Description
No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake: A refreshing twist on classic dessert with cream cheese, orange, and graham crackers. Quick, creamy, crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest (from approximately 2 medium oranges)
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- Orange food coloring (optional, 2-3 drops)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Orange slices and zest for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Crust In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar, then pour in melted butter. Mix until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan using the flat bottom of a measuring cup. This creates an even, well-packed crust that won’t crumble when sliced. Place the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
- Step 2: Bloom the Gelatin In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and gel-like. Once bloomed, microwave the mixture for 10 seconds or place the bowl in hot water until the gelatin dissolves completely and becomes clear. Set aside to cool slightly but don’t let it set.
- Step 3: Prepare the Filling In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the orange zest, orange juice, orange extract, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. The mixture should be completely smooth with no lumps. If using food coloring, add it now for a subtle orange hue that enhances the visual appeal of your No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake.
- Step 4: Add Gelatin and Fold in Whipped Cream With the mixer on low, slowly pour the dissolved gelatin into the cream cheese mixture and beat until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in three additions, maintaining as much air as possible for a light and fluffy texture. The filling should be smooth, airy, and hold its shape.
- Step 5: Assemble and Chill Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles. Cover with plastic wrap without touching the surface and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. This lengthy chilling time is essential for your No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake to set properly.
- Step 6: Prepare Topping and ServeWhen ready to serve, whip the cream for the topping with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spread the whipped cream on top of the chilled cheesecake. Garnish with fresh orange slices and additional zest for a beautiful presentation that hints at the flavors inside. Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan before slicing with a warm, clean knife for perfect portions.
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Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg