Looking for a dessert that’s bold, beautiful, and bursting with flavor? This Chocolate Orange Cheesecake is just what you need! With its creamy texture, vibrant citrus notes, and rich chocolate base, it’s the kind of treat that steals the show at any event—from holiday dinners to birthday parties
Each bite delivers a luxurious blend of velvety cheesecake, zesty orange, and indulgent dark chocolate. Topped with glistening orange slices and delicate chocolate shavings, this cheesecake is as stunning as it is satisfying. And best of all? It’s easy enough for beginners to make but impressive enough to wow your guests!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cream Cheese
The heart of every great cheesecake! Use 24 ounces (three 8-ounce blocks) of full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. Let it come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a silky-smooth batter.
Granulated Sugar
One cup of sugar balances the richness of the cream cheese and the tang of the oranges. It helps create a perfectly sweet, melt-in-your-mouth filling.
Heavy Whipping Cream
One cup of whipped cream gives the cheesecake a lighter, fluffier texture while still keeping it rich and decadent.
Dark Chocolate
For deep chocolate flavor, use 8 ounces of quality dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa). Melted and folded into the filling, it creates a luscious chocolate base that complements the citrus beautifully.
Fresh Oranges
You’ll need the zest and juice of two large oranges. The zest adds bold, aromatic citrus notes, while the juice adds brightness and moisture to the filling.
Graham Cracker Crumbs
The crust calls for 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs mixed with melted butter to create a crisp, slightly sweet base that perfectly contrasts the creamy filling.
Unsalted Butter
Use ½ cup (1 stick) of melted unsalted butter to bind the crust together and add richness.
How to Make Chocolate Orange Cheesecake
1. Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the texture resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and slightly up the sides. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden, then set aside to cool completely.
2. Make the Filling
In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar and mix until fully combined.
Mix in the orange zest and juice until smooth.
Separately, melt the dark chocolate and let it cool slightly. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold the melted chocolate and whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.
Pour the filling into the cooled crust, smoothing out the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, until firm.
3. Garnish and Serve
Once chilled, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Garnish with fresh orange slices, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a show-stopping presentation.
Serving & Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean, tidy slices. For added flair, serve with a dollop of whipped cream flavored with orange zest or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Store
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Avoid overmixing to prevent air bubbles and cracks.
- Pre-bake the crust to ensure it doesn’t become soggy.
- Chill overnight for the best texture and cleanest slices.
- Use a water bath when baking (if baking the cheesecake) to avoid cracking and ensure even texture.
- Decorate thoughtfully—a little garnish goes a long way to enhance both flavor and visual appeal.
Fun Variations
- Try mini cheesecakes for individual servings using cupcake liners and a muffin tin.
- Swap chocolate types—try semi-sweet or even white chocolate for a twist.
- Infuse with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Use gluten-free cookies for the crust to make it gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Orange Cheesecake is a celebration-worthy dessert that’s sure to earn rave reviews. It’s indulgent without being overly heavy, sweet with a bright citrus edge, and stunning on any dessert table. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this cheesecake is a slice of pure joy.