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Chocolate Orange Cheesecake

A delightful combination of rich cheesecake and vibrant orange zest, making it a comforting dessert perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 3 cups Oreo crumbs (36 whole Oreo cookies, crushed) Crushed for a buttery base.
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter Should be cooled before use.
  • ⅛ teaspoon sea salt Enhances the flavor.
For the filling
  • 24 oz cream cheese (softened, 680g) The main ingredient for creaminess.
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar To sweeten the cheesecake.
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt Balances sweetness.
  • 1 orange zested Adds aromatic citrus flavor.
  • 3 large eggs Helps structure the cheesecake.
  • ½ cup sour cream (room temperature) Adds tangy flavor.
  • ¼ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed) Enhances citrus flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract Adds warmth to the flavor.
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips For melting into the cheesecake.
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream For smooth texture.
For the ganache
  • ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips For creating the ganache topping.
  • ¼ cup heavy whipping cream To smooth out the ganache.
  • ⅛ teaspoon sea salt Enhances chocolate flavor.
For the candied oranges
  • 2 oranges sliced into thin rounds To garnish the cheesecake.
  • 2 cups granulated sugar For sweetening the syrup.
  • 1 ½ cup water Base for syrup.
For garnish
  • 8 slices Terry chocolate orange For decorative touch.
  • 8 slices candied orange Adds vibrant color.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 355°F (180°C) and grease an 8” or 9” round springform pan with cold butter.
  2. Crush the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
  3. In a large bowl, combine crushed Oreos, melted butter, and sea salt. Mix until evenly blended.
  4. Pour the mixture into the greased pan and press it evenly across the bottom and slightly up the sides. Bake for 12 minutes.
Filling Preparation
  1. Melt chocolate by creating a double boiler: combine chocolate chips and cream in a heat-safe bowl over simmering water until melted. Let cool to room temperature.
  2. In a large bowl, combine sugar, salt, and orange zest. Rub the zest into the sugar until it's clumpy and pale orange.
  3. Add softened cream cheese to the mixture and beat until smooth.
  4. Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Mix in the melted chocolate, then add the sour cream, vanilla, and orange juice, mixing gently until smooth.
Baking
  1. Pour the cheesecake filling into the pre-baked crust, smoothing the top.
  2. Set the cheesecake pan in a larger pan and fill it with boiling water until halfway up the sides. Bake for 60-75 minutes until edges are set but the center is jiggly.
  3. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar for 20 minutes, then cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Candied Oranges
  1. Bring water and sugar to simmer in a pot. Add orange slices and simmer for 20 minutes, flipping frequently.
  2. Transfer to a cooling rack to drain excess syrup.
Ganache Preparation and Assembly
  1. Heat the remaining heavy cream and salt until simmering, pour over chocolate chips, cover, and let sit for 7 minutes. Whisk until smooth.
  2. Pour ganache over the chilled cheesecake and decorate with Terry chocolate orange and candied orange slices. Let set in freezer for 5 minutes.
  3. Carefully slice and serve.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients yield better mixing results. Consider wrapping the cheesecake pan in foil if worried about water entering during baking.