If you love the magical marriage of rich chocolate and zesty orange, then this Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Creamy, tangy cream cheese blends seamlessly with luscious melted chocolate and fresh bursts of orange flavor, all nestled on a buttery biscuit base. It’s a stunning dessert that feels fancy but is actually quite simple to make, perfect for sharing with friends or family when you want to impress without the stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and visual appeal. From the buttery biscuit base to the creamy filling accented by citrus and chocolate, here’s what makes this cheesecake so special:
- 200 g digestive biscuits, crushed: Creates a sturdy, flavorful base with just the right crunch.
- 100 g unsalted butter, melted: Binds the biscuit crumbs and adds richness to the crust.
- 300 g cream cheese, softened: Provides the smooth, creamy texture essential to any cheesecake.
- 150 g caster sugar: Sweetens the filling without overpowering the chocolate and orange notes.
- 3 eggs: Helps set the cheesecake as it bakes, adding structure.
- 200 ml double cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and smoothness to the filling.
- Zest and juice of 1 large orange: Infuses bright citrus flavor that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- 50 g dark chocolate, melted: Brings deep, intense chocolate flavor for a rich contrast.
- 100 g orange-flavored milk chocolate, chopped: Adds sweet, creamy bursts of orangey chocolate throughout the cheesecake.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- Orange liqueur (optional): For an adult twist that elevates the orange flavor just a bit more.
How to Make Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). Then, grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the base with parchment paper to ensure your cheesecake comes out perfectly without sticking.
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Crust
Mix the crushed digestive biscuits with the melted butter until the mixture feels like damp sand. Press this mix evenly into the bottom of your springform pan to create a firm, buttery base that will hold the filling beautifully.
Step 3: Cream the Cheese and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and caster sugar until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy. This step ensures your cheesecake filling will have the right texture and sweetness.
Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully integrate them and create a rich, cohesive filling.
Step 5: Add Cream, Orange, and Chocolate
Stir in the double cream, zest and juice of your orange, melted dark chocolate, and vanilla extract. Each ingredient brings layers of flavor and creaminess that define this Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe.
Step 6: Fold in Chopped Chocolate
Gently fold the chopped orange-flavored milk chocolate into your batter, adding delightful pockets of sweetness and texture throughout the cheesecake.
Step 7: Optional Liqueur Boost
If you want a bit of an adult twist, add a splash of orange liqueur. This will intensify the citrus notes and give an extra depth to your dessert.
Step 8: Assemble and Bake
Pour the creamy cheesecake batter over your biscuit crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour until the cheesecake is just set but with a slight wobble in the center—this guarantees a luscious, creamy finish.
Step 9: Cool and Chill
Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open to cool gradually. After it has fully cooled, cover and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight so it can set perfectly and develop its full flavor.
Step 10: Prepare to Serve
Before serving, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan and transfer your stunning Chocolate Orange Cheesecake to a serving plate. It’s now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes can elevate the presentation and flavor of your Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe. Consider sprinkling extra orange zest on top, adding some finely chopped dark chocolate curls, or placing a few candied orange slices for a beautiful, fresh contrast.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with fresh berries, a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce, or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. For an extra touch, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of dessert wine complements its rich, citrusy flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, slice your cheesecake into smaller portions and top with edible gold leaf for a touch of glamour. Alternatively, serve individual mini cheesecakes using the same ingredients in muffin tins lined with paper cases, making portion control both cute and convenient.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the cheesecake from absorbing other fridge odors. It will stay delicious for 3 to 4 days, perfect if you’re not planning to eat it all in one go.
Freezing
You can freeze this cheesecake for up to one month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain the creamy texture.
Reheating
This cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you prefer, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to enhance its softness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate in this recipe?
Absolutely! While this Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe calls for dark and orange-flavored milk chocolate, you can experiment with milk, white chocolate, or even bittersweet varieties depending on your preference.
What can I substitute for digestive biscuits?
Graham crackers or plain tea biscuits work well as alternatives for the crust. Just crush them finely and combine with melted butter the same way for a sturdy base.
Is it necessary to use fresh orange juice and zest?
Fresh orange juice and zest provide the brightest and most authentic flavor. However, bottled juice and dried zest can work in a pinch, though the taste won’t be quite as vibrant.
Can this cheesecake be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the digestive biscuits for gluten-free cookies and ensure any chocolate you use is also gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the center is slightly wobbly when gently shaken. It will firm up more as it cools and chills.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly irresistible about the harmony of chocolate and orange in this cheesecake, and I hope this Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe inspires you to create delicious memories around the table. It’s perfect for celebrations or any day you want to treat yourself with a slice of joy. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients come together to craft something so magical.
Print
Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 5h 30m
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This decadent Chocolate Orange Cheesecake combines a buttery digestive biscuit crust with a creamy orange-infused filling enriched by dark and orange-flavored milk chocolate. The subtle citrus notes from fresh orange zest, juice, and optional orange liqueur perfectly complement the rich chocolate, creating an indulgent dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 200 g digestive biscuits, crushed
- 100 g unsalted butter, melted
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, to taste)
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 ensure easy removal of the cheesecake later.
- Make the crust. In a bowl, combine the crushed digestive biscuits with the melted butter, mixing until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press this crumb mixture evenly into the base of the prepared pan to form a firm crust.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and caster sugar together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps.
- Add eggs. Add the eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Incorporate cream and flavorings. Stir in the double cream, orange zest, orange juice, melted dark chocolate, and vanilla extract. Mix until all ingredients are fully combined and the batter is silky.
- Fold in chopped milk chocolate. Gently fold in the chopped orange-flavored milk chocolate to add texture and bursts of orange-chocolate flavor.
- Add orange liqueur (optional). If desired, add a splash of orange liqueur to enhance the citrus notes further, mixing gently to combine.
- Assemble cheesecake. Pour the prepared batter over the biscuit crust in the springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Bake. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the cheesecake is mostly set but slightly wobbly in the center, indicating it will set firmly as it cools.
- Cool in oven. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar to cool gradually, preventing cracks.
- Chill. Once cooled to room temperature, cover the cheesecake and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow it to fully set and develop flavor.
- Serve. Before serving, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan and transfer the cheesecake to a serving plate. Slice and enjoy your rich Chocolate Orange Cheesecake.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Do not overbake; the cheesecake should still have a slight wobble in the center when removed from the oven.
- Allow it to cool gradually in the oven to prevent cracking on the surface.
- Chilling overnight enhances the flavors and helps the cheesecake set perfectly.
- Orange liqueur is optional but adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
- You can substitute digestive biscuits with graham crackers if preferred.
