Fresh orange juice infuses these layered cheesecake bars with bright orange flavor, reminiscent of a favorite childhood frozen treat!

Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars

Serves 9

Crust:

6 ounces graham cracker crumbs (11 crackers)

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Pinch kosher salt

Filling:

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

2/3 cup sugar

1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 2 oranges)

½ cup orange juice (from about 2 oranges)

1 egg

Topping:

1 cup sour cream

6 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 teaspoon orange extract

Whipped cream, for serving

Thin orange slices, quartered, for serving

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.

Mix the graham cracker crumbs, butter and salt until butter is absorbed. Press into the bottom of the baking pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until slightly golden brown and fragrant. Turn oven down to 325°F.

Meanwhile, use a handheld mixer to beat the cream cheese, sugar and orange zest together until smooth. Add egg and beat until incorporated. Slowly mix in the orange juice until smooth.  Pour over hot crust and bake at 325°F for 35 to 40 minutes, until center no longer jiggles when gently shaken. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 25 minutes.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, powdered sugar and orange extract until smooth. Spread over warm filling, then transfer to the refrigerator to cool completely.

Just before serving, cut into squares and top with whipped cream and an orange slice.