If you love the classic combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange flavor, you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe. It’s an irresistibly creamy dessert that balances the bittersweet intensity of dark chocolate with the fresh, bright notes of orange zest and juice. Plus, it comes together quickly without any oven time, making it a perfect indulgence for both special occasions and casual treat moments. The buttery biscuit base adds a lovely crunch to every bite, and the smooth filling feels like a little slice of heaven on your palate. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to desserts for entertaining or simply treating yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, trusted ingredients that each add their own magic to the final cheesecake. From the crumbly biscuit base to the luscious cream cheese filling, every element plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture and flavor contrast.
- Digestive biscuits (200g): Provides a classic, slightly sweet and crunchy crust that holds the cheesecake together beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (100g), melted: Binds the biscuit crumbs to create a firm base and adds richness without overpowering.
- Full-fat cream cheese (400g), softened: The creamy core of the dessert, lending smooth texture and tangy flavor for balance.
- Double cream (250ml): Whipped to light, airy peaks, it enhances the filling’s fluffiness and decadence.
- Dark chocolate (70%, 150g), melted: Infuses deep cocoa notes that contrast beautifully with the citrus.
- Icing sugar (100g): Sweetens the cream cheese filling delicately without graininess.
- Orange zest of 2 large oranges: Packs vibrant citrus oils that brighten and elevate the chocolate.
- Fresh orange juice (2 tbsp): Adds freshness and a slight tang to balance richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
- Extra orange zest and chocolate shavings (optional): Perfect for an elegant garnish and a flavor hint on top.
How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Base
Start by lining a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper to make removal easy. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed digestive biscuits with melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated and hold together when pressed. Then firmly press this mixture into the base of your pan and pop it into the fridge to chill while you get started on the filling. This step ensures a crisp, buttery base that’s the perfect contrast to the creamy topping.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the icing sugar until smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! Then stir in the orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract, blending everything into a fragrant, tangy base that’s bursting with citrus energy. This bright flavor foundation is one of the reasons this recipe stands out among other cheesecakes.
Step 3: Whip the Double Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the double cream until soft peaks form. This means when you lift the whisk, the cream holds a peak that gently folds over. The whipped cream adds essential lightness and fluffiness to the dense cream cheese, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves in a cheesecake.
Step 4: Combine Filling Components
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, careful not to deflate the airy texture you just whipped up. Once smooth and luscious, fold in the melted dark chocolate until the filling is uniformly chocolatey with no streaks. This is where the dessert really starts to take its indulgent form, marrying chocolate and orange in perfect harmony.
Step 5: Assemble and Chill
Pour the finished filling over the chilled biscuit base and smooth it out evenly using a spatula. Cover the pan and place it in the refrigerator to set for at least six hours, but overnight is best for a firm, sliceable consistency. The waiting is worth it because the flavors meld beautifully during this time.
How to Serve No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, add a personal touch by sprinkling extra orange zest and chocolate shavings on top. The zest adds a fresh citrus sparkle visually and aromatically while chocolate shavings introduce a bit of rustic elegance and texture contrast. These simple garnishes transform the cheesecake into a showstopper that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with lightly sweetened whipped cream or a small scoop of orange or vanilla sorbet, which can brighten each bite even more. Fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries also work well, balancing the richness of the cheesecake with their natural tartness and vibrant color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this cheesecake in individual glasses layered with broken biscuit crumbs and dollops of cream for a deconstructed parfait style. Alternatively, try slicing it into elegant wedges and arranging them with thin candied orange slices or edible flowers for a stunning presentation that will impress guests instantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure it’s well wrapped or stored in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors and to maintain its moist texture.
Freezing
This cheesecake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in cling film and foil after it has fully set, then freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for a perfectly smooth texture without icy bits.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake cheesecake, reheating is not necessary or recommended. It is best served chilled to preserve its creamy consistency and fresh flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of biscuit for the base?
Absolutely! While digestive biscuits are classic, you can substitute graham crackers or even chocolate cookies for a richer or different flavor profile. Just ensure they are finely crushed and well combined with butter to form a solid base.
What type of chocolate works best in this recipe?
Dark chocolate with around 70% cocoa content is ideal for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the orange’s citrus notes. However, feel free to adjust based on your preference—milk chocolate will yield a sweeter, milder cheesecake.
Can I make this cheesecake vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan version, you’d need dairy-free cream cheese and cream alternatives, plus a vegan biscuit base and dairy-free chocolate. The technique remains similar, but the texture might differ slightly.
Is it possible to add a stronger orange flavor?
Yes! For a bolder orange kick, add a few drops of orange extract to the filling mixture along with the zest and juice. Just be careful not to overpower the chocolate balance.
How long should I chill the cheesecake before serving?
Chilling the cheesecake for a minimum of six hours is essential for it to set properly. Overnight chilling is even better, as it allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up perfectly for neat slices.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe that makes it a cherished dessert in my kitchen, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in yours too. It’s indulgent yet fresh, simple yet impressive, and perfectly suited for sharing with friends and family. I hope you enjoy making and savoring every creamy, chocolatey, citrusy bite as much as I do!
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-Cook
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This No-Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake is a luscious and easy dessert combining the rich flavors of dark chocolate and fresh orange zest. With a crunchy digestive biscuit base and a smooth, creamy filling, it’s perfect for any occasion, especially holidays or summer gatherings. Ready in under 30 minutes of prep and set by chilling, this British-inspired vegetarian cheesecake offers a delightful citrus and chocolate experience without the need for baking.
Ingredients
Base
- 200g digestive biscuits, crushed
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
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
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, mix the crushed digestive biscuits with the melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the base of the pan to create an even crust. Chill in the fridge while you prepare the filling.
- Make the cream cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and icing sugar together until smooth. Add the orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated for a zesty flavor.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the double cream until soft peaks form, ensuring a light texture for the filling.
- Combine and fold: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and even. Next, fold in the melted dark chocolate until the mixture is fully combined with no visible streaks.
- Assemble and chill: Pour the filling over the chilled biscuit base, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours or overnight until firmly set.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish with extra orange zest and chocolate shavings if desired to add an elegant finish and extra flavor.
Notes
- For a stronger orange flavor, add a few drops of orange extract to the cream cheese mixture.
- You can substitute digestive biscuits with graham crackers or chocolate cookies to create a richer or varied base.
