Chocolate Orange Cheesecake: A Decadent Dessert Delight Recipe
This Chocolate Orange Cheesecake is a rich and decadent dessert that perfectly balances the creamy smoothness of cream cheese with the deep bitterness of dark chocolate and the bright, zesty freshness of oranges. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, this elegant cheesecake is an indulgent treat ideal for special occasions or whenever you crave a sophisticated sweet delight.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, No-bake chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, full-fat, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 large fresh oranges
- Juice of 2 large fresh oranges
- 8 oz (225g) dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa), melted
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, whipped
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with melted unsalted butter until evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before adding the filling.
- Make the cream cheese base: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until well incorporated and fluffy. Stir in the orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice, mixing until evenly distributed.
- Incorporate the chocolate and cream: Melt the dark chocolate gently over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave until smooth. Let it cool slightly so it is warm but not hot. Fold the melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture carefully. Then whisk the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form, and gently fold it into the cheesecake batter to maintain a light texture.
- Assemble and chill: Pour the prepared filling evenly into the cooled graham cracker crust. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to set firmly.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, drizzle with additional melted chocolate and decorate with fresh orange slices for an attractive presentation. Slice and enjoy this luscious chocolate orange dessert delight.
Notes
- Be sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Use good quality dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa for the best flavor balance.
- For a firmer cheesecake, refrigerate overnight rather than just for 4 hours.
- You can substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits if preferred.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Chocolate Orange Cheesecake, Cheesecake recipe, Chocolate dessert, Orange zest dessert, No bake cheesecake, Cream cheese dessert
