Description
Indulge in decadence with this irresistible Chocolate Orange Cheesecake. Discover a delicious dessert recipe today!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (about 20 Oreos, filling removed)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (optional)
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon orange zest, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil, making sure it comes at least halfway up the sides. This prevents any butter from leaking out during baking. Lightly grease the inside of the pan with cooking spray.
- Step 2: Make the Chocolate Crust In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of your prepared springform pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to compact the crust – this creates a more solid foundation for your **Chocolate Orange Cheesecake**. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and cool on a wire rack while preparing the filling.
- Step 3: Prepare the Filling In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese on low speed until completely smooth with no lumps remaining, about 2-3 minutes. Add the sugar and continue mixing on low until well incorporated and slightly fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently during this process.
- Step 4: Add Remaining Filling Ingredients Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until each is incorporated before adding the next. Pour in the vanilla extract, orange zest, orange juice, and orange liqueur (if using), mixing just until combined. Finally, stream in the melted and cooled chocolate while mixing on low, continuing until the mixture is uniform in color with no chocolate streaks.
- Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake Pour the filling into your prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 55-65 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle – it should move as one unit when gently shaken, not like liquid. Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the **Chocolate Orange Cheesecake** cool in the oven for 1 hour.
- Step 6: Make the Ganache Topping When the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, prepare the ganache. Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan just until it begins to simmer around the edges (do not boil). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let stand for 2 minutes, then gently stir until smooth and glossy.
- Step 7: Finish and Chill Pour the ganache over the cooled cheesecake, tilting the pan to create an even layer. Sprinkle with fresh orange zest for a beautiful pop of color and flavor. Refrigerate uncovered until the ganache sets, about 20 minutes, then cover loosely with plastic wrap and continue chilling for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, before serving your stunning **Chocolate Orange Cheesecake**.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg