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Ingredients
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Equipment
Method
Step 1: Make the Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix cookie crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter in a bowl until evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Batter
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Mix in melted chocolate, sour cream, vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice. Beat until silky smooth.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust, spreading evenly.
Step 3: Bake
- Place the springform pan on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 55–65 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour — this prevents cracking.
Step 4: Chill
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for the best texture.
Step 5: Make the Ganache
- Heat cream in a saucepan until just simmering.
- Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Stir until smooth, then mix in butter for shine.
- Let cool slightly, then pour over the chilled cheesecake, spreading evenly.
- Garnish with orange zest or curls of chocolate.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Slice and wrap individually for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Serve Cold: Cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled but slightly softened at room temp for 10 minutes.
🥄 Variations
White Chocolate Orange Cheesecake: Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate for a creamy, dreamy flavor.
Chocolate Orange Swirl: Reserve half the batter plain and swirl with chocolate before baking.
Mini Cheesecakes: Bake in muffin tins for single-serve desserts.
Boozy Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier) to the filling.
No-Bake Version: Skip baking and use a gelatin-thickened filling with melted chocolate.
Crust Swap: Use shortbread cookies or graham crackers for a lighter flavor.
Dark Citrus Boost: Add blood orange zest for a vibrant, tangy punch.
Holiday Edition: Top with candied orange slices or crushed peppermint.
Nutty Crunch: Add crushed almonds or hazelnuts to the crust.
Double Chocolate Layer: Add a layer of chocolate mousse on top before the ganache.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?
Yes, but it will make the cheesecake sweeter and less rich. Why did my cheesecake crack?
Overbaking or rapid cooling — avoid both by letting it cool slowly in the oven. Can I skip the ganache?
You can, but it adds an incredible glossy finish and flavor depth. Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely — it actually tastes better the next day! Do I need a water bath?
Not required here, but it helps with an ultra-smooth texture if you prefer. Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh juice gives the best flavor — bottled often lacks brightness. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust. How can I make it lighter?
Use light cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Can I decorate it differently?
Yes! Try chocolate curls, whipped cream swirls, or thin orange slices. Can I make it without a springform pan?
You can use a deep pie dish — just line with parchment for easy removal. 🏁 Conclusion This Chocolate Orange Cheesecake is pure indulgence — creamy, rich, and bursting with citrus brightness that cuts through the decadence perfectly. It’s the kind of dessert that impresses at first sight and leaves everyone speechless at first bite. Whether it’s for holidays, birthdays, or a romantic dinner, this cheesecake turns any occasion into something unforgettable. Serve chilled, garnish beautifully, and let that perfect blend of chocolate and orange steal the show. 🍫🍊💛
Yes, but it will make the cheesecake sweeter and less rich. Why did my cheesecake crack?
Overbaking or rapid cooling — avoid both by letting it cool slowly in the oven. Can I skip the ganache?
You can, but it adds an incredible glossy finish and flavor depth. Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely — it actually tastes better the next day! Do I need a water bath?
Not required here, but it helps with an ultra-smooth texture if you prefer. Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh juice gives the best flavor — bottled often lacks brightness. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust. How can I make it lighter?
Use light cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Can I decorate it differently?
Yes! Try chocolate curls, whipped cream swirls, or thin orange slices. Can I make it without a springform pan?
You can use a deep pie dish — just line with parchment for easy removal. 🏁 Conclusion This Chocolate Orange Cheesecake is pure indulgence — creamy, rich, and bursting with citrus brightness that cuts through the decadence perfectly. It’s the kind of dessert that impresses at first sight and leaves everyone speechless at first bite. Whether it’s for holidays, birthdays, or a romantic dinner, this cheesecake turns any occasion into something unforgettable. Serve chilled, garnish beautifully, and let that perfect blend of chocolate and orange steal the show. 🍫🍊💛