Introduction:
This No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake brings the refreshing flavor of a creamsicle into a creamy, dreamy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a tangy orange filling and a smooth, creamy base, this easy-to-make dessert requires no baking and is a hit for both adults and kids. The zesty citrus combined with the rich creaminess of the cheesecake offers a perfect balance of flavors, making it an ideal summer treat or a fun way to impress guests year-round.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 graham crackers)
⅓ cup melted butter
2 tbsp sugar
For the filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup orange juice (preferably fresh)
Zest of 1 orange
1 packet (or 1 tbsp) unflavored gelatin
For the topping:
Orange slices or zest (optional, for garnish)
Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the crust:
In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan or springform pan to form an even layer. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the gelatin:
In a small bowl, add ¼ cup of orange juice. Sprinkle the gelatin over the juice and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
Make the filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
Heat the remaining orange juice (about ¾ cup) in a small saucepan over low heat. Once warm, stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
Add the orange zest and gelatin mixture to the cream cheese mixture, and fold until combined.
Assemble the cheesecake:
Pour the orange cream mixture onto the prepared graham cracker crust. Smooth out the top with a spatula.
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow it to set.
Garnish and serve:
Once set, garnish with orange slices or whipped cream, if desired.
Slice and serve chilled.
Description:
This No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is a refreshing twist on a classic cheesecake. With the light citrusy flavor of orange and the rich, creamy texture, it’s like having your favorite creamsicle ice cream in cheesecake form. The smooth, velvety filling contrasts beautifully with the crunchy, buttery graham cracker crust, making each bite a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The best part? You don’t need to turn on your oven, making it a perfect dessert for hot summer days or when you’re craving something light and citrusy.
Tips:
For an even more intense orange flavor, use orange extract in addition to the zest and juice.
If you prefer a firmer cheesecake, you can increase the amount of gelatin slightly (about 1 ½ packets) to help it set better.
For a different twist, you could add a layer of fruit preserves (like orange marmalade) on top before refrigerating for added flavor and color.
Make sure to refrigerate the cheesecake for long enough (preferably overnight) to allow the filling to set properly.
Variations:
Graham Cracker Crust Variation: Swap the graham cracker crumbs for crushed Nilla wafers or digestive biscuits for a different flavor base.
Tropical Twist: Add some crushed pineapple or mango puree to the filling for a tropical creamsicle variation.
Chocolate Layer: For a chocolate-orange combination, layer a thin chocolate ganache over the crust before adding the cheesecake filling.
Vegan Option: Replace the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese, the heavy cream with coconut cream, and the gelatin with agar-agar to make it vegan-friendly.
Corrections:
If the cheesecake isn’t setting as expected, ensure the gelatin is properly dissolved. You can also try letting it sit in the fridge longer.
If the filling is too runny, it’s possible that the gelatin didn’t bloom properly or wasn’t dissolved completely. Double-check this step to avoid a loose filling.
Enjoy:
Once the cheesecake has set and you’ve garnished it to your liking, it’s time to slice and enjoy. The fresh, tangy flavor combined with the creamy, smooth texture will make this a dessert everyone will love. Perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations!