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This Chocolate Orange Cheesecake is a showstopper for any gathering with its perfect pairing of creamy chocolate and bright citrus. The smooth filling rests on a buttery graham crust and gets finished with juicy orange slices and curls of chocolate. It only takes a handful of straightforward steps and always gets rave reviews at my family’s birthday dinners
My first attempt was for a holiday potluck and there was not a crumb left As a citrus lover this cheesecake is now my signature dessert for spring events
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: full-fat for the creamiest base buy blocks instead of spreadable
- Granulated sugar: balances tang and makes the filling smooth choose fine white sugar for best texture
- Heavy whipping cream: adds richness and airiness look for fresh with no additives
- Dark chocolate: at least 60 percent cocoa for deep flavor use a quality bar and chop it yourself
- Fresh oranges: both zest and juice for brightness choose heavy fragrant oranges with shiny skin
- Graham cracker crumbs: make the crisp crust go for plain honey or classic
- Unsalted butter: binds crumbs and carries flavor choose European style for extra richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the crust:
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until even and press into the base of a springform pan using a flat-bottomed glass for a compact layer Bake at 350 F for ten minutes and let the crust cool completely before adding filling
- Make the cheesecake base:
- Beat the cream cheese until it is completely smooth with no lumps Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until fluffy Mix in the orange zest and juice making sure every bit is incorporated for maximum citrus flavor
- Melt the chocolate:
- Chop the dark chocolate and melt it gently over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave Allow the chocolate to cool to room temperature before pouring into the cream cheese mixture to avoid seizing
- Whip and fold the cream:
- Whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks In a few additions gently fold the whipped cream and melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture to keep the filling airy and light
- Fill and chill:
- Pour the finished filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula Refrigerate uncovered for at least four hours or overnight for best results
- Decorate and serve:
- Right before serving top with fresh orange slices and a few chocolate shavings for wow factor Slice with a warm sharp knife for tidy wedges
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The zesty orange is my favorite part It wakes up the chocolate and makes the whole cheesecake taste refreshing I remember my grandma saying citrus brightens any chocolate dessert and this recipe proves her right
Storage Tips
This cheesecake is best kept refrigerated Store in an airtight container to prevent it from picking up fridge odors It will hold for about four days You can freeze leftovers but wait to add toppings until after thawing for the best taste and look
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need it gluten free use plain gluten free cookies instead of classic grahams For the chocolate try swapping in 70 percent cocoa for a deeply intense flavor or use a semisweet bar if you prefer something milder Orange zest is key but clementines can stand in if oranges are out of season
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled and just after garnishing When I am feeling extra festive I add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra zest For a dinner party make mini cheesecakes in muffin tins with the same filling
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Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Dark chocolate offers a deeper flavor, but milk chocolate brings extra sweetness. Adjust to your taste preference, but note the filling may be a bit sweeter and less intense.
- → How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake filling?
Allow the filling to set slowly in the refrigerator and avoid overbeating the mixture to maintain a smooth, even texture.
- → What is the best way to zest oranges?
Use a microplane or citrus zester to remove only the colorful outer layer of the orange, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
- → Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Absolutely. This dessert sets best after several hours or overnight in the refrigerator, making it ideal for advance preparation.
- → Is there a gluten-free option for the crust?
Yes, substitute the graham crackers with your favorite gluten-free biscuits or cookies for the crust base.