Chocolate Orange Cheesecake – A Decadent Citrus Twist

This Chocolate Orange Cheesecake is where indulgence meets elegance. A silky smooth chocolate cheesecake base is infused with bright orange zest and topped with a glossy chocolate-orange glaze. Each bite delivers the perfect harmony of rich chocolate and refreshing citrus. It’s a show-stopping dessert ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or whenever you want something truly special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent Yet Refreshing: The richness of chocolate balanced with citrus brightness.
Beautiful Presentation: A glossy finish makes it a centerpiece dessert.
Make Ahead: Perfect for prepping a day before an event.
Crowd-Pleasing: A flavor combination that feels both classic and unique.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz light cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
• ½ cup dark chocolate, melted and cooled

For the Chocolate Orange Glaze:

• ½ cup dark chocolate chips
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter. Press into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then let cool.

2. Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and orange zest. Mix until just combined. Gently fold in melted chocolate.

3. Bake the Cheesecake
Pour filling into the crust. Bake for 50–55 minutes, until the center is just set. Turn off oven, crack the door open, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.

4. Chill
Remove from oven, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

5. Prepare the Glaze
Heat cream until just simmering, then pour over chocolate chips. Stir until smooth, then add orange juice and zest. Let cool slightly before pouring over chilled cheesecake.

6. Serve
Slice into 12 pieces, garnish with orange curls or chocolate shavings, and enjoy.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 240
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 14g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Prevent lumps in your filling.
• Don’t Overmix: Keeps the cheesecake smooth without cracks.
• Water Bath Option: For extra creamy texture, bake in a water bath.
• Chill Overnight: Enhances flavor and texture.

Why This Recipe Works

Chocolate and orange are a timeless pairing, and this recipe brings them together in a rich yet refreshing way. The chocolate crust adds depth, the creamy filling balances sweetness with citrus zest, and the glossy glaze gives a bakery-worthy finish.

Chocolate Orange Cheesecake is the perfect balance of indulgence and brightness. Elegant yet approachable, this dessert is sure to impress guests and delight chocolate lovers. Whether for a holiday gathering or an intimate dinner, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.