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Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe

4.7 from 90 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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