This No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is a fruity delight! It brings together the zesty sweetness of oranges and the creamy goodness of cheesecake without needing to turn on the oven.
Making this treat is so easy! Just mix, pour, and chill. I love serving it on warm days; it’s like a refreshing dessert hug! 🍊🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These are the base of your crust. If you want a change, try using digestives or even crushed cookies like Oreos for a chocolate twist!
Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese instead. It’s lower in fat but still creamy!
Heavy Whipping Cream: This gives the cheesecake its fluffy texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute half-and-half or a whipped dairy-free alternative, but the texture may vary slightly.
Orange Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice is best for flavor. If you don’t have fresh oranges, bottled juice will work too. Just look for 100% juice to keep it tasty!
Gelatin Mix: The orange flavor is essential, but if you can’t find orange gelatin, you could use another fruit flavor like lemon or strawberry for a different twist!
How Do I Get the Cream Cheese Mixture Smooth?
Achieving a smooth filling with cream cheese is crucial for your cheesecake’s texture. Start by ensuring the cream cheese is at room temperature. This helps it mix easily without lumps:
- Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until it’s creamy before adding powdered sugar.
- Mix slowly at first, then increase speed until smooth to avoid splattering.
- Mix in your other wet ingredients gently to maintain that fluffy texture.
What’s the Best Way to Fold in Whipped Cream?
Folding heavy cream into the cheesecake mixture requires a gentle touch to keep it airy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by adding about a third of the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture. Stir gently to lighten it.
- Then, add the rest of the whipped cream. Use a spatula to gently lift and fold the mixtures together, rotating the bowl.
- Avoid stirring vigorously; this will deflate the whipped cream.
This no-bake cheesecake is all about balancing flavors and keeping a light texture, so take your time with these steps for the best results! Enjoy crafting this delightful treat!
How to Make No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup orange gelatin mix (like Jell-O)
- 1 cup boiling water
For Garnish:
- Slices of orange
- Whipped cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cheesecake takes about 20 minutes to prepare plus at least 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. So, you’ll spend a bit of time mixing and layering, but then you can relax while it sets. It’s that easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix them well until all the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create a lovely crust. Once ready, place it in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is important for a silky cheesecake texture!
3. Whip the Cream:
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This means it should hold its shape when you lift the mixer out. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese filling. Be kind here—mix carefully so you keep all that fluffy goodness!
4. Add Orange Flavors:
Now, stir in the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract into the cheese mixture until everything is nicely combined. Your cheesecake filling will start to smell amazing!
5. Prepare the Gelatin:
To dissolve the gelatin, pour the orange gelatin mix into a bowl and add the boiling water. Stir until it is completely dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before using it in the next step.
6. Create the Orange Layer:
Take about half of the cheesecake filling and mix it with the cooled gelatin mixture until it’s fully combined. Spread this orange layer evenly over the graham cracker crust in the springform pan.
7. Add the Remaining Filling:
Carefully spread the remaining cheesecake filling over the orange layer. If you’d like, use a knife to gently swirl the batter on top for a beautiful marbled effect.
8. Chill Out:
Cover the cheesecake and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until firm and set. This is where the magic happens!
9. Remove from the Pan:
Once the cheesecake is set, carefully remove the side of the springform pan. Be gentle to keep the cheesecake intact!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off by garnishing your cheesecake with slices of fresh orange and dollops of whipped cream. Now, grab a slice and enjoy your No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake!
Can I Use a Different Type of Crust?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to switch things up, you can use crushed Oreos or vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers for the crust. Just be sure to mix them with the same amount of melted butter and sugar to keep the texture similar!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Whipping Cream?
If you need a substitute for heavy whipping cream, you can use coconut cream, which will add a subtle coconut flavor, or replace it with full-fat Greek yogurt for a lower-fat option. Just keep in mind that the texture might differ slightly, with Greek yogurt leading to a denser cheesecake.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Cheesecake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They’ll be good in the freezer for about 1-2 months! Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I Use Fresh Orange Juice Instead of Bottled?
Yes, fresh orange juice works perfectly in this recipe and can enhance the flavor even more! Just make sure to strain it to remove any pulp for a smoother cheesecake filling.
