks so much for stopping by!
Angie@Angie's Recipes
You create the most amazing desserts! This looks like a perfect summer treat, Tricia.
Tricia Buice
Thank you Angie!