If you adore the delightful marriage of citrus and chocolate, then this Chocolate Orange Baked Cheesecake Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine a rich, creamy cheesecake infused with vibrant orange zest and luscious cocoa, creating a perfectly balanced dessert that feels both elegant and comforting. The subtle brightness of fresh orange juice and zest dances through every bite, complementing the chocolate’s deep warmth. This cheesecake is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a crowd-pleaser that feels special enough for any occasion, yet surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but each plays a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and beautiful appearance of your cheesecake. From the creamy richness of cream cheese to the fresh zest that lifts the whole dessert, every element is essential.
- Cream Cheese (24 oz, 3 packages): The backbone of any cheesecake, it gives that signature smooth, creamy texture.
- Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cheesecake perfectly without overpowering the other flavors.
- Eggs (3 large): They bind the ingredients and help the cheesecake set with a delicate firmness.
- Orange Zest (2 teaspoons): Adds a zesty, fresh citrus aroma that brightens the chocolate.
- Cocoa Powder (½ cup): Infuses rich chocolate flavor without weighing the cheesecake down.
- Heavy Cream (½ cup): Adds velvet smoothness and enhances decadence.
- Flour (2 tablespoons): Provides structure and helps prevent cracking.
- Butter (¼ cup, melted): Moisturizes and adds subtle richness.
- Chocolate (4 oz, melted): Deepens the chocolate flavor for that extra indulgence.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
- Orange Juice (2 tablespoons): Lends a fresh, citrus tang that balances the sweetness.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and keeps the cheesecake from tasting flat.
How to Make Chocolate Orange Baked Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). It’s important to prepare your springform pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it generously with butter so your cheesecake releases easily after baking. This simple prep ensures your final presentation will be picture-perfect.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
Beat the cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth and creamy—this foundation guarantees a velvety texture. Then, add eggs one at a time to maintain a silky consistency. Gently fold in orange zest, cocoa powder, flour, melted chocolate, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and orange juice to blend all the flavors harmoniously.
Step 3: Prepare the Water Bath
Wrap the outside of your springform pan with foil if you plan to use a water bath, as this helps prevent water from seeping in. Place the pan inside a larger baking dish, pouring hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of your cheesecake pan. This technique gently bakes the cheesecake so it cooks evenly without cracking.
Step 4: Pour and Smooth Batter
Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure an even top. This will help your cheesecake bake uniformly and look stunning once sliced.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cheesecake for 50 to 60 minutes. Knowing when it’s done is key: the edges should be set and firm, while the center will still have a slight jiggle, indicating perfect creaminess inside.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Allow your cheesecake to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step is essential because it lets the flavors meld together and the texture fully develop into that delightfully dense and creamy consistency you expect from a baked cheesecake.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before slicing, garnish the cheesecake with chocolate shavings and extra orange zest. These simple touches give a festive burst of color and a hint of freshness with every bite.
How to Serve Chocolate Orange Baked Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
Chocolate curls or shavings paired with a sprinkle of fresh orange zest make an irresistible garnish. You can also dust the cheesecake lightly with cocoa powder or add a few candied orange slices for an elegant finish that boosts both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, offer a tangy contrast that lifts the richness of the chocolate orange flavors, making each forkful more exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices atop decorative plates with a drizzle of orange-infused chocolate sauce or a scattering of crushed pistachios for extra texture and color. You could also transform this into mini cheesecakes baked in individual ramekins for a charming individual dessert option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying, cover your cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it an excellent choice for entertaining or a special treat that keeps on giving.
Freezing
To freeze, first chill the cheesecake completely, then wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When stored properly, your cheesecake can last up to two months in the freezer without losing its fantastic flavor and creamy texture.
Reheating
Since cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, reheating is not usually recommended. However, if you prefer a softer texture, let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving instead of microwaving it, so it warms gently without compromising its structure.
FAQs
Can I use regular orange juice or fresh-squeezed for this cheesecake?
Fresh-squeezed orange juice will provide the brightest, most natural citrus flavor, but high-quality store-bought orange juice works well too if fresh isn’t available.
What type of chocolate is best for melting in this recipe?
Use a good quality semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate to balance the sweetness and enhance the depth of flavor in your cheesecake.
Do I need to use a water bath when baking cheesecake?
While not absolutely required, using a water bath helps the cheesecake bake evenly and reduces the chance of cracks while keeping it incredibly moist and creamy inside.
Can I substitute the cream cheese with a lighter option?
For the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to use full-fat cream cheese. Lighter versions might alter the creamy consistency and stability of the cheesecake.
How long should I chill the cheesecake before serving?
A minimum of 4 hours chilling is necessary, but overnight refrigeration is ideal to let the flavors develop fully and the texture set perfectly for slicing.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Orange Baked Cheesecake Recipe truly brings the celebratory flavors of chocolate and citrus together in a way that feels both indulgent and approachable. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast, a birthday, or just because you need something special, it promises to impress every time. I absolutely love sharing this recipe because it always gets rave reviews and makes dessert feel like a decadent treat worth savoring. Don’t wait to try this cozy yet sophisticated cheesecake—it might just become your new dessert obsession!
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Chocolate Orange Baked Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the rich and luscious Chocolate Orange Baked Cheesecake, a decadent dessert that marries creamy cream cheese with vibrant orange zest and bittersweet cocoa. Baked in a water bath for a smooth, velvety texture, this cheesecake is perfect for special occasions or an indulgent treat at any time of year.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Batter
- 24 oz (3 packages) Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Sugar
- 3 large Eggs
- 2 teaspoons Orange Zest
- ½ cup Cocoa Powder
- 2 tablespoons Flour
- 4 oz Melted Chocolate
- ½ cup Heavy Cream
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 tablespoons Orange Juice
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
Crust and Garnish
- ¼ cup Butter, melted
- Chocolate Shavings (for garnish)
- Additional Orange Zest (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a springform pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Gently fold in the orange zest, cocoa powder, flour, melted chocolate, heavy cream, vanilla extract, orange juice, and salt until fully combined.
- Prepare Water Bath: If using a water bath for even baking, wrap the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water seepage. Place the pan inside a larger baking dish and pour hot water into the dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
- Pour and Smooth Batter: Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula to ensure an even bake.
- Bake: Place the baking dish with the water bath in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to set fully.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the cheesecake with chocolate shavings and additional orange zest to enhance both flavor and presentation. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Using a water bath helps prevent cracking and ensures even baking for a smooth cheesecake texture.
- Allow the cheesecake to chill overnight for the best texture and flavor fusion.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use a high-quality dark chocolate.
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smooth batter.
- Wrap the springform pan tightly with foil to avoid water leakage into the batter during baking.
