If you are a fan of the irresistible pairing of citrus and chocolate, this Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe is going to become your new favorite dessert. Imagine a creamy, dreamy cheesecake bursting with zesty orange flavor beautifully balanced by rich dark and milk chocolates, all resting on a buttery biscuit base. This recipe brings together elegance and comfort in a way that feels like a warm, delicious hug. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cheesecake delivers show-stopping taste and texture that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe plays a key role in crafting its luscious flavor and delightful texture. These essentials are easy to find, and each brings something special to the table—from the buttery base to the creamy, tangy filling and the playful chocolate bursts.
- Digestive biscuits (200 g, crushed): Create a sturdy and slightly sweet base that perfectly supports the creamy cheesecake.
- Unsalted butter (100 g, melted): Binds the biscuit crumbs into a firm crust with a rich, indulgent flavor.
- Cream cheese (300 g, softened): The heart of the cheesecake, providing that irresistibly smooth and tangy creaminess.
- Caster sugar (150 g): Sweetens the filling delicately without overpowering the orange and chocolate notes.
- Eggs (3): Give structure to the cheesecake and help achieve the perfect silky texture.
- Double cream (200 ml): Adds richness and that melt-in-the-mouth softness.
- Orange zest and juice (from 1 large orange): Impart a fresh, natural, citrus lift to balance the chocolate.
- Dark chocolate (50 g, melted): Deepens the flavor with bittersweet chocolate complexity.
- Orange-flavored milk chocolate (100 g, chopped): Adds playful bursts of fruit-chocolate sweetness throughout the cheesecake.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor, making every bite pop.
- Orange liqueur (optional): A splash adds an adult twist that intensifies the orange aroma.
How to Make Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Base
Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the base with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Then, mix the crushed digestive biscuits with melted butter until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press this crumbly mixture evenly into the pan’s base to form a firm crust that will hold your cheesecake perfectly.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and caster sugar together until silky smooth and lump-free. This step is essential to avoid a grainy texture in your cheesecake—take your time to ensure it’s perfectly creamy.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Cream
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a fluffy, airy batter. Then stir in the double cream along with the fresh orange zest, juice, melted dark chocolate, and vanilla extract. Mixing these ingredients gently ensures the rich chocolate and bright citrus flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chunks and Optional Liqueur
Gently fold the chopped orange-flavored milk chocolate into the batter for delightful melty bites throughout the cheesecake. If you want to add a grown-up touch, now is the time to splash in a little orange liqueur—just enough to amplify that lovely orange aroma without being overpowering.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Pour the luscious batter over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles. Then, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar to cool gradually—this slow cooling helps prevent cracks.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Once cooled to room temperature, cover the cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let it fully set and develop flavor. Before serving, carefully remove it from the springform pan and transfer it to a beautiful serving plate.
How to Serve Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the look and flavor with simple garnishes like thin orange slices, curls of dark chocolate, or a dusting of cocoa powder. Fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and subtle freshness that balances the rich chocolate. These touches elevate the presentation and add extra layers of taste your guests will love.
Side Dishes
Pair this cheesecake with a scoop of tangy vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to complement its creamy texture. For a fruitier contrast, fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry coulis bring vibrant color and brightness to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try individual servings in glass jars layered with crumbled biscuit and extra orange zest for a charming mini dessert. Or decorate the top with grated orange zest and chocolate shavings arranged in a swirl pattern to impress at dinner parties. The vibrant colors and inviting textures make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cheesecake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when covered well. Wrapping it tightly prevents it from absorbing any fridge odors and helps keep the texture silky and fresh so that every slice tastes as delightful as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by wrapping the cheesecake tightly in cling film and foil, then placing it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve that perfect creamy texture without any sogginess.
Reheating
Cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it. If preferred, let frozen slices return to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to bring out the flavors without melting the chocolate components.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of biscuit for the crust?
Absolutely! While digestive biscuits offer a lovely buttery flavor and texture, you can experiment with graham crackers or even chocolate cookies for a richer crust. Just be sure to crush them finely and adjust the butter amount if needed for the right crumbly consistency.
What if I don’t have orange-flavored milk chocolate?
If you can’t find orange-flavored milk chocolate, no worries! You can use plain milk chocolate and stir in some finely grated orange zest separately. This will still give you those lovely bursts of orange and chocolate flavor throughout the cheesecake.
Is it possible to make this cheesecake dairy-free?
Making this exact recipe dairy-free can be tricky because cream cheese and double cream are essential for the creamy texture. However, you could try plant-based cream cheese and coconut cream as substitutes, but the texture and taste might vary from the classic version.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
The cheesecake is ready when the edges are set and look firm, but the center still has a slight wobble when gently shaken. It will firm up as it cools and chills, so avoid overbaking to keep it creamy and smooth.
Can I prepare the cheesecake base and filling a day ahead?
Definitely! You can prepare both the crust and the filling the day before and refrigerate them separately. Assemble just before baking to save time on the day of your event, and enjoy the same rich, fresh flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe that makes it a standout dessert for any occasion. The way the bright citrus pairs with rich chocolate and velvety cream cheese feels like a celebration in every bite. I hope you give this recipe a try and discover just how easy it is to create an impressive, mouthwatering dessert that your friends and family will rave about. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
Print
Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Description
Indulge in this luscious Chocolate Orange Cheesecake that perfectly combines the rich creaminess of classic cheesecake with zesty orange flavor and decadent dark and milk chocolates. This elegant dessert features a crunchy digestive biscuit crust, a smooth and creamy filling infused with fresh orange zest, juice, and optional orange liqueur, making it an ideal treat for any special occasion or a delightful finish to your meal.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 200 g digestive biscuits, crushed
- 100 g unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
- 300 g cream cheese, softened
- 150 g caster sugar
- 3 eggs
- 200 ml double cream
- Zest and juice of 1 large orange
- 50 g dark chocolate, melted
- 100 g orange-flavored milk chocolate, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Orange liqueur (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the base with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine the crushed digestive biscuits with the melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the base of the prepared pan to form the crust layer.
- Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and caster sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and achieve a light texture.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the double cream, fresh orange zest, orange juice, melted dark chocolate, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Fold in Milk Chocolate: Gently fold the chopped orange-flavored milk chocolate into the cheesecake batter, distributing the pieces evenly without overmixing.
- Add Orange Liqueur (Optional): For an enhanced orange flavor, add a splash of orange liqueur and gently mix it into the batter.
- Pour batter onto crust: Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top surface evenly.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cheesecake is set around the edges but still slightly wobbly in the center.
- Cool the Cheesecake: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the oven door slightly ajar to cool gradually. This helps prevent cracking.
- Chill: After the cheesecake reaches room temperature, cover it with cling film and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture and flavor.
- Serve: Before serving, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Transfer the cheesecake to a serving plate and slice to enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh orange zest and juice for the best citrus flavor.
- The optional orange liqueur adds depth; however, it can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven to minimize cracks on the surface.
- Refrigerating overnight allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up perfectly.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3–4 days for optimal freshness.
