Description
Creamy no bake orange creamsicle cheesecake brings nostalgic summer memories to life with zesty citrus notes. Smooth, chilled dessert promises refreshing flavors that dance across palates and transport you to carefree moments of childhood joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy and Base Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (453 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit and Flavor Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 packet (3 ounces or 85 grams) orange gelatin mix
- 1/4 cup boiling water
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Garnish (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Orange slices or zest
Instructions
- Craft a robust crust by combining graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, firmly pressing the mixture into the base of a 9-inch springform pan. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to solidify.
- Dissolve orange gelatin powder in boiling water, stirring until completely integrated. Allow mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Whip cream cheese and powdered sugar until silky smooth, incorporating fresh orange juice, vibrant zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until ingredients are harmoniously blended.
- Separately whip heavy cream until it forms stiff, peaks that hold their shape. Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining a light, airy texture.
- Gradually introduce the cooled gelatin into the cheesecake filling, stirring methodically to ensure uniform distribution and color.
- Transfer the creamy filling onto the chilled crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer. Carefully seal with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4-6 hours until completely set.
- Prior to serving, enhance the dessert with delicate dollops of whipped cream and optional orange slice or zest garnish for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Dissolve gelatin in warm water just before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free incorporation into the cheesecake filling.
- Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for 30 minutes before beating to achieve a silky, creamy texture without lumps.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight for the most stable and firm consistency, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookies or almond flour for a gluten-free version, and use dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan alternative.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (or 6 hours)
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 305 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg