Description
Savor the delightful flavors of a classic childhood treat with a grown-up twist in this No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake recipe. Bursting with the refreshing taste of oranges and the creamy goodness of cheesecake, this dessert is a surefire way to brighten any occasion. Best of all, it requires no oven time, making it perfect for hot summer days or whenever you’re craving a sweet treat without the hassle of baking. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to whip up this citrusy delight!
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon gelatin, dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water
For the topping:
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to form the crust. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.
- Make the filling: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Flavor the filling: Stir in the orange zest and orange juice until well combined. Dissolve the gelatin in hot water according to package instructions, then add it to the filling mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Assemble: Pour the filling over the chilled crust in the springform pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Garnish: Before serving, top the chilled cheesecake with whipped cream and garnish with fresh orange slices for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Servings: 8 servings
Notes
Serving Tips:
- Chill Before Serving: For the best texture and flavor, allow the cheesecake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before serving.
- Slice with a Warm Knife: For clean and neat slices, run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe it dry before slicing the chilled cheesecake. This helps prevent the filling from sticking to the knife.
- Garnish Creatively: Get creative with garnishes by adding additional orange zest, fresh mint leaves, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce on top of each slice before serving.
- Pair with Citrus: Serve slices of the cheesecake with fresh orange segments or a side of orange sorbet for a refreshing citrus pairing that enhances the flavors of the dessert.
- Serve Chilled: Keep the cheesecake chilled until serving time, especially in warm weather, to maintain its creamy consistency and prevent it from becoming too soft.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover cheesecake covered or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it’s placed on a flat surface to prevent the topping from getting smudged.
- Freezing: While cheesecake can be frozen, it’s best to freeze it without the whipped cream topping. Wrap individual slices or the entire cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Avoid Freezer Burn: To prevent freezer burn, place a layer of parchment paper between slices if freezing individually, and ensure the cheesecake is well-wrapped to seal out air.
- Use within Timeframe: Consume frozen cheesecake within 1-2 months for the best taste and texture. Beyond that, the quality may begin to degrade.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy frozen cheesecake, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw slowly. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent the filling from becoming too soft.
