Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The luscious cream cheese filling blended with melted dark chocolate and vibrant orange creates a harmonious balance of sweet, tangy, and bittersweet flavors. It’s smooth, fluffy, and elegant, yet simple enough to prepare ahead of time. The buttery crust adds the perfect crunch, making every bite irresistible.

Ingredients

24 oz full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
8 oz dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), melted and cooled
Zest and juice of 2 large fresh oranges
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and mix until well combined.
Stir in the orange zest and juice until evenly incorporated.
Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks in a separate bowl. Gently fold the melted and cooled dark chocolate and the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fluffy and smooth.
Pour the filling evenly over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set properly.
Before serving, garnish with additional melted chocolate drizzle and thinly sliced fresh orange wedges for an elegant finish.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: At least 4 hours
Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 40 minutes

Variations

Use milk or white chocolate: Swap dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate for a sweeter variation.
Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pistachios on top for crunch.
Gluten-free crust: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies for the crust.
Citrus twist: Substitute orange zest and juice with lemon or lime for a different citrus flavor.
Chocolate swirl: Reserve some melted chocolate to create a swirl pattern on top before chilling.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
It is best served chilled and should not be frozen due to the delicate texture of the whipped cream.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and richness, but low-fat can be used with a slight difference in creaminess.

How do I melt chocolate properly?

Melt chocolate gently using a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Can I make this cheesecake without an oven?

Yes, you can skip baking the crust and press it firmly into the pan, then chill to set. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

How long should I whip the cream?

Whip the cream until soft peaks form—when you lift the whisk, peaks hold shape but slightly fold over.

Can I use frozen orange juice or zest?

Fresh zest and juice provide the best flavor, but frozen can be used in a pinch.

Can I substitute the graham cracker crust with cookie crust?

Yes, crushed digestive biscuits or any favorite cookie crumbs work well as an alternative.

Is this cheesecake suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! It’s elegant and flavorful, perfect for holidays, birthdays, or dinner parties.

Can I make mini cheesecakes with this recipe?

Yes, use muffin tins or mini springform pans and reduce chilling time accordingly.

What if my cheesecake is too soft?

Make sure it chills long enough to fully set. If needed, increase chilling time or chill overnight.

How do I prevent cracks on the cheesecake surface?

This no-bake style cheesecake is less prone to cracks, but avoid overmixing and ensure proper chilling.

Conclusion

Chocolate Orange Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that perfectly blends rich chocolate with the bright, fresh flavor of oranges. Easy to make and visually stunning, it’s a crowd-pleaser ideal for any celebration or casual indulgence. The creamy filling, crunchy crust, and elegant garnishes make this cheesecake a memorable treat you’ll want to make again and again.