Creamy No-Bake Creamsicle Cheesecake

This Creamsicle Cheesecake is a creamy, dreamy dessert that brings together two childhood favorites—orange creamsicles and rich, velvety cheesecake. There’s no baking, no eggs, and no stress involved.

It’s cool, smooth, and light, with just the right mix of sweet orange and soft vanilla. Whether you’re serving it for a summer gathering or a casual treat, it hits that nostalgic flavor in a grown-up way.

Made with a crushed Golden Oreo crust, a tangy-sweet orange Jell-O swirl, and a fluffy whipped topping blend, it’s the kind of no-bake dessert that tastes as good as it looks.

Creamsicle Cheesecake Overview

This recipe blends citrus and cream in a layered, no-bake cheesecake format. We use powdered orange gelatin for flavor and color, paired with a smooth filling of cream cheese, sour cream, and whipped topping.

• Golden Oreo Crust: Buttery, sweet, and holds everything together.
• Jell-O Infused Filling: Adds a soft orange burst in every bite.
• No-Bake Method: Chill and set — no oven needed.
• Light and Airy Texture: Thanks to whipped topping and sour cream.
• Flavor Pairing: Orange and vanilla for that classic creamsicle combo.

This dessert holds its shape well when chilled, and each layer offers a different texture—from crisp crust to creamy filling to cloud-like topping.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours minimum (preferably overnight)
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: Makes one 9-inch cheesecake (about 8–10 slices)
Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly

No baking is required, but give it time to chill fully before slicing. It’s best made the night before you plan to serve it.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9-inch springform pan
• Food processor or rolling pin and zip bag (for crust)
• Mixing bowls (at least 2 large)
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients to Make Creamsicle Cheesecake

For the Crust:

• 24 Golden Oreo cookies
• 5 tablespoons melted butter
• Pinch of kosher salt

For the Filling:

• 1 box (3 oz) orange Jell-O
• ½ cup boiling water
• ¾ cup cold water
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 8 oz whipped topping, thawed

For Garnish:

• Extra whipped topping (for piping or spreading)
• Optional: orange zest, white chocolate shavings, or thin orange slices

How to Make Creamsicle Cheesecake

Step 1: Make the Crust

1. Crush the Cookies:
   Add Golden Oreos to a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs. (If using a rolling pin, place cookies in a zip-top bag and crush until sandy.)
2. Mix with Butter:
   Pour in melted butter and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture feels like wet sand and holds together when pressed.
3. Press into Pan:
   Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan using the bottom of a flat glass or measuring cup. Chill in the fridge while you make the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Orange Jell-O Base

4. Dissolve the Gelatin:
   In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup boiling water and the orange Jell-O powder until fully dissolved—about 2 minutes.
5. Add Cold Water:
   Stir in ¾ cup cold water. Set aside to cool slightly but do not refrigerate.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

6. Beat the Cream Cheese:
   In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. No lumps should remain.
7. Add Sour Cream and Sugar:
   Mix in the sour cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and smooth.
8. Add the Cooled Jell-O:
   Gradually pour in the cooled (but still liquid) orange Jell-O mixture. Beat on low speed until smooth and evenly mixed.
9. Fold in Whipped Topping:
   Gently fold in the whipped topping using a spatula. Do not overmix — you want to keep the air in.

Step 4: Assemble and Chill

10. Spread Filling Over Crust:
    Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust. Smooth out the top with a spatula.
11. Chill Until Set:
    Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture and flavor.
12. Garnish Before Serving:
    Just before serving, add extra whipped topping on top. Optional garnishes: orange zest, white chocolate curls, or orange slices.

Recipe Variations

Creamsicle Bars

• Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper and follow the same steps.
• Chill, then slice into square bars for easy serving.

Citrus Swirl Cheesecake

• Replace orange Jell-O with lemon, lime, or strawberry gelatin for a different fruit twist.

Dairy-Free Option

• Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped topping.
• Swap sour cream with coconut cream.

Tips & Tricks

• Room Temp Cream Cheese: Always soften your cream cheese fully — cold cream cheese will create lumps.
• Don’t Skip the Chill Time: The texture improves the longer it sits.
• Neat Slicing: Run a sharp knife under warm water, wipe it dry, then slice for clean edges.
• Make Ahead: This cheesecake holds up well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Cold: Always serve this cheesecake cold for the best texture and flavor.
• Add Texture: Try crushed candied orange peel or white chocolate chips for a bit of crunch on top.
• Single Servings: Make them in mini jars or silicone cupcake liners for easy party portions.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something comforting about desserts that don’t need an oven. This cheesecake is one of those easy, no-fuss recipes that still feels special.

The flavor reminds me of orange creamsicles I had growing up — sweet, citrusy, and a little creamy. But here, it’s layered with richness from cream cheese and a buttery cookie crust.

I love how it comes together fast, sets beautifully in the fridge, and always gets compliments. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser, especially when you want something cool and refreshing that still feels homemade.

Nutrition Information (Per Slice, Approximate)

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Sugar: 18g
• Calcium: 60mg
• Vitamin C: 1mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this cheesecake?
Yes, freeze it without garnishes for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

What’s a good substitute for Golden Oreos?
You can use vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or even shortbread cookies.

Can I make it with fresh orange juice instead of Jell-O?
No. The gelatin helps the cheesecake set properly. Fresh juice won’t firm up the same way.

Is it gluten-free?
Not by default. But if you use gluten-free sandwich cookies for the crust, the rest is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Creamy No-Bake Creamsicle Cheesecake brings together bright citrus and soft vanilla in a way that feels both nostalgic and refreshing. It’s easy to make, doesn’t heat up the kitchen, and looks beautiful on any table.

Whether you’re making it for a birthday, holiday, or just because — it’s a dessert that works anytime. And best of all? You don’t need to be a pro to pull it off.