If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s as easy as it is irresistible, look no further than this No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake. Every bite is a celebration of rich chocolate, zesty orange, and creamy cheesecake filling—no oven required! Whether you’re impressing guests or simply treating yourself, this dessert strikes the perfect balance between citrus brightness and deep cocoa flavor, all nestled atop a buttery biscuit base.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how simple but essential each ingredient is. Every item on the list plays a starring role—lending luscious texture, vibrant color, or decadent taste to your No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake.
- Digestive biscuits (200g), crushed: These create the classic, slightly sweet and crumbly base that holds everything together.
- Unsalted butter (100g), melted: Melted butter binds the biscuit crumbs, ensuring a firm and flavorful crust.
- Full-fat cream cheese (400g), softened: Provides the creamy, tangy foundation that makes every cheesecake dreamy.
- Double cream (250ml): Whips up into billowy peaks, making the filling light yet luxurious.
- Dark chocolate (150g, 70%), melted and slightly cooled: Brings deep, sophisticated cocoa notes to the filling.
- Icing sugar (100g): Adds gentle sweetness and helps achieve a silky-smooth texture.
- Zest of 2 large oranges: Infuses the cheesecake with fresh, fragrant citrus flavor and beautiful flecks of color.
- Fresh orange juice (2 tbsp): Gives a juicy burst of orange that lifts the entire dessert.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the flavors, adding warmth and depth.
- Extra orange zest and chocolate shavings, for garnish (optional): These finishing touches make your cheesecake look as stunning as it tastes.
How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Base
Start by lining the base of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. This little step makes unmolding your cheesecake a breeze later on. In a medium bowl, mix the crushed digestive biscuits with the melted butter until every crumb glistens. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the base of the pan—use the back of a spoon or your knuckles for a perfectly level foundation. Pop the pan in the fridge to chill while you move on to the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and icing sugar until completely smooth and creamy. This ensures your No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake will be silky and lump-free. Next, add the orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is beautifully combined and fragrant.
Step 3: Whip and Fold in the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the double cream until soft peaks form—this will give your cheesecake that signature airy texture. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate it. The goal is a light, cohesive filling that’s ready for a chocolatey upgrade.
Step 4: Incorporate the Melted Chocolate
Now for the best part—fold in the cooled, melted dark chocolate. Work gently but thoroughly, ensuring the chocolate is fully combined and no streaks remain. Your filling should look rich, glossy, and utterly tempting.
Step 5: Assemble and Chill
Pour the luscious chocolate-orange filling over your chilled biscuit base, smoothing the top with a spatula for a flawless finish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (or overnight, if you can wait that long) until set. The wait is the hardest part, but it’s well worth it!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, unleash your inner pastry chef by sprinkling extra orange zest and chocolate shavings over the top. These simple garnishes add a pop of color and a little extra indulgence to your No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake.
How to Serve No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh orange zest and a rain of chocolate shavings are all you need to turn your cheesecake into a showpiece. For a more festive touch, try candied orange slices or curls of chocolate—either way, the toppings will enhance both the visual appeal and the flavor.
Side Dishes
No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake is a star all on its own, but if you’d like to pair it with something extra, consider a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scattering of fresh berries. These sides add freshness and a lovely contrast to the rich, creamy filling.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow your guests, try slicing the cheesecake into elegant wedges and serving each on a pool of orange sauce. Or, for parties, make mini cheesecakes in individual glasses or jars. However you serve it, this dessert is guaranteed to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—the texture stays creamy, and the flavors continue to meld beautifully.
Freezing
If you’d like to save your cheesecake for later, you’re in luck! Freeze individual slices or the whole cheesecake (without garnishes) tightly wrapped in cling film and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, then add your fresh garnishes.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake dessert, there’s no need to reheat it. Just let the cheesecake come to fridge temperature before serving. If frozen, allow it to thaw gently in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will make the cheesecake sweeter and creamier. Just be sure to use good-quality chocolate, and reduce the icing sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
What can I use instead of digestive biscuits for the base?
You can swap in graham crackers or chocolate cookies for a different twist. Chocolate cookies will make the base even richer and more decadent.
How do I know when the cheesecake is set?
The No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake is ready when the filling feels firm to the touch and pulls away slightly from the edges of the pan. For best results, chill overnight.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free digestive biscuits or cookies for the base. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How strong is the orange flavor?
The orange flavor is bright but balanced. For a bolder citrus punch, add a few drops of orange extract or use more zest, as noted in the recipe tips.
Final Thoughts
This No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake is the kind of dessert that turns any occasion into a celebration. Each slice bursts with chocolatey richness and fresh orange zing, all wrapped up in a silky, no-fuss filling. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed by how easy and delicious homemade cheesecake can be!
Print
No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake featuring a crunchy biscuit base, smooth cream cheese filling infused with fresh orange zest and juice, and velvety dark chocolate. Perfect for an easy yet impressive dessert, combining citrus and chocolate flavors for a delightful treat suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 200g digestive biscuits, crushed
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
- 400g full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 250ml double cream
- 150g dark chocolate (70%), melted and slightly cooled
- 100g icing sugar
- Zest of 2 large oranges
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish (Optional)
- Extra orange zest
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Line the base of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine crushed digestive biscuits with melted butter and mix thoroughly. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the base of the pan to create the crust. Place in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the filling.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and icing sugar together until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Stir in the orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract until fully blended.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the double cream until soft peaks form, ensuring it is light and airy.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture carefully to keep the mixture smooth and fluffy.
- Add Chocolate: Gradually fold in the melted dark chocolate to the mixture until no streaks remain and the filling is uniform in color.
- Assemble and Chill: Pour the filling over the chilled biscuit base and smooth the surface with a spatula. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with extra orange zest and chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.
Notes
- For an intensified orange flavor, add a few drops of orange extract to the filling mixture.
- Digestive biscuits can be substituted with graham crackers or chocolate cookies for a richer and varied base texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
