Introduction

This easy no-bake orange creamsicle cheesecake recipe delivers the nostalgic flavor of a frozen treat in a creamy, dreamy dessert. With a simple graham cracker crust and a luscious filling that requires no oven, it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for any warm-weather gathering. If you love this flavor, you might also enjoy our Easy No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Pie Ready in 30 Minutes or our Best Creamsicle Orange Cookies – Easy Homemade Recipe.

Ingredients

This dreamy dessert combines the nostalgic flavor of a creamsicle with the creamy, luscious texture of a classic no-bake cheesecake. You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to create this vibrant, citrusy treat.

• 1 (3 ounce) box orange jello
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 cups Graham Cracker crumbs (about 14 sheets)
• 6 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• pinch salt
• 2 (8 ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, divided
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• zest of 1 orange, optional (for garnish)

Timing

Prep Time	25 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes (plus 4+ hours to chill)

Context: The active time for this No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is about 20% faster than similar chilled dessert recipes, as there’s no oven preheating or baking required.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Crust

Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a pinch of sugar in a medium bowl. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to compact it for a solid base.

Step 2 — Make the Cream Cheese Layer

In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until completely smooth and lump-free, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Tip: Ensure your cream cheese is at true room temperature to avoid a grainy texture in your No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake.

Step 3 — Whip the Cream

In a separate chilled bowl, beat heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, or the cream may become grainy.

Step 4 — Combine and Divide the Filling

Gently fold the whipped cream into the sweetened cream cheese mixture until no white streaks remain. Divide this filling evenly between two separate bowls.

Step 5 — Flavor the Fillings

To one bowl, fold in thawed orange juice concentrate and a few drops of orange food coloring (if using) for a vibrant hue. To the other bowl, fold in clear vanilla extract to maintain a pure white color for the creamsicle effect.

Step 6 — Layer the Cheesecake

Drop alternating large spoonfuls of the orange and vanilla fillings over the prepared crust. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together just 2-3 times for a marbled look.

Tip: Avoid over-swirling, or you’ll lose the distinct creamsicle layers.

Step 7 — Chill to Set

Smooth the top with an offset spatula. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, but ideally overnight. The filling should be very firm to the touch when fully set.

Step 8 — Garnish and Serve

Once set, carefully release the springform pan sides. Garnish the top with fresh orange zest and whipped cream rosettes before slicing. For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each cut.

Nutritional Information

Calories	420 kcal
Protein	6 g
Carbohydrates	38 g
Fat	28 g
Fiber	1 g
Sodium	220 mg

Note: These are estimated values for one slice of this No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake, calculated using common ingredient brands and a standard serving size. Actual values may vary.

Healthier Alternatives

This no-bake orange creamsicle cheesecake is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some simple ingredient swaps to tailor it to different dietary needs without sacrificing that classic creamy, citrusy flavor.

• Greek Yogurt for Cream Cheese — Swap half the cream cheese for plain Greek yogurt. This adds a tangy protein boost and lightens the texture while keeping it creamy.
• Coconut Cream for Heavy Cream — Use full-fat canned coconut cream (chilled) to whip for a rich, dairy-free topping that pairs beautifully with the orange.
• Almond or Oat Flour Crust — Replace the graham crackers with finely ground almond flour or gluten-free oat flour mixed with melted butter or coconut oil for a gluten-free, lower-carb base.
• Natural Sweeteners — Substitute granulated sugar with pure maple syrup, honey, or a powdered monk fruit blend. Reduce the amount slightly, as these can be sweeter, and adjust for consistency.
• Silken Tofu or Cashew Base — For a dairy-free and high-protein filling, blend drained silken tofu or soaked raw cashews with orange flavoring and your sweetener of choice until ultra-smooth.
• Reduced-Sodium Crust — If using store-bought cookies or graham crackers for the crust, seek out a low-sodium or no-salt-added version, or make your own with unsalted butter.
• Fresh Citrus Zest & Juice — Always use fresh orange zest and juice instead of extract when possible. It provides a brighter, more authentic orange creamsicle flavor without any additives.
• Sugar-Free Jello Alternative — If the recipe uses orange Jell-O for setting, look for a natural gelatin brand and sweeten it yourself with a touch of citrus juice and your preferred sweetener for better control.

Serving Suggestions

This vibrant No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is a showstopper on its own, but a few thoughtful touches can elevate it from delicious to unforgettable. Here are our favorite ways to serve it for any occasion.

Perfect Pairings

• For a classic creamsicle experience, serve each slice with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream.
• Complement the citrus notes with a glass of sparkling Moscato, a crisp prosecco, or a non-alcoholic citrus spritzer.
• Offer a side of fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries to add a tart contrast and a pop of color.

Ideal Occasions

• Summer Gatherings: Its no-bake nature and refreshing flavor make it the ultimate dessert for picnics, barbecues, and pool parties.
• Brunch or Shower: The bright, cheerful appearance is perfect for bridal or baby showers, Mother’s Day, or a special weekend brunch.
• Holiday Potlucks: Stand out at a holiday spread with this non-traditional, creamy dessert that’s easy to transport.

Plating & Presentation Tips

• Garnish with a twist of orange zest, a thin slice of orange, or a delicate mint leaf just before serving.
• For individual servings, use a warm, dry knife to slice cleanly. Wipe the blade between cuts for picture-perfect pieces.
• Serve on a simple white or light-colored plate to let the gorgeous orange and white layers of the No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake truly shine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using room-temperature cream cheese. Fix: Use cold cream cheese straight from the fridge for a thicker, more stable filling that sets properly.
• Mistake: Over-mixing the filling. Fix: Mix just until smooth to avoid incorporating excess air, which can cause a bubbly, less creamy texture.
• Mistake: Skimping on chilling time. Fix: Chill for a full 6-8 hours, or ideally overnight, to ensure the No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is firm enough to slice cleanly.
• Mistake: Using bottled orange juice. Fix: Use fresh orange zest and high-quality orange extract for a vibrant, authentic creamsicle flavor without added water.
• Mistake: A soggy or crumbly crust. Fix: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan and let it chill for 30 minutes before adding filling.
• Mistake: Adding liquid flavorings to hot gelatin. Fix: Bloom the gelatin in cold water first, then dissolve it gently; adding extract to hot liquid can evaporate the flavor.
• Mistake: Not tasting the filling before chilling. Fix: Always do a quick taste test and adjust the orange or vanilla balance to your preference.
• Mistake: Trying to unmold the cheesecake too soon. Fix: Run a thin, hot knife around the edge of the springform pan and use a warm towel on the bottom to help release it cleanly.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store this No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 5 days. Ensure your fridge maintains a safe temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.
• Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the cheesecake. Wrap individual slices or the whole dessert tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a heavy-duty freezer container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: This dessert is not typically reheated. For the best texture and flavor, serve your No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake chilled directly from the fridge.

Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent contamination and maximize freshness.

Conclusion

This No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is the perfect, refreshing dessert for any occasion. It’s incredibly easy to make and delivers that classic, creamy orange-vanilla flavor everyone loves. If you enjoyed this no-bake treat, you might also want to try our Cream Cheese Cake Recipe. We hope you give this recipe a try—don’t forget to leave a comment and rate it!

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FAQs

Can I make this No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, this is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake up to two days in advance. Simply cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

What can I use if I don’t have a springform pan?

You can use a standard pie dish or a deep 9-inch cake pan. For easy removal, line the pan with parchment paper, letting the edges overhang. This No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake sets firmly, so you can lift it out using the paper.

How long does the cheesecake need to set in the fridge?

The cheesecake needs to chill for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best for a perfectly firm and sliceable texture. This ensures the creamy filling of your No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake sets completely.