If you’re looking for a dessert that brings pure summer joy in every bite, let me introduce you to the magic of No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake. This dreamy creation blends the creamy richness of cheesecake with bright, nostalgic orange flavor for a treat that’s every bit as refreshing and fun as the classic popsicle. Even better, you don’t need to turn on your oven or fuss over complicated steps – just a handful of ingredients, a little bit of patience for chilling, and you’re rewarded with a slice of sunshine that’s sure to make your taste buds sing!

No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake plays an important role, from the crisp graham cracker crust to the sweet, citrusy Jell-O, and the pillowy whipped topping. These easy-to-find staples come together quickly, and each one adds its signature flavor and texture, making every forkful luscious and memorable.

Graham Cracker Crust: Offers that classic crunchy, buttery base that perfectly anchors the creamy filling.
Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Delivers the tang and body essential to any cheesecake, making the filling rich and smooth.
Orange Jell-O Gelatin (3 oz box): Packs a punch of citrus flavor and provides that pretty, unmistakable creamsicle color.
Boiling Water (½ cup): Ensures the Jell-O dissolves fully for a silky, even texture throughout.
Cold Water (¼ cup): Helps cool the gelatin, preventing it from melting the cream cheese or whipped topping when blended in.
Orange Zest (1 teaspoon): Boosts the real orange aroma and taste, deepening the flavor way beyond the Jell-O alone.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds that dreamy “creamsicle” vibe for the perfect nostalgic note.
Whipped Topping (8 oz, thawed): Lightens the filling to cloud-like fluffiness and makes it irresistibly creamy.
Powdered Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens everything just right without any grittiness.

How to Make No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake

Step 1: Dissolve the Orange Jell-O

In a medium-sized bowl, pour the orange Jell-O powder and add the boiling water. Stir thoroughly until the gelatin is completely dissolved, which usually takes about two minutes. Once fully dissolved, add in the cold water and let the mixture cool down to room temperature. This step is crucial to avoid melting the creamy filling you’ll prepare in the next step!

Step 2: Beat the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s totally smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, orange zest, and vanilla extract, and beat once more until all these flavors are well combined. The zest really ramps up the brightness, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Incorporate the Cooled Jell-O

Slowly pour the cooled (not warm!) orange Jell-O mixture into the cream cheese batter while mixing on low speed. This allows the liquid gelatin to blend seamlessly, avoiding any lumps and keeping the mixture luxuriously smooth and even.

Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Add the thawed whipped topping gently, using a large spatula to fold it in until the filling is fluffy and uniformly light orange in color. Avoid over-mixing so the cheesecake keeps its cloud-like, luscious texture—a signature of this No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake.

Step 5: Fill the Crust and Chill

Pour the creamy filling into your prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover the cheesecake and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or overnight if you can wait. Giving it plenty of time to set is the secret to perfect slices!

Step 6: Slice and Serve

When you’re ready to enjoy, remove the cheesecake from the fridge and slice it into generous wedges. Each bite delivers that iconic sweet-citrus flavor with just the right touch of tang and creaminess—no oven required.

How to Serve No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake

Garnishes

Dress up each slice of No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake with a swirl of extra whipped topping, a sprinkle of orange zest, or a few mandarin orange segments right on top. These finishing touches not only make it look stunning but also add pops of texture and bright citrus aroma that elevate every bite.

Side Dishes

Since this cheesecake is zesty and rich, it pairs beautifully with lighter options like fresh fruit salad or a glass of iced tea. If you’re serving at a gathering, try placing it alongside other cool desserts, like fruit kabobs or strawberry shortcake cups, to keep the spread refreshing and crowd-pleasing.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, transform No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake into charming mini desserts by spooning the filling into small jars or glasses instead of a single big crust. Or, layer it with crushed graham crackers for a stunning trifle—perfect for parties, picnics, or just a little afternoon pick-me-up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, maintaining its creamy texture and bright, tangy flavor right up until the last slice.

Freezing

If you want to make the cheesecake well in advance or save some for later, you can freeze it! Simply wrap individual slices or the entire cheesecake well in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to a month. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.

Reheating

This is a true no-bake dessert, which means no reheating necessary! Just slice the chilled cheesecake straight from the fridge and serve. If it’s been frozen, let it thaw gradually in the refrigerator rather than microwaving, to preserve its creamy, dreamy consistency.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! This cheesecake sets best when chilled overnight, so making it a day in advance is actually recommended. Prepare, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve for stress-free entertaining.

What if I don’t have orange Jell-O?

If you can’t find orange Jell-O, you can substitute with another orange-flavored gelatin or mix lemon and orange gelatin for a fun twist. Just keep the total amount to about 3 ounces for best results.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, you can make your own whipped cream! Use about 2 cups of freshly whipped cream in place of the store-bought whipped topping. Just make sure it’s whipped to medium peaks so your filling stays fluffy.

Is it possible to make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Definitely. Just swap the regular graham cracker crust for a certified gluten-free version or make your own by pulsing gluten-free cookies with a bit of melted butter. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Why did my cheesecake not set properly?

If your No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is a bit runny, it may be because the Jell-O mixture was too warm when added, or it didn’t get enough chilling time. Make sure to let the gelatin cool before mixing it in, and chill the filled crust for at least 6 hours for clean, perfect slices.

Final Thoughts

There’s something simply irresistible about the nostalgic flavor and creamy texture of this No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake. Whether you make it for a special celebration or a quick weeknight dessert, I hope you fall in love with this sunny, refreshing treat as much as I have. Grab your ingredients and treat yourself—you deserve a slice of summertime bliss!

No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Recipe

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4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the refreshing flavors of summer with this delightful No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake. A creamy, citrusy dessert that is perfect for those hot days when you crave something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven. The combination of zesty orange and rich cream cheese in a graham cracker crust will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust:

1 9-inch graham cracker crust

Cheesecake Filling:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (softened)
1 (3 oz) box orange Jell-O gelatin
½ cup boiling water
¼ cup cold water
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (thawed)
½ cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

Dissolve Jell-O: In a medium bowl, dissolve the orange Jell-O in boiling water. Stir until dissolved, then add cold water and let cool.
Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, orange zest, and vanilla. Pour in cooled Jell-O, beat until combined. Fold in whipped topping.
Assemble and Chill: Pour filling into crust, refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.
Serve: Slice and serve chilled.