Ingredients
- 250g digestive biscuits (or graham crackers), crushed
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
- 500g full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 150g powdered sugar (icing sugar)
- 50g unsweetened cocoa powder
- Zest of 2 large oranges
- 60ml fresh orange juice
- 300ml heavy cream (double cream), very cold
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 50g dark chocolate, finely grated or shaved (for garnish)
- Fresh orange segments (for garnish)
- Extra orange zest (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed digestive biscuits and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the base of a 20cm (8-inch) springform pan. Place in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain. Stir in the cocoa powder, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate, chilled bowl, whip the very cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate orange cream cheese mixture in two additions, taking care not to overmix, which can deflate the cream.
- Assemble and Chill: Spoon the chocolate orange filling over the chilled biscuit base, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Cover the springform pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the cheesecake is firm and set.
- Garnish and Serve: Once set, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Garnish generously with grated dark chocolate, fresh orange segments, and a sprinkle of extra orange zest just before serving.
Notes
For the best results, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a lump-free filling. Chilling the heavy cream and the mixing bowl before whipping helps achieve stiff peaks faster. This chocolate orange cheesecake needs ample chilling time to set properly, so plan ahead! You can prepare it the day before your event. For an extra citrus kick, a thin layer of orange curd can be spread on top before garnishing. A simple chocolate ganache drizzle also works beautifully.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Contemporary Dessert
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
