Introduction

If you’re craving a nostalgic, sunny flavor without turning on the oven, these Easy Orange Creamsicle Bars are your perfect no-bake 5-ingredient dessert. Inspired by the viral TikTok trend, they deliver that classic orange and vanilla taste in a creamy, dreamy bar form. For more citrusy treats, try this Easy No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Pie Ready in 30 Minutes or these Best Creamsicle Orange Cookies – Easy Homemade Recipe.

Ingredients

These bars capture the bright, sunny flavor of fresh oranges in a soft, chewy treat, with a hint of zest that makes them truly irresistible.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
• zest of 1 large orange
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This streamlined Orange Bars Recipe: TikTok Inspired Treats is about 20% faster than similar recipes, thanks to a simplified no-mixer crust and filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. This “sling” will make it incredibly easy to lift the cooled orange bars out for clean slicing.

Step 2 — Make the Shortbread Crust

In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cut in ¾ cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Tip: For a flakier, more tender crust, ensure your butter is very cold and work quickly to avoid melting it with your hands.

Step 3 — Press and Bake the Crust

Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use the bottom of a flat glass or measuring cup to compact it. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden brown.

Step 4 — Whisk the Orange Filling

While the crust bakes, prepare the vibrant filling. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of fresh orange juice, and 2 tablespoons of orange zest. Gradually whisk in ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps remain.

Step 5 — Pour and Bake the Filling

Once the crust is par-baked, pull the pan from the oven. Immediately pour the orange filling over the hot crust. Carefully return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes.

Doneness cue: The filling is set when the center no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan. The top should be matte, not shiny.

Step 6 — Cool Completely

Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the orange bars to cool completely at room temperature. This is crucial for the filling to firm up properly. For best results, refrigerate the pan for at least 3-4 hours, or ideally overnight.

Step 7 — Slice and Dust

Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire slab of chilled orange bars out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board. For clean cuts, wipe your knife clean between each slice. Dust the tops generously with powdered sugar just before serving.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~280 kcal
Protein	~3g
Carbohydrates	~42g
Fat	~12g
Fiber	~1g
Sodium	~85mg

This Orange Bars Recipe is a sweet, citrus-forward treat. The values are estimates per serving and can vary based on specific brands and exact measurements used.

Healthier Alternatives

This viral Orange Bars Recipe is easy to customize for different dietary needs without sacrificing the bright, citrusy flavor that made it a hit. Here are some practical ingredient swaps to try.

• Protein Powder for Flour — Swap half the all-purpose flour with vanilla or unflavored whey or plant-based protein powder for a protein boost and a slightly denser, chewier texture.
• Almond or Coconut Flour — Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, or for a lower-carb option, try a mix of almond and coconut flour (note: this may require extra binding agents like eggs).
• Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream — Use full-fat plain Greek yogurt to increase protein and reduce fat while maintaining the tangy moisture in the Orange Bars Recipe.
• Coconut Oil or Vegan Butter — Replace regular butter with an equal amount of refined coconut oil or plant-based butter sticks for a dairy-free version.
• Natural Sweeteners — Reduce refined sugar by swapping half the granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or erythritol for a lower-glycemic treat.
• Homemade Orange Curd — Make the orange curd filling from scratch using fresh juice and a sugar alternative to control sodium and avoid preservatives found in some store-bought versions.
• Seed Butter Swirl — For a nut-free option with healthy fats, swirl in sunflower seed butter instead of any nut butter variations.
• Reduced-Sodium Baking — Omit any added salt in the crust and use unsalted butter to make these TikTok Inspired Treats lower in sodium.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these bright orange bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream to balance the citrus tang.
• For a brunch or afternoon tea, serve them alongside a pot of Earl Grey tea or a glass of cold, sparkling lemonade.
• Create a stunning dessert board by arranging the orange bars with fresh berries, mint sprigs, and other bite-sized sweets for a shareable, TikTok-worthy presentation.
• Dust the tops with a light snowfall of powdered sugar just before serving to enhance their visual appeal and add a hint of extra sweetness.
• For a fun, individual serving, plate each bar on a small, colorful dessert plate with a thin orange slice garnish for a pop of fresh color.
• Turn them into a decadent parfait by crumbling a bar into a glass and layering it with citrus yogurt or lemon curd and granola.

This Orange Bars Recipe for TikTok Inspired Treats is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re packing them for a picnic, serving them at a party, or enjoying them as a sweet snack, their vibrant flavor is sure to be a hit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold butter for the crust, which prevents a crumbly, cohesive base. Fix: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing and a perfect, pressable texture.
• Mistake: Over-baking the orange curd layer, leading to a rubbery texture instead of a creamy, soft set. Fix: Remove the bars from the oven when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
• Mistake: Zesting oranges over the white pith, which introduces a bitter flavor. Fix: Use a fine microplane and zest only the bright outer skin, avoiding the white layer beneath.
• Mistake: Not properly lining the baking pan, making removal and clean slices impossible. Fix:
  Use parchment paper with overhanging edges to create a sling for easy lifting.
• Mistake: Adding hot curd directly to eggs, which can scramble them. Fix: Temper the eggs by slowly whisking in a small amount of the warm citrus mixture before combining everything.
• Mistake: Cutting the bars before they are fully chilled, resulting in a messy, gooey presentation. Fix: Let the pan cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, for clean cuts.
• Mistake: Using bottled orange juice, which lacks the vibrant, fresh flavor essential for these viral treats. Fix: Always use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for the most authentic, bright taste.
• Mistake: Skipping the dusting of powdered sugar, which is key for the classic TikTok aesthetic and a hint of extra sweetness. Fix: Lightly dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving for that signature look.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled orange bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. These TikTok inspired treats can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Reheat: For a warm, gooey texture, reheat a refrigerated bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For a crisper base, use a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until warmed through.

Always ensure leftovers are cooled to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation. For food safety, do not leave these orange bars at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Conclusion

We hope you love making these easy, vibrant Orange Bars as much as we do. They’re the perfect TikTok-inspired treat to brighten any day. If you try them, please leave a comment or rating! For more orange creamsicle magic, try our No-Bake Creamsicle Cheesecake Recipe or these Irresistible White Chocolate Orange Creamsicle Truffles Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious updates!

Print

Orange Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

• Author: Olivia Bennett

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
• zest of 1 large orange orange zest
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened butter and eggs until smooth. Add the fresh orange juice and orange zest, mixing until incorporated.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, gently folding until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Once cooled, cut into 12 bars. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different citrus fruit for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute lemons or limes for the orange juice and zest. However, the unique flavor of this Orange Bars Recipe: TikTok Inspired Treats comes from fresh oranges, which provide a sweet and vibrant taste.

Why did my orange bars turn out too soft or runny?

A runny filling often means the bars were not baked long enough. Ensure the citrus curd layer is fully set and no longer jiggles in the center before removing it from the oven to achieve the perfect texture for your Orange Bars Recipe.

How should I store these orange bars, and how long do they last?

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve the fresh flavor of your TikTok Inspired Treats.