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
Scale
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.
