Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe
Introduction
This Chocolate Orange Cheesecake combines rich, creamy cheesecake with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh oranges and deep dark chocolate. It’s a perfect dessert for special occasions or when you want to impress with minimal fuss.
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
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter; press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and then let it cool completely.
- Step 2: Beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, mixing well. Stir in the orange zest and fresh orange juice until combined.
- Step 3: Melt the dark chocolate gently, then allow it to cool slightly. Fold the melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then carefully fold it into the cheesecake batter.
- Step 4: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set.
- Step 5: Before serving, garnish the cheesecake with some melted chocolate drizzled on top and fresh orange slices for a beautiful presentation.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra burst of orange flavor, add a tablespoon of orange liqueur or extract to the cream cheese mixture.
- You can substitute the graham cracker crust with crushed digestive biscuits or chocolate cookie crumbs for a different base.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best rich and smooth taste.
- To make the cheesecake lighter, reduce the heavy cream slightly or use a combination of cream and mascarpone.
Storage
Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it in an airtight container or cover the springform pan tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for the best texture. This cheesecake is not recommended for freezing as the texture may change upon thawing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
While milk chocolate can be used, dark chocolate works best for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the orange flavor. Milk chocolate may make the cheesecake sweeter and less rich.
Do I have to bake the crust?
Baking the crust helps it set firmly and prevents it from becoming soggy when the filling is added. However, if you’re short on time, chilling the crust in the refrigerator can work as a quicker alternative but may result in a softer base.
PrintChocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe
This decadent Chocolate Orange Cheesecake combines the rich creaminess of full-fat cream cheese with the intense flavor of dark chocolate and the bright, citrusy zest of fresh oranges. A buttery graham cracker crust provides the perfect base, baked to a golden crisp and chilled to set the luscious filling. Garnished with melted chocolate and fresh orange slices, this dessert is an elegant and satisfying treat ideal for special occasions or indulgent weekend desserts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 24 oz full-fat cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 large fresh oranges
- Juice of 2 large fresh oranges
- 8 oz dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Garnish
- Melted chocolate (from additional dark chocolate or reserved)
- Orange slices
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and the melted unsalted butter until the mixture is well blended and resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a springform pan to form a compact crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool completely.
- Make the cream cheese base: Using a mixer, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until fully combined and fluffy. Mix in the orange zest and fresh orange juice, ensuring these flavors are evenly incorporated.
- Melt and fold in chocolate and cream: Gently melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly so it doesn’t curdle the cream cheese mixture. 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 mixture to keep the texture light and airy.
- Assemble and chill: Pour the chocolate-orange filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Cover loosely and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight, to allow it to set firmly and develop flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, decorate the cheesecake by drizzling additional melted chocolate over the top and arranging fresh orange slices beautifully as garnish. Slice and enjoy the harmonious blend of chocolate and citrus in this rich, creamy cheesecake.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before beating for a smoother filling.
- Do not over-melt the chocolate; it should be slightly cooled to avoid curdling the cream cheese mixture.
- For best results, chill the cheesecake overnight to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up properly.
- Use a springform pan to make removal easier and prevent damage to the crust.
- Garnish can be customized with candied orange peel or additional whipped cream if desired.
Keywords: Chocolate Orange Cheesecake, dark chocolate cheesecake, citrus cheesecake, graham cracker crust, no-bake filling
