Chocolate Orange Cheesecake is a delicious fusion of rich chocolate and bright, zesty orange flavors. This dessert is sure to make a statement at any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, holiday gathering, or simply a well-deserved treat for yourself. The creamy cheesecake filling, complemented by a velvety chocolate layer and a hint of orange zest, creates an indulgent dessert that pleases both the eyes and the taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chocolate and orange are a classic combination that balances the richness of chocolate with the refreshing zest of orange. This cheesecake takes that pairing to the next level with a silky-smooth filling and a buttery graham cracker crust. The dark chocolate, which offers a deep cocoa flavor, pairs beautifully with the tangy citrus, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and refreshing. It’s a showstopper dessert that’s not only easy to make but sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
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2 cups graham cracker crumbs
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
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24 oz cream cheese (full-fat), softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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8 oz dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa)
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Zest and juice of 2 large fresh oranges
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until fully incorporated. Mix in the orange zest and orange juice.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate and Cream
Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (or in the microwave in short bursts), then let it cool slightly. Fold the melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cheesecake mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to make sure it’s evenly spread. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, garnish the cheesecake with a drizzle of melted chocolate and orange slices for an added touch of elegance and flavor.
Variations
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Citrus Twist: Experiment with different citrus fruits like lemon or lime to complement the chocolate.
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Toppings: Add whipped cream, crushed nuts, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for extra texture.
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Crust Options: Try using chocolate cookie crumbs instead of graham crackers for an added chocolatey base.
Storage and Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.
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Freezing: You can also freeze the cheesecake for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Orange Cheesecake is a perfect balance of indulgent chocolate and refreshing orange, creating a dessert that’s both rich and refreshing. Whether for a special occasion or just a sweet treat, this cheesecake is sure to impress. The combination of textures and flavors will leave everyone coming back for more. Enjoy every bite of this luxurious, tangy-sweet treat
Print
Chocolate Orange Cheesecake
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (or overnight)
- Yield: 10-12 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Orange Cheesecake is a delightful fusion of rich, creamy cheesecake and zesty citrus flavors, topped with a velvety chocolate layer. The dark chocolate offers a deep, rich cocoa flavor, while the bright orange zest and juice bring a refreshing tang. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to holiday gatherings, and is guaranteed to impress with its indulgent flavors and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
24 oz cream cheese (full-fat), softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
8 oz dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa)
Zest and juice of 2 large fresh oranges
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool. -
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until fully incorporated. Mix in the orange zest and orange juice. -
Add the Chocolate and Cream:
Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (or in the microwave in short bursts). Let it cool slightly. Fold the melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cheesecake mixture. -
Assemble the Cheesecake:
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set. -
Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cheesecake and garnish with fresh orange slices. Serve chilled
Notes
- Citrus Twist: You can experiment with other citrus fruits like lemon or lime to give the cheesecake a unique twist.
- Toppings: Add whipped cream, crushed nuts, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an added texture and flavor.
- Crust Options: For a different base, try using chocolate cookie crumbs instead of graham crackers to create a richer chocolate crust.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- chill time: 4 hours (or overnight)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for the crust)
- Category: dessert
- Method: baked, chilled
- Cuisine: american