Chocolate Orange Cheesecake – Rich, Creamy & Zesty Dessert

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This Chocolate Orange Cheesecake is a luxurious dessert that beautifully blends the deep richness of chocolate with the bright citrus punch of orange. It’s baked to perfection on a buttery chocolate cookie crust, layered with creamy chocolate-orange cheesecake filling, and optionally topped with ganache or candied orange slices for an elevated finish.

Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or any time you’re craving something elegant and indulgent, this cheesecake delivers complex flavor in every bite—silky, zesty, and deeply chocolaty.

Where Classic Cheesecake Meets Citrus Elegance

Chocolate and orange is a timeless flavor duo with roots in European baking—especially in the UK, where orange-scented chocolate treats like Terry’s Chocolate Orange are iconic. This cheesecake captures that same beloved flavor pairing and transforms it into an ultra-smooth, baked cheesecake that’s perfect for special occasions or elevated everyday cravings.

The chocolate cookie crust adds a crisp, buttery base. The filling is infused with both melted chocolate and fresh orange zest, striking the perfect balance between richness and brightness. The result is a creamy, decadent slice that still feels refreshing thanks to that citrus lift.

Ingredient Overview: Richness, Citrus, and Balance

Chocolate Cookie Crust

  • Made with crushed chocolate wafer cookies or Oreos (without the filling).

  • Butter binds it all together and adds richness.

  • A pinch of salt enhances the chocolate flavor.

Cream Cheese

  • Full-fat cream cheese is essential for a smooth, creamy texture.

  • Room temperature is key to avoid lumps.

Sugar

  • Granulated sugar sweetens the filling and balances the tang of cream cheese and citrus.

Eggs

  • Help set the cheesecake while keeping it rich and silky.

Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate

  • Gives the cheesecake its bold chocolate flavor. Use quality chocolate bars—not chips—for best results.

Orange Zest and Juice

  • Zest adds bold citrus aroma, while fresh orange juice offers a subtle tang.

  • For an extra boost, a small amount of orange extract can enhance the flavor.

Sour Cream or Heavy Cream

  • Adds smoothness and lightens the dense cream cheese base.

Optional Ganache Topping

  • A glossy layer of chocolate and cream makes the cheesecake extra decadent.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking a Smooth & Flavorful Cheesecake

 

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Ingredients:

  • 1¾ cups crushed chocolate wafers or Oreos (filling removed)

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).

  2. Mix cookie crumbs, melted butter, and salt in a bowl.

  3. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.

  4. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Ingredients:

  • 24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 2 tbsp orange zest (from about 2 oranges)

  • 3 tbsp fresh orange juice

  • ½ cup sour cream or heavy cream

  • 8 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled slightly

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

  2. Add sugar and beat again until fully incorporated.

  3. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed.

  4. Stir in vanilla, orange zest, orange juice, and sour cream or cream.

  5. Fold in the melted chocolate until mixture is smooth and uniform.

  6. Pour over the cooled crust and smooth the top.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

  1. Place springform pan on a baking sheet. Optional: use a water bath for an ultra-smooth finish.

  2. Bake at 325°F for 55–65 minutes, or until edges are set and center is just slightly jiggly.

  3. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.

  4. Remove, cool completely at room temp, then chill in the refrigerator at least 6 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Optional Chocolate Ganache Topping

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Heat cream until just steaming.

  2. Pour over chocolate and let sit 2 minutes. Stir until smooth.

  3. Spread over chilled cheesecake and refrigerate until set.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Cheesecake Tips

  • Room temperature ingredients are essential for a lump-free filling.

  • Don’t overmix once the eggs are added—mix just until combined.

  • Use a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the lower oven rack to help prevent cracking.

Variations

  • Chocolate Orange Swirl Cheesecake: Swirl in a layer of orange marmalade before baking.

  • No-Bake Version: Use the same crust and fold chocolate and orange zest into a whipped cream and cream cheese base. Chill to set.

  • Mini Cheesecakes: Use a muffin tin for individual servings (bake ~20–22 minutes).

Substitutions

  • Chocolate: Use milk chocolate for a sweeter, less intense flavor.

  • Orange Extract: Add ¼ tsp if you want a stronger orange note.

  • Citrus Swap: Try lemon or blood orange zest for a seasonal twist.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

This cheesecake is a centerpiece-worthy dessert for:

  • Holiday dinners (Thanksgiving, Christmas)

  • Valentine’s Day or date nights

  • Dinner parties or birthdays

  • Spring brunches with citrus themes

Serving Tip:
Top slices with whipped cream, candied orange peel, or a dusting of cocoa powder for a beautiful finish.

Nutritional & Health Notes

This cheesecake is rich and decadent—a true treat. But it’s also naturally gluten-free (when made with gluten-free cookies) and made with real orange and dark chocolate, which brings both indulgence and a touch of antioxidant benefit.

Approximate per slice (1 of 12):

  • Calories: 430

  • Fat: 32g

  • Carbs: 28g

  • Protein: 6g

  • Sugar: 21g

To lighten it up:

  • Use light cream cheese or Neufchâtel

  • Reduce sugar by 2–3 tablespoons

  • Skip the ganache topping and serve with fresh orange slices

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange?

Yes! Use ¼ to ½ tsp orange extract in place of zest or juice, but for the best flavor, fresh zest is highly recommended.

2. Do I need to use a water bath?

It’s optional. A water bath helps prevent cracks and ensures an even, creamy bake, but you can bake without it if careful not to overbake.

3. Can I freeze chocolate orange cheesecake?

Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

4. What kind of chocolate should I use?

Use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate bars (60–70% cocoa). Avoid chocolate chips—they don’t melt as smoothly.

5. How do I prevent cracking?

Use room temp ingredients, avoid overmixing, and cool gradually. A water bath or steam pan also helps.

6. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Cheesecake is best made 1–2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Flavors deepen as it chills.

7. What toppings go well with this cheesecake?

Try:

  • Chocolate ganache

  • Whipped cream

  • Candied orange peel

  • Orange zest curls

  • Fresh raspberries or strawberries

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    This Chocolate Orange Cheesecake combines rich dark chocolate with zesty citrus for a decadent, silky dessert on a chocolate cookie crust. A perfect showstopper for holidays and special occasions.

    • Author: Maya Lawson
    • Prep Time: 25 minutes
    • Cook Time: 25 minutes
    • Total Time: 7 hours 25 minutes
    • Yield: 12 servings 1x

    Ingredients

    Scale

    Crust:

    • 1¾ cups crushed chocolate cookies (like Oreos)

    • ¼ cup melted butter

    • Pinch of salt

    Filling:

    • 24 oz cream cheese, softened

    • ¾ cup sugar

    • 3 eggs

    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

    • 2 tbsp orange zest

    • 3 tbsp fresh orange juice

    • ½ cup sour cream or heavy cream

    • 8 oz dark chocolate, melted

    Optional Ganache:

    • ½ cup heavy cream

    • 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix crust ingredients, press into a springform pan, and bake 10 minutes. Cool.

    • Beat cream cheese, then add sugar, eggs, zest, juice, and cream. Mix in melted chocolate.

    • Pour into crust. Bake 55–65 minutes. Cool in oven 1 hour, then refrigerate 6 hours or overnight.

    • (Optional) Top with ganache. Chill before serving.

    Notes

    Use quality chocolate and fresh orange zest for the best flavor. Cheesecake can be made 2 days ahead and freezes well.

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