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There is something truly magical about the combination of chocolate and orange, and this No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe captures that magic perfectly. Rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh citrus zest, this cheesecake rests on a crisp chocolate cookie crust that adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s a showstopping dessert that requires no oven time, making it ideal for any occasion when you want something indulgent yet impressively easy to prepare. Whether you’re planning for the holidays or a special treat anytime, this recipe will quickly become a favorite for its balance of luscious chocolate and zesty orange brightness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and color—from the chocolate cookie crust’s richness to the fresh citrus notes in the silky filling.
- Chocolate cookie crumbs (1 ½ cups): Choose your favorite chocolate sandwich cookies like Oreos, crushed finely to form a flavorful, crunchy base.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted): Melting it helps bind the cookie crumbs together, giving your crust structure without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
- Cream cheese (16 oz, softened): The creamy heart of the cheesecake providing density and tang that balances the sweet and citrusy ingredients.
- Powdered sugar (¾ cup): Dissolves smoothly into the cream cheese, ensuring a perfectly sweetened filling without any grit.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, subtle depth to the filling, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
- Orange zest (from 1 large orange): The star citrus ingredient that wakes up your taste buds with fresh, bright notes.
- Fresh orange juice (2 tablespoons): Provides acidity for balance and moisture that helps keep the filling light and luscious.
- Heavy cream (1 ¼ cups, cold): Whipped to stiff peaks, it lightens the cream cheese mixture for an airy mouthfeel.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (¾ cup, melted and cooled): This adds deep chocolate flavor and silky texture, perfectly complementing the citrus.
- Optional toppings – whipped cream, extra orange zest, chocolate shavings: These elevate the presentation and add textural contrast when serving.
How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cookie Crust
Start by combining your crushed chocolate cookie crumbs with the melted butter in a medium bowl. This mixture should resemble wet sand. Firmly press it into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making an even layer that will serve as the crunchy base of your cheesecake. Once packed, pop it into the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the luscious filling.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and fresh orange juice until the mixture is smooth and completely creamy. This is the flavor-packed foundation of your cheesecake, combining tangy, sweet, and citrusy notes that define the dish.
Step 3: Whip the Heavy Cream
In a separate, chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This aerated cream will lighten the rich cream cheese mixture, giving the cheesecake a magnificent fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Fold Ingredients Together
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated, taking care to maintain the airy texture. Next, carefully fold in the melted and cooled semi-sweet chocolate until evenly combined. The chocolate lends a creamy decadence that pairs exquisitely with the orange zest.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Pour the prepared filling over the chilled cookie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover the whole cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows everything to set perfectly, ensuring clean slices and a beautifully firm yet creamy bite.
How to Serve No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra orange zest over the top for a burst of vibrant aroma and color. A dollop of whipped cream adds luxurious creaminess, while delicate chocolate shavings bring a bit of elegance and texture contrast. These simple garnishes take the presentation to the next level without overpowering the delicious flavors inside.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake pairs beautifully with fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries, which add a juicy tartness that balances the richness. For an indulgent twist, serve alongside a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. A cup of strong coffee or lightly brewed tea will also complement the citrus-chocolate combo perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in clear glasses for a visually stunning layered dessert. You can also dust some cocoa powder on top or use edible gold leaf for festive occasions. Layering whipped cream and orange segments alongside the cheesecake slice on a dessert plate creates an impressive and inviting arrangement.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cheesecake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy that creamy chocolate orange goodness even after the special occasion.
Freezing
You can freeze the cheesecake for up to one month by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or placing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain its perfect texture.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake cheesecake, reheating is not recommended. It’s best served chilled to enjoy that luscious, creamy consistency and the fresh citrus brightness intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
Absolutely! While chocolate sandwich cookies add great flavor and a sturdy crust, you can substitute with other cookies like chocolate graham crackers or digestive biscuits for a twist in taste and texture.
What if I don’t have a springform pan?
A regular cake pan works fine; just make sure it has a removable bottom or line it with parchment for easier removal. Alternatively, individual jars or glasses can be used to serve single portions.
Can I make this cheesecake vegan or dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, try using vegan cream cheese and coconut cream whipped to stiff peaks. For the crust, ensure your cookies and chocolate chips are dairy-free. Flavors will still shine beautifully with these swaps.
Do I need to chill the chocolate before folding it into the filling?
Yes, the melted chocolate should be slightly cooled but still pourable to prevent it from seizing or melting the cream cheese mixture. Warm chocolate can cause texture issues and lumps.
Can I add more orange flavor?
Definitely! Adding a small amount (about ½ teaspoon) of orange extract to the filling intensifies the citrus aroma without altering the texture, making it even more delightful for orange lovers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s both impressive and effortless, this No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe is the ultimate answer. It’s a harmonious blend of rich chocolate and fresh citrus zing that comes together without any oven time. Once you try it, I promise it will become one of those go-to recipes you share with friends and family, guaranteed to wow every crowd.
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Print
No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
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.
