Description
Creamy dreams come alive with this delightful Orange Cheesecake, blending zesty citrus notes and rich, velvety texture. Tangy orange essence and smooth cream cheese create a perfect dessert that will transport palates to a sweet, refreshing paradise you can savor slice by slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 packs (8 ounces/226 grams each) cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
Crust Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) melted butter
Flavoring and Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Orange food coloring (optional)
- Orange slice (for garnish)
Instructions
- Thoroughly grease a springform pan and heat the oven to 325F (160C), ensuring an even temperature for perfect baking.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom to create a compact, sturdy crust.
- Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
- Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth batter texture.
- Gently fold in vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour, stirring until ingredients are just integrated without overmixing.
- Separate the batter into two portions, adding orange juice, zest, and food coloring to one half, creating vibrant orange-infused mixture.
- Pour alternating plain and orange batters into the prepared crust, then delicately swirl with a knife to generate an artistic marbled pattern.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for a nearly set center with a subtle jiggle, indicating perfect cheesecake consistency.
- Switch off the oven, slightly open the door, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually within the warm environment for one hour.
- Transfer from the oven and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to achieve optimal firmness and flavor melding.
- Before serving, garnish with a fresh orange slice to enhance visual appeal and complement the cake’s citrusy essence.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing and easier blending with other ingredients.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent air bubbles that can cause cracks during baking and compromise the creamy texture.
- Use fresh orange zest and juice for a more vibrant, authentic citrus flavor that elevates the entire cheesecake experience.
- For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 343
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg