Description
This No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is a refreshing and creamy dessert that combines tangy orange flavors with a smooth, velvety cream cheese filling on a crunchy graham cracker crust. Perfect for warm days or when you want a zesty, sweet treat without turning on the oven. The orange gelatin adds a subtle citrusy firmness, making each bite reminiscent of a classic creamsicle.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 package (3 oz) orange-flavored gelatin
- ½ cup boiling water
- ¼ cup cold water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Orange zest or orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until evenly mixed.
- Press the Crust: Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust layer.
- Chill the Crust: Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Dissolve the Gelatin: In a small bowl, dissolve the orange gelatin in boiling water. Add the cold water and stir well. Allow this mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Make the Creamy Filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest until completely smooth and creamy.
- Combine Gelatin and Juice: Slowly add the cooled gelatin mixture followed by the fresh orange juice into the cream cheese mixture, stirring continuously to incorporate evenly.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and smooth, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the orange cream mixture over the chilled crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Refrigerate to Set: Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or until fully set and firm.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, top the cheesecake with whipped cream and garnish with additional orange zest or fresh orange slices.
- Slice and Enjoy: Slice the cheesecake into portions and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Be sure to fully soften the cream cheese to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Allow the gelatin mixture to cool completely before adding to prevent melting the whipped cream.
- Press crust firmly to avoid it crumbling when slicing.
- For a stronger orange flavor, increase orange zest to 1.5 tablespoons.
- This cheesecake is best served chilled and consumed within 3 days for freshness.
