Get ready to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe! It’s pure dessert bliss: a buttery chocolate cookie crust, a creamy orange-infused cheesecake filling, and a luscious chocolate ganache topping. Each forkful is bright, luxurious, and irresistible. With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this showstopping treat delivers all the festive holiday flavor with none of the stress—beginners, rejoice! Whether you’re looking to impress at the next dinner party or simply craving a decadent slice, this recipe is destined to become a new favorite.

Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe lies in everyday ingredients that transform into something truly special. Each component brings a vital note—think rich chocolate, zesty citrus, and dreamy cream cheese—to create a dessert as beautiful as it is delicious.

Chocolate cookie crumbs: Use about 24 Oreos (filling removed) for a deeply chocolaty crust with a touch of crunch.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter helps bind the cookie crumbs, giving you that perfect, sliceable base.
Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to both the crust and the filling without overpowering the citrus notes.
Salt: A tiny pinch sharpens and balances all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
Cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing, the star of the show ensures a silky, creamy filling.
Eggs: Room-temperature eggs are key for a cohesive, velvety texture.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds a subtle tang and extra smoothness to the filling.
Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla cozy warmth to round out the chocolate and citrus.
Orange zest: Fresh zest (from about two oranges) gives the cheesecake its signature zing.
Orange juice: Just-squeezed juice adds super-bright, natural citrus flavor.
Orange extract: Doubles down on the orange aroma in both the filling and the ganache.
Dark chocolate: The higher the quality, the richer and more decadent your cheesecake will be.
Cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor without overwhelming the orange.
Heavy cream: Essential for making that glossy, pourable ganache topping.
Optional garnishes: Think piped whipped cream, chocolate shavings, candied or fresh orange, and extra zest for a show-stopping finish.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Crust

Start by lining your 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper on the bottom, making removal a breeze. Mix chocolate cookie crumbs, a pinch of salt, melted butter, and sugar until every crumb is glossy. Press this mix firmly into the base and slightly up the sides for a stable, crunchy foundation. Bake the crust at 325°F for about 10 minutes to set—it smells so good already!

Step 2: Make the Orange-Infused Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until absolutely smooth and fluffy, scraping down the sides as needed. Add one egg at a time, blending gently after each (no overbeating!). Fold in the sour cream, vanilla extract, orange zest, orange juice, and orange extract for that irresistible flavor burst. Pour in the melted dark chocolate and sifted cocoa powder last, mixing just until incorporated and streak-free.

Step 3: Assemble, Swirl, and Prepare the Water Bath

Pour your chocolate-orange cheesecake batter over the pre-baked crust in the pan, smoothing out the top. For extra pizzazz, you can swirl a bit of melted chocolate through the top with a skewer—totally optional, but totally gorgeous. Wrap the bottom of your pan in foil and place it in a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water into the outer pan until it reaches halfway up the sides; this gentle steam ensures no cracks and that lush, creamy texture.

Step 4: Bake and Cool the Cheesecake

Bake at 325°F for 60 to 70 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is slightly wobbly. When done, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside (door closed) for one hour—this gradual cooling sets the center perfectly and prevents sinking or splitting.

Step 5: Chill Thoroughly

Remove your cheesecake from the oven and water bath. Let it cool to room temperature on a rack, then chill in the refrigerator for at least six hours, or overnight if you can wait. The flavor intensifies beautifully as it rests and the texture sets up dreamy and velvety.

Step 6: Make the Chocolate Orange Ganache Topping

In a heatproof bowl, pour simmering heavy cream over finely chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, then gently stir until smooth and glossy. Stir in orange extract and zest. Once the cheesecake is completely chilled, pour the ganache over the top and spread with an offset spatula, letting some drip artfully down the sides.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

If you want to go all out, pipe whipped cream along the edge and finish with chocolate shavings, candied orange peel, or more zest. Slice with a hot, clean knife for those perfect bakery-style cuts.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe

Garnishes

This is your moment to let creativity shine! Classic swirls of whipped cream along the outer edge add elegance, while a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings or bright orange zest makes each slice pop. Thin slices of fresh orange or spirals of candied orange peel offer a burst of color and a hint of sophistication that wows every time.

Side Dishes

To balance the richness of the Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe, serve each slice with a handful of fresh seasonal berries—raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries all work wonderfully. For a truly indulgent dessert plate, pair with a scoop of orange sorbet for a chilled, lighter contrast, or offer espresso for a chic, European finish.

Creative Ways to Present

Try presenting individual cheesecake slices on decorative plates with a drizzle of extra ganache and a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also cut the cheesecake into bite-sized squares and serve as part of a dessert platter at parties. For a festive flourish, arrange orange segments in a sunburst design across the top and finish with shimmering edible gold for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh, creamy, and delicious for up to five days, making it an unbeatable make-ahead treat for busy weeks or parties.

Freezing

This Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe freezes beautifully! Once fully chilled and set, slice (if desired) and wrap portions in a double layer of plastic wrap, followed by foil. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature, but if you prefer a slightly warmer bite, let slices sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, which can change the luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use semi-sweet chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Absolutely! Semi-sweet chocolate will make your cheesecake a touch sweeter and less intense, which some people love. Just be sure to use high-quality chocolate for the richest flavor.

What if I don’t have orange extract?

You can definitely skip the orange extract if necessary; add a bit more fresh zest for a stronger natural citrus boost. However, the extract really intensifies the orange aroma for that signature chocolate-orange experience.

How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

The secret is a gentle water bath and gradual cooling! Wrapping the pan in foil and baking in a water bath gives perfectly even heat. Leaving the cheesecake to cool in the oven for an hour (with the door closed) ensures a smooth, crack-free finish.

Can I make this Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe gluten free?

Yes, just substitute gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust and double-check that all other ingredients are certified gluten free. The texture and flavor will still be heavenly!

Is there a non-dairy option for this cheesecake?

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream cheese, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and vegan butter and cookies. The method remains exactly the same, producing an equally luscious result!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and vibrant orange in this Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe. It’s a dazzling dessert that’s surprisingly simple to master and endlessly memorable to share. I hope you’ll give it a try and create new sweet traditions around your table!

Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe