Orange Creamsicle Frozen Yogurt Bars
Orange creamsicle bars have a creamy and lightly sweetened yogurt layer with a fresh orange flavor and a graham cracker crust. This delicious recipe can be served as a dessert or snack. Dairy free and gluten free.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 cups graham crackers or similar I used Simple Mills honey cinnamon crackers
- 5 tablespoons melted refined coconut oil or melted vegan butter
- 3 large pitted medjool dates see notes below
Yogurt Layer
- 1 ½ cups full fat unsweetened plain dairy free yogurt or greek yogurt if not dairy free
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice any variety
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Topping
- orange segments I used mandarin oranges
Instructions
- Make base layer. Add the cinnamon crackers, melted coconut oil, and pitted dates to a food processor and pulse until a dense sandy mixture forms and there are no large chunks.
- Press into pan. Transfer the mixture to the bottom of a parchment paper lined 8x8 inch pan. Pack it down with the bottom of a cup until an even layer forms. Place in fridge while you make the filling.
- Make yogurt layer. Add the yogurt, orange zest, orange juice, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Add filling. Pour the filling over the slightly chilled crust, smoothing it into an even layer.
- Freeze. Freeze for 30 minutes, then lightly press the orange segments into the yogurt layer. Place back in the freezer for 1 ½ more hours or until the yogurt is frozen solid.
- Cut and store. Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut the bars into squares and store in the freezer in an airtight container until ready to enjoy!
Notes
Use soft medjool dates. If yours are dry and hard, you'll either want to soak them in hot water for 5 minutes or sub 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar for the crust.
See the blog post for helpful tips as well as a make it your way section with substitutions and variations.