Chocolate Orange Cheesecake

Indulging in a slice of chocolate orange cheesecake is a delightful experience. This luxurious dessert combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the bright, citrusy notes of orange, creating a harmonious balance that pleases every palate. The creamy texture and decadent layers make this cheesecake a favorite for gatherings, celebrations, or a satisfying treat at home.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Orange Cheesecake

This chocolate orange cheesecake is not just about flavor; it’s about the experience. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:

Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, making this cheesecake is quite simple. Our step-by-step instructions will guide you through each phase, ensuring a successful result.
Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and orange creates a unique taste. The sweetness of chocolate perfectly complements the zesty orange, resulting in a deliciously balanced cheesecake.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or a casual gathering, this cheesecake is sure to impress your guests. It looks gorgeous and tastes even better.
Make Ahead: This cheesecake can be made a day in advance, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. Simply prepare it ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator.
Customizable: You can tweak the flavors with additional toppings or even different types of chocolate. This personal touch makes it your own.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Cheesecake

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (about 20-25 cookies)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
½ cup sour cream
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
8 ounces dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing it and wrapping the outside with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during baking.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are fully coated and have a consistency similar to wet sand.
Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form the crust. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to pack it down firmly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, orange juice, orange zest, and the melted dark chocolate. Mix until fully blended and smooth. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Prepare a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger baking dish and filling the outer dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for about 55-65 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
Turn off the oven and crack the door, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven for about 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
Once cooled, remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.
To serve, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan, slice the cheesecake, and garnish with chocolate shavings or whipped cream and additional orange zest as desired.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Cheesecake

Serving chocolate orange cheesecake is as enjoyable as making it. Here are some serving suggestions:

Garnish Smartly: Top the cheesecake with chocolate shavings, freshly whipped cream, or a sprinkle of orange zest for an added touch of elegance.
Pair with Beverages: This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Slice Perfectly: Use a hot knife to slice through the cheesecake. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for beautiful, clean slices.
Add Seasonal Flavors: In colder months, consider serving it with a spice such as cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the warmth of the flavors.

How to Store Chocolate Orange Cheesecake

Storing your cheesecake properly ensures it remains fresh and delicious. Here’s how:

Refrigerate: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 5-7 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze them for up to 3 months. To thaw, place slices in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Tips to Make Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Perfect

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks. Mix until just combined.
Water Bath: Using a water bath helps prevent cracking and ensures even baking. Be careful not to let water seep into the springform pan.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to get creative with your cheesecake! Here are some fun ideas:

Add More Citrus: For a more intense orange flavor, increase the orange zest or juice.
Different Chocolates: Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate or milk chocolate for a sweeter twist.
Nutty Crust: Mix in crushed nuts with your cookie crumbs for added texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for Success

Test for Doneness: The center should slightly jiggle when you take it out of the oven. It will firm up as it cools.
Avoid Opening the Oven Door: Opening the oven can cause fluctuations in temperature and lead to cracks.

FAQs About Chocolate Orange Cheesecake

1. Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes, you can use different cookies for the crust, such as graham crackers or Oreo cookies. Just crush them finely and combine with butter.

2. How can I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
To minimize cracks, bake the cheesecake in a water bath, cool it gradually in the oven, and avoid overmixing.

3. Can I use other citrus fruits?
Absolutely! While we focus on orange, you can experiment with lemon or lime for a similar tangy flavor. Adjust the amounts based on the fruit’s intensity.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate orange cheesecake is an indulgent dessert that combines rich flavors with a refreshing twist. Whether you enjoy it at a special event or as a weekday treat, this cheesecake is sure to please. With easy steps and tips to guide you, you’ll create a masterpiece that everyone will rave about. So gather your ingredients and get baking!

Chocolate Orange Cheesecake

A luxurious dessert combining rich chocolate flavors with bright, citrusy orange notes, creating a creamy and decadent cheesecake perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 1 5

Total Time 1 35

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

Crust Ingredients

1.5 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (about 20-25 cookies)
0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted

Filling Ingredients

2 cups cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
0.5 cups sour cream
0.5 cups heavy cream
0.5 cups orange juice, freshly squeezed
2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
8 ounces dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
1 pinch salt

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing it and wrapping the outside with aluminum foil.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are fully coated.
Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form the crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool.

Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract and mix. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, orange juice, orange zest, and melted dark chocolate. Mix until blended.
Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
Prepare a water bath and bake the cheesecake for 55-65 minutes, until the edges are set but the center jiggles.
Turn off the oven and crack the door to cool gradually for about 1 hour.
Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
To serve, remove the sides of the springform pan and garnish as desired.