Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe

Introduction

This Chocolate Orange Cheesecake perfectly balances rich dark chocolate with bright citrus notes. Smooth, creamy, and full of flavor, it’s a delightful dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

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 graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture holds together. Press it firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool completely.
2. Step 2: Beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to mix. Stir in the orange zest and juice to infuse the cheesecake with citrus flavor.
3. Step 3: Melt the dark chocolate gently and allow it to cool slightly. Fold the melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture, then carefully fold in the whipped heavy cream until fully combined and smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the cheesecake to set properly.
5. Step 5: Before serving, garnish the cheesecake with extra melted chocolate drizzled on top and fresh orange slices for a vibrant finish.

Tips & Variations

• For a crunchier crust, add chopped nuts to the graham cracker mixture.
• Use blood oranges for a unique color and slightly different citrus flavor.
• Allow the melted chocolate to cool to room temperature before folding it in to prevent curdling.

Storage

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply bring to room temperature or serve chilled. Avoid freezing as it may alter the texture of the cheesecake.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, but dark chocolate provides a richer flavor that balances the orange zest better. Milk chocolate will make the cheesecake sweeter and less intense.

Do I have to bake the crust?

Baking the crust helps it set firmly and enhances the flavor, but you can skip this step if short on time. Just press the crust firmly and chill before adding the filling.

Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 125 reviews

This rich and decadent Chocolate Orange Cheesecake combines creamy full-fat cream cheese with zesty fresh orange and indulgent dark chocolate. A buttery graham cracker crust provides the perfect base, while the filling is lightened with whipped cream and infused with bright citrus flavors. Baked lightly to set the crust and chilled until perfectly firm, this cheesecake is a delightful dessert that balances the deep notes of dark chocolate with refreshing orange essence.

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

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
• Zest of 2 large fresh oranges
• Juice of 2 large fresh oranges
• 8 oz dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa), melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped lightly

Garnish

• Melted dark chocolate (for drizzling)
• Orange slices (for decoration)

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted unsalted butter until well mixed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a springform pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and let it cool completely.
2. Mix cream cheese and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy. Slowly add in the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until fully incorporated and the mixture is silky.
3. Add orange flavors: Stir in the zest and juice of two large fresh oranges into the cream cheese mixture, blending well to infuse the bright citrus flavor throughout.
4. Incorporate chocolate and cream: Melt the dark chocolate and allow it to cool slightly so it is warm but not hot. Gently fold the melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture. Next, fold in the whipped heavy cream carefully to keep the filling light and airy.
5. Assemble and chill: Pour the completed filling over the cooled graham cracker crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to set properly.
6. Garnish and serve: Before serving, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cheesecake and decorate with fresh orange slices for an appealing finish.

Notes

• Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and richest flavor.
• Ensure the chocolate is melted and cooled slightly before folding in to avoid curdling the cream cheese mixture.
• Chilling overnight improves flavor melding and the firmness of the cheesecake.
• A springform pan is preferred for easy removal of the cheesecake.
• For a more intense orange flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of orange liqueur.

Keywords: Chocolate Orange Cheesecake, Dark Chocolate Dessert, Citrus Cheesecake, Graham Cracker Crust, No-Bake Cheesecake Filling