This No-bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is a fun and fruity treat! It’s creamy, orange-flavored, and so easy to make without turning on the oven!
Who doesn’t love a classic creamsicle? I mean, it reminds me of summer days! Just whip it up, chill it, and enjoy a slice of sunshine on your plate. 🍊✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These crumbs form the base of the cheesecake. If you’re out of graham crackers, try using vanilla wafer cookies or digestive biscuits for a different flavor.
Cream Cheese: This is the star of the cheesecake! I always recommend full-fat cream cheese for a creamy texture. Low-fat or Neufchâtel works too but may result in a slightly different consistency.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This helps to make the cheesecake fluffy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use whipped topping, though it won’t be as rich. Coconut cream can also be a dairy-free alternative.
Orange Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed juice gives the best flavor and zest adds a fantastic citrus note. If you don’t have fresh oranges, bottled juice works, just avoid the concentrate for the best taste.
Gelatin: This is optional for firmness. If you prefer a vegetarian option, agar-agar can substitute for gelatin, but follow the package instructions for best results.
How Do I Ensure My Cream Cheese Mixture is Smooth?
To get that creamy texture, make sure your cream cheese is truly softened. Leaving it out for about an hour before use helps. Beat the cream cheese on its own first until smooth, then slowly add in the powdered sugar to avoid lumps. Mixing in smaller increments ensures a better result!
What’s the Best Way to Fold in Whipped Cream?
Folding in whipped cream is all about being gentle. Start by adding a small portion of the whipped cream to your cream cheese mixture. Stir it in briskly to lighten the mixture, then add the remainder. Use a spatula to lift and fold the mixture over itself, rotating the bowl as you go. This keeps the whipped cream airy and fluffy!
How Can I Make Sure My Cheesecake Sets Properly?
To ensure your cheesecake is firm, it’s essential to refrigerate it long enough. Ideally, let it chill overnight. If you’re pressed for time, the 4-6 hours minimum is essential, but double-check for firmness before serving. Keeping it covered helps maintain moisture and flavor!
No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Cheesecake Filling:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 tablespoon gelatin (optional, for extra firmness)
- 3 tablespoons cold water (if using gelatin)
For Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Orange slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cheesecake takes about 20 minutes of prep time. Then, you’ll need to chill it in the fridge for about 4-6 hours (overnight is even better!). So, plan for a total of around 20 minutes for prep and 4-6 hours for chilling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until they are well combined and the crumbs are coated. Press this mixture firmly into the base of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even layer for your crust. Place the pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar while continuing to mix until it’s fully combined. This will give your cheesecake that sweet and tasty creaminess.
3. Incorporate Orange Flavor:
Add the freshly squeezed orange juice and orange zest to your creamy mixture. Mix it well until everything is combined and smooth. You should start to smell that lovely orange aroma!
4. Whip the Cream:
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. This will make your cheesecake light and fluffy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until there are no streaks left. Be gentle so you keep all that air in!
5. Prepare the Orange Swirl:
If you want a firmer cheesecake, dissolve the gelatin in cold water for about 5 minutes. Then, heat it in the microwave for about 10 seconds until it’s melted. Mix this into a portion of your cheesecake filling. You can also mix in a bit of extra orange juice to create a vibrant color for a fun swirl effect.
6. Layer the Cheesecake:
Pour half of the cheesecake mixture into your chilled crust. Drizzle some of your colored mixture on top and use a knife to make swirls. Then, add the rest of your cheesecake filling followed by another drizzle of the colored mixture. Get creative with the swirls!
7. Set the Cheesecake:
Cover your springform pan with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 4-6 hours, but overnight is the best way to let it set perfectly.
8. Serve:
Once the cheesecake is set and firm, gently remove it from the springform pan. Top it off with dollops of whipped cream and fresh orange slices for a beautiful finish. Cut into slices and enjoy your refreshing No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake!
Can I Use Different Types of Crust?
Absolutely! If you want a different flavor, you can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even Oreo cookie crumbs for a chocolate twist. Just make sure to adjust the melted butter accordingly to ensure the crust holds together.
What If I Don’t Have Gelatin?
No worries! Gelatin is optional for firmness. If you prefer a creamier texture, simply omit it. Just make sure to refrigerate the cheesecake for the recommended time to allow it to set properly. If you want to use a vegetarian alternative, try using agar-agar instead of gelatin.
Can I Prepare This Cheesecake in Advance?
Yes! This cheesecake can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just ensure it’s covered tightly in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. If preparing in advance, you can add the garnishes like whipped cream and orange slices just before serving for the best presentation.
How Should I Store Leftover Cheesecake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s best to keep it chilled until you’re ready to enjoy it again! If you’re freezing leftovers, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
