Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2Β½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- Β½ cup white sugar
- 8 tablespoons butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1ΒΌ cups white sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- Β½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
- Β½ cup fresh orange juice (from about 2 oranges)
For the Creamy Orange Layer:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ΒΌ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Β½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Β½ tablespoon orange zest
- ΒΌ cup fresh orange juice
- A few drops of orange food coloring (optional)
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Β½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well blended. Press the mixture firmly onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with white sugar and flour until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just enough to incorporate. Then mix in vanilla extract, sour cream, heavy cream, orange zest, and orange juice until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the filling into the cooled crust and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is set and the top appears dry.
- Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven and leave the door closed; let the cheesecake sit in the oven for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Make the Creamy Orange Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until smooth. If you desire a brighter color, add a few drops of orange food coloring. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled cheesecake.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until medium peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the creamy orange layer.
- Final Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for another 2 hours to allow the creamy orange layer to set properly.
- Serve: Before serving, run a knife around the inside edge of the pan to loosen the cheesecake, then remove the rim of the springform pan. Garnish with additional orange zest if desired.
Notes
- Add Some Zest: Consider mixing in some chopped candied orange peel into the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Make It Ahead: This cheesecake can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for the best freshness.
This Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is a sweet and zesty dessert thatβs sure to brighten up any occasion! Enjoy every creamy, citrusy bite! ππ