Description
Creamy no bake orange creamsicle cheesecake delivers nostalgic summer memories with tangy citrus notes. Cool dessert lovers will savor smooth, zesty layers that evoke childhood popsicle pleasures.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (453 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) orange juice
- 1 packet (3 ounces / 85 grams) orange gelatin mix
Crust Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Flavor and Enhancing Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Craft a robust base by blending graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until thoroughly incorporated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer. Refrigerate the crust for 15 minutes to solidify.
- Activate the orange gelatin by dissolving it in hot water, then allow to cool to room temperature, ensuring no heat remains that could compromise the filling’s texture.
- Whip the cream cheese with powdered sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency. Incorporate orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until harmoniously blended.
- Separately whip heavy cream until it forms sturdy, defined peaks. Delicately fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining the airy volume.
- Stream the cooled orange gelatin into the cream mixture, stirring gently to create a uniform, vibrant filling without deflating the mixture.
- Transfer the filling onto the chilled crust, using a spatula to spread evenly and eliminate any air pockets. Ensure a smooth, level surface.
- Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the cheesecake to set completely. Before serving, garnish with dollops of whipped cream and sprinkle fresh orange zest for a burst of citrus brightness.
Notes
- Enhance crust texture by using a measuring cup or glass to firmly press graham cracker mixture, ensuring a compact and even base.
- For a gluten-free version, swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs like almond or shortbread cookies.
- Prevent gelatin from clumping by cooling it to room temperature before incorporating into the cream cheese mixture, whisking gently to maintain smooth consistency.
- Maximize orange flavor by using fresh orange juice and zest, which provides more vibrant and authentic citrus notes compared to bottled juice.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 323 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 143 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg