Description
This no-bake chocolate orange cheesecake features a rich and creamy filling with zesty orange flavor and smooth chocolate, set atop a crunchy chocolate cookie crust. It’s an easy, decadent dessert that requires no oven and is perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos, crushed with filling)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream (cold)
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted and slightly cooled)
For the topping (optional):
- Whipped cream
- Orange zest
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust. Place it in the refrigerator to chill while you make the filling.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and fresh orange juice until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Whip the cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to stiff peaks using a hand mixer or stand mixer. This provides the light texture for the filling.
- Combine filling ingredients: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream. Then fold in the melted and slightly cooled semi-sweet chocolate until the filling is evenly combined and smooth.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Pour the prepared filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight to ensure it fully sets and firm up for slicing.
- Serve: When ready to serve, garnish the cheesecake with optional whipped cream, additional orange zest, and chocolate shavings for a decorative and flavorful finish.
Notes
- Ensure the melted chocolate is fully cooled but still pourable before folding it into the filling to prevent seizing.
- For an extra burst of orange flavor, add ½ teaspoon of orange extract to the filling.
