Discover the sheer delight of a no-bake orange cheesecake that’s not only scrumptious but also incredibly easy to make. This dessert blends the zesty allure of fresh oranges with the creamy texture of cheesecake, all set on a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for those who love a hint of citrus in their sweets, this cheesecake requires no oven time and features natural orange flavor, making it an ideal choice for any season.

Benefits of Orange in Desserts

Oranges are not only delicious, they’re also packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Incorporating orange juice and zest into desserts like this cheesecake enhances the flavor while infusing the dish with Vitamin C, fiber, and essential minerals. The natural sweetness and tang of oranges can also reduce the need for added sugars, making your desserts fresher and slightly healthier.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes | Kcal: 450 | Servings: 8

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 1/2 cups cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon orange zest

1/2 cup fresh orange juice
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream

Fresh orange slices, for infusion and garnish
Additional whipped cream, for topping

Directions

In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press into the base of a springform pan to form the crust and chill in the refrigerator.

For the filling, beat cream cheese until creamy, then incorporate powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Fold gently into the cream cheese mixture.
Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Gently press orange slices into the filling for infusion. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Serve with additional whipped cream and orange slices as garnish.

Notes and Serving Suggestions

Orange Variety: Use a variety of orange like navel or Valencia for a sweet and robust flavor.
Garnish Tips: Add a sprinkle of grated orange zest on top of the whipped cream for an extra zesty note.

Storage: This cheesecake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings.

Nutritional Breakdown per Serving

Calories: 450
Carbohydrates: 30g

Protein: 6g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 21g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.2g
Monounsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0.1g

Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 310mg
Potassium: 180mg

Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 18g
Vitamin A: 22% DV

Vitamin C: 15% DV
Calcium: 9% DV
Iron: 3% DV

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe? Yes, low-fat cream cheese works well in this recipe, though the texture might be slightly less creamy.

2. How long can this cheesecake be stored in the fridge? The cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, tightly covered.

3. Can I freeze this cheesecake? Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

4. Is it necessary to use fresh orange juice? Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled orange juice can be used in a pinch.

Conclusion

This no-bake orange cheesecake is a fantastic treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its rich, creamy texture and vibrant orange flavor, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first-timer, this cheesecake is a foolproof dessert that impresses without the need for baking. Give it a try and enjoy the blend of flavors and textures that make it so special.