Description
Creamy orange creamsicle cheesecake brings nostalgic summer memories to life with its tangy citrus twist and silky smooth texture. Dessert enthusiasts will savor each refreshing bite of this classic American treat that combines zesty orange and rich cream cheese perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (453 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Flavor and Topping Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Orange food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 325F (163C) and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by greasing and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
- Blend graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then firmly press the mixture into the pan’s base to create a compact crust.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
- Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Incorporate sour cream and blend thoroughly. Gently fold in eggs one at a time, ensuring minimal mixing to maintain a delicate texture.
- Infuse the mixture with orange juice, orange zest, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, stirring until uniformly combined.
- Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, using a spatula to create an even, smooth surface.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until the center stabilizes and edges turn a light golden hue. After baking, switch off the oven and allow the cheesecake to rest inside with the door slightly open for one hour.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to ensure complete setting and optimal flavor development.
- Whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, then artfully spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled cheesecake.
- Finish by sprinkling additional orange zest across the top just before serving to enhance visual appeal and citrus aroma.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free batter that blends effortlessly.
- Avoid overmixing eggs to prevent air bubbles and cracking during baking, which can ruin the cheesecake’s silky texture.
- Use a water bath method by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water to create even, gentle heat and prevent surface cracks.
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version of this dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60–70 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 232
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg