Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe

Introduction

This Chocolate Orange Cheesecake is a delightful blend of rich dark chocolate and bright, fresh orange. Creamy and smooth, it’s a perfect dessert for special occasions or whenever you crave a luxurious treat.

Ingredients

• 24 oz cream cheese (full-fat)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 8 oz dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa)
• Zest and juice of 2 large fresh oranges
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and then let it cool completely.
2. Step 2: Beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar, then mix in the orange zest and juice until well combined.
3. Step 3: Melt the dark chocolate gently and allow it to cool slightly. Fold the melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture, then gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until smooth and even.
4. Step 4: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set fully.
5. Step 5: Before serving, garnish with additional melted chocolate drizzles and fresh orange slices for a beautiful presentation.

Tips & Variations

• Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
• For a crunchy twist, sprinkle some chopped toasted nuts on top before chilling.
• Swap the graham crackers for digestive biscuits if desired for a slightly different crust flavor.
• Ensure the melted chocolate is not too hot when mixing to avoid curdling the cream cheese mixture.

Storage

Store this cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, allow it to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?

While a springform pan makes it easier to remove the cheesecake, you can use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper for easier removal.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter, less intense chocolate flavor, but dark chocolate balances beautifully with the orange in this recipe.

Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 104 reviews

This decadent Chocolate Orange Cheesecake combines a creamy, rich cream cheese filling infused with fresh orange zest and juice, layered on a buttery graham cracker crust, and enriched with luscious dark chocolate. Perfectly chilled for hours to set, this dessert offers a harmonious blend of citrus brightness and deep chocolate flavor, ideal for special occasions or indulgent treats.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling

• 24 oz full-fat cream cheese
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 8 oz dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa)
• Zest of 2 large fresh oranges
• Juice of 2 large fresh oranges

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted unsalted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
2. Make the cream cheese base: Using a mixer, beat the full-fat cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat. Once combined, mix in the orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice thoroughly to infuse the mixture with citrus flavor.
3. Add the chocolate and cream: Melt the dark chocolate gently over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Let the chocolate cool slightly to avoid curdling the cream cheese. Fold the melted chocolate carefully into the cream cheese mixture. Next, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form and fold it gently into the chocolate cream cheese mixture, ensuring a light and airy texture.
4. Assemble and chill: Pour the completed filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan, spreading it evenly. Cover and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow it to set and develop flavors.
5. Garnish and serve: Before serving, melt additional chocolate for drizzling if desired and garnish the top of the cheesecake with this melted chocolate and fresh orange slices for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for the creamiest texture.
• Ensure the melted chocolate is cool before folding to prevent the mixture from separating.
• Refrigerating overnight enhances the flavor and firmness of the cheesecake.
• Graham cracker crust can be substituted with digestive biscuits or any similar cookie crumbs.
• For a more intense orange flavor, consider adding a splash of orange liqueur to the filling.

Keywords: Chocolate Orange Cheesecake, Cream Cheese Dessert, No-Bake Cheesecake Filling, Citrus Chocolate Cake, Graham Cracker Crust