This no-bake orange creamsicle cheesecake is a refreshing treat! It combines cream cheese, sweet orange flavor, and a buttery crust for a delightful dessert.
I love how it comes together without an oven! Just mix, chill, and enjoy. It’s perfect for those hot days when you want something cool and tasty. 🍊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham cracker crumbs: A classic base for cheesecakes, they bring a sweet crunch. If you can’t find them, crushed digestive biscuits or Oreo cookies can work well too!
Cream cheese: This gives the cheesecake its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Neufchâtel cheese. Dairy-free cream cheese is also available for a vegan version.
Orange juice: Fresh orange juice elevates the flavor. If you’re in a pinch, use bottled juice, but fresh really shines! Alternatively, lemon juice offers a nice twist.
Unflavored gelatin: Optional for extra firmness, but if you prefer a softer cheesecake, feel free to leave it out. You could also use agar-agar for a vegetarian option.
How Do You Ensure a Perfectly Whipped Cream?
Whipping cream to stiff peaks is a crucial step. It gives the cheesecake its light and airy texture. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure your heavy cream is well-chilled before you start whipping—it helps it whip better.
- Use a clean bowl and beaters to avoid any unwanted oils.
- Whip it slowly at first, then increase the speed until stiff peaks form. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-whipping, which can create butter!
What’s the Best Way to Create Beautiful Orange Swirls?
Creating swirls is fun! Here’s how to do it without making a mess:
- After pouring half of the cheesecake filling, drizzle some orange juice mixture on top. Use just enough so it’s easy to swirl without breaking the filling.
- Take a toothpick or knife and gently swirl it in a circular motion. Less is more—too much swirling can blend everything!
With these tips, your No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake will not only taste great but look beautiful too! Enjoy!
No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 packet (1 tablespoon) unflavored gelatin (optional, for extra firmness)
For the Orange Swirls:
- ½ cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Orange food coloring (optional)
For Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Orange slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This no-bake cheesecake takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours of chilling time in the fridge (or overnight for best results). You’ll spend some moments mixing, whipping, and assembling, but the waiting is worth it for a refreshing treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
Start by grabbing a medium bowl. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even layer. Once done, pop it in the refrigerator while you get the filling ready.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, use your mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. Next, add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well blended and creamy.
3. Whip the Cream:
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks start to form. This will give your cheesecake a lovely light texture. Once whipped, gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. Take your time; you want to keep that fluffiness!
4. Add Orange Juice and Zest:
Now, stir in the orange juice and the zest of one orange to give your filling a delicious citrus flavor. If you’re using unflavored gelatin for extra firmness, dissolve it in a small amount of warm water and fold it into the mixture.
5. Create the Orange Swirls:
In a small bowl, mix together the orange juice and powdered sugar. If you want a pop of color, add a drop or two of orange food coloring. This will create the beautiful swirls in your cheesecake!
6. Assemble the Cheesecake:
Time to bring it all together! Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust. Drizzle some of the orange juice mixture over it, then use a knife or a toothpick to gently swirl it into the filling. Pour the rest of the cheesecake filling on top and repeat the swirling process. Looks pretty already, right?
7. Chill:
Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait! This helps it set perfectly.
8. Garnish:
When ready to serve, take it out of the fridge. Top it off with dollops of whipped cream and place some orange slices around for decoration. It’s about to get delightful!
9. Serve:
Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Slice the cheesecake into wedges and enjoy your refreshing No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake! Perfect for any gathering or just as a delicious treat for yourself!
Can I Use a Different Type of Crust?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use crushed gluten-free cookies or almonds. Alternatively, an Oreo crust can add a delicious chocolate flavor that complements the orange filling. Just follow the same method for mixing and pressing the crust into the pan.
How Can I Make This Cheesecake More Firm?
If you prefer a firmer cheesecake, you can definitely add the unflavored gelatin as mentioned in the ingredients. Just make sure to dissolve it in a small amount of warm water before folding it into the mixture. Another option is to use less orange juice, but be aware this will affect the flavor a bit!
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover cheesecake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’ve already added any garnishes, consider removing them before storing to keep the whipped cream fresh. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Can I Use Bottled Orange Juice Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! While freshly squeezed orange juice will give your cheesecake the best flavor and aroma, bottled juice will work in a pinch. Just check that there are no added sugars or preservatives if you’re aiming for that authentic creamsicle taste. You can also use orange juice concentrate diluted with water for a similar result!
