Name: Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 24 oz cream cheese (full-fat); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; Zest and juice of 2 large fresh oranges; 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 8 oz dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa)

If you’re searching for a dessert that exudes sophistication yet fills every bite with comfort, look no further than Chocolate Orange Cheesecake. This showstopping treat beautifully marries the deep, luscious notes of chocolate with the citrus burst of orange, resulting in a cheesecake that’s luxurious, creamy, and just flashy enough to steal the scene at any gathering. The texture is dreamy, the flavor is unforgettable, and once you slice through its velvety layers, you’ll understand why this is my go-to for celebrations—or any day that simply needs a little extra sparkle!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need any exotic ingredients here—the magic of Chocolate Orange Cheesecake lies in the classic components you likely already know and love. Each one has a role that’s too important to skip: from those rich creams to the bittersweet chocolate, these building blocks combine to create a dessert greater than the sum of its parts.

Cream cheese (24 oz, full-fat): Go for the full-fat version for a perfectly rich and creamy cheesecake base.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Balances the tangy cream cheese and ties together the orange and chocolate flavors.
Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Whipped into the filling, it lightens the texture and adds a touch of elegance.
Dark chocolate (8 oz, 60-70% cocoa): Choose a slightly bitter dark chocolate for a sophisticated depth and to offset the orange’s brightness.
Zest and juice of 2 large fresh oranges: Both zest and juice infuse every layer with real citrus zing—skip bottled juice here for the best flavor.
Graham cracker crumbs (2 cups): The classic, slightly sweet base that supports the whole cheesecake—graham flavor pairs especially well with citrus and chocolate.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Melted and mixed with crumbs to provide that needed structure and richness to the crust.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine your graham cracker crumbs with the melted unsalted butter until all the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, taking care to pack it down evenly—this ensures a sturdy, not crumbly, foundation. Bake for 10 minutes to set the crust, and then let it cool completely while you work on the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the full-fat cream cheese until luxuriously smooth—no one wants lumps in their cheesecake. Gradually sprinkle in the sugar and continue mixing until the combination is airy and light. Next, toss in the vibrant zest and juice from your fresh oranges; this turns the cheesecake base fragrant and utterly irresistible.

Step 3: Incorporate the Chocolate and Cream

Melt your dark chocolate using a gentle double boiler set-up or in the microwave using short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Allow the chocolate to cool slightly (no one wants melted chocolate cheese), then fold it into the creamy, orange-infused filling. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks and gently fold this into the mixture as well. This step is where the luscious texture starts to take shape!

Step 4: Assemble and Chill

Once the filling is combined and glossy, pour it over the cooled graham cracker crust in the springform pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula, making sure it looks as inviting as you want it to taste. Cover the pan loosely, and let the cheesecake chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better. This waiting period is golden, allowing flavors to marry and the cheesecake to set firm enough for neat slicing.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, unleash your creativity! Drizzle the top with extra melted chocolate and artfully arrange fresh orange slices or some extra zest on top. Admire your masterpiece for a moment before diving in—this Chocolate Orange Cheesecake deserves its moment in the spotlight.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Cheesecake

Garnishes

Presenting this cheesecake is half the fun! Try drizzling ribbons of glossy melted chocolate over the top, sprinkle a little extra orange zest for a punchy color contrast, or garnish with candied orange peel and a few curls of dark chocolate. These finishing touches not only make your Chocolate Orange Cheesecake look fabulous but will also delight your guests with every bite.

Side Dishes

As rich as it is, Chocolate Orange Cheesecake pairs beautifully with simple companions—think a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a few spoonfuls of lightly whipped cream. For a crisp, palate-cleansing contrast, fresh berries or a tart fruit compote work wonders alongside each creamy forkful.

Creative Ways to Present

Individual mini cheesecakes made in cupcake liners are perfect for parties and look adorable. Alternatively, slice the cheesecake into small bars for an elegant dessert platter, or serve with piped dots of orange-flavored whipped cream on each plate. If you want to go big, stack slices with layers of whipped cream between for a dramatic, sky-high presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chocolate Orange Cheesecake will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to five days. Store each slice in an airtight container or wrap the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap to preserve its lush texture and prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

If you’d like to make this cheesecake ahead, or if you’re planning for future cravings, you can absolutely freeze it! For best results, freeze the cheesecake (whole or in slices) without garnishes. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to serve.

Reheating

Since Chocolate Orange Cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, there’s no need to reheat. If freezing, simply let the cheesecake thaw gently in the refrigerator to restore its creamy texture—never rush this process or use the microwave, as it can affect both the structure and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate in this cheesecake?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate will give your Chocolate Orange Cheesecake a sweeter, creamier flavor, which is perfect if you’re not a fan of bittersweet notes. Just keep in mind the dessert might be a bit sweeter overall, so you could slightly reduce the sugar if you prefer.

Is it possible to make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Yes, you certainly can! Simply swap the graham cracker crumbs for your favorite gluten-free biscuit crumbs. Make sure the rest of your ingredients are certified gluten-free, and you’ll have a Chocolate Orange Cheesecake everyone can enjoy.

Do I need to bake the cheesecake filling?

Nope! This recipe features a no-bake filling, which makes it easier to achieve that ultra-smooth, mousse-like texture. The only part that needs a quick bake is the crust—after that, it’s all about chilling and letting those flavors develop.

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh oranges?

While bottled juice is convenient, fresh oranges make a world of difference here. The zest and freshly squeezed juice give your Chocolate Orange Cheesecake a much brighter, more natural citrus flavor. For best results, use the real thing!

How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Since this cheesecake is no-bake, you don’t have to worry about oven cracks! However, if your filling looks a little lumpy, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing, and don’t rush the combining process. Smooth, creamy filling is the goal!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and orange—and this Chocolate Orange Cheesecake proves it in every creamy forkful. If you’re looking to impress, delight, and satisfy dessert lovers of all ages, give this recipe a try. You’ll be sharing slices (and maybe even secrets) before you know it!

Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe

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Chocolate orange cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and the zesty brightness of orange. This dessert is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a feast for the eyes too. Imagine a creamy cheesecake with a smooth chocolate layer, topped with a hint of orange zest. It’s a dessert that can brighten any occasion, from birthdays to holiday gatherings.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 1 cheesecake
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking, Mixing, Chilling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Cheesecake:

24 oz cream cheese (full-fat)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Zest and juice of 2 large fresh oranges

Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter

Topping:

8 oz dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa)

Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter; press into a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.
Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, then mix in orange zest and juice.
Add Chocolate: Melt dark chocolate, cool slightly, and fold into the cream cheese mixture along with whipped heavy cream.
Chill and Serve: Pour filling into the cooled crust and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Garnish with melted chocolate and orange slices before serving.