This No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is like summer in a slice! With its creamy orange flavor and a crunchy graham crust, it’s a sweet treat that’s super easy to make.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a dessert that doesn’t require baking? I whip this up in no time and let it chill. It’s perfect for hot days when you just want something cool and tasty! 🍊🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These give the crust a delicious crunch. If you don’t have graham crackers, digestive biscuits or even crushed Oreos can work well too for a twist!
Cream Cheese: The base of the cheesecake! Make sure it’s fully softened for a smooth texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt, though this will change the texture slightly.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipping cream adds a light and airy texture to the filling. If you’re in a pinch, you can use whipped topping, but it might not have the same creamy richness.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed is ideal for the best flavor. You can substitute with store-bought juice if you like, but consider adding a bit of extra zest to boost the flavor!
Orange Gelatin: This provides sweetness and helps stabilize the filling. If you prefer a more natural approach, you can use agar-agar as a vegetarian substitute, adjusting the amount according to package instructions.
How Can I Get Perfect Whipped Cream for the Cheesecake?
Whipped cream is key for fluffiness! Follow these steps to get it right:
- Start with a chilled bowl and beaters. The colder they are, the better the cream will whip.
- Pour the heavy cream into your bowl and add the vanilla extract.
- Beat on medium speed until it begins to thicken, then increase to high speed.
- Watch closely until stiff peaks form, which means the cream stands straight up.
- Don’t overwhip! If it starts to look grainy, stop mixing immediately to avoid butter.
No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ 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
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup orange flavored gelatin (like Jell-O)
For the Decoration:
- Whipped cream (for piping)
- Orange slices (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cheesecake will take about 30 minutes to prepare and then needs to refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set—overnight is even better! So, set aside some time to chill and enjoy this delightful dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Use a fork or your hands to combine everything well until it resembles wet sand. Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form a nice even crust. Set it aside while you make the filling!
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. Gradually sprinkle in the powdered sugar, mixing continuously until it’s fully blended. This will be your creamy base!
3. Whip the Cream:
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and the vanilla extract using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. This means the cream should hold its shape when you lift the whisk out. Now, gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until everything is smooth and well combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream!
4. Add Orange Flavors:
In a small bowl, combine the orange juice and the orange gelatin, stirring it until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Then, add the zest of one fresh orange to the mixture for extra flavor. Now gently fold this orange mixture into your cheesecake filling, being careful to combine it without overmixing.
5. Layer the Cheesecake:
Pour half of the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust. Then, take the remaining cheesecake filling and add half of it over the first layer. Grab a knife or a skewer and gently swirl the two layers together to get that beautiful marbled effect. Don’t go too deep—you want to keep some of the distinct layers!
6. Finish Layering and Chill:
Add the rest of the cheesecake filling on top and smooth out the surface with a spatula. Now it’s time to chill! Cover the cheesecake and place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight so it sets up nicely.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once the cheesecake is set, carefully remove it from the springform pan. Get creative with your decoration by piping whipped cream around the edges and topping it off with fresh orange slices for that lovely touch. Slice it up and enjoy your delightful No-bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake!
Can I Use a Different Type of Crust?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, you can use Oreo crumbs or vanilla wafer crumbs instead of graham cracker crumbs. Just keep the butter and sugar amounts the same, and enjoy a unique twist on this cheesecake!
What If I Don’t Have Orange Flavored Gelatin?
If you can’t find orange gelatin, you can substitute it with unflavored gelatin. To do this, dissolve 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin in 1/4 cup of warm water and stir until fully dissolved. Then, mix it with your orange juice and zest for that creamy texture without the added flavor.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container to maintain freshness. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months; just wrap each slice in plastic then foil before freezing.
Can I Use Low-fat Cream Cheese or Whipping Cream?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese or whipped topping as alternatives. However, this might change the texture slightly, resulting in a less rich flavor. Make sure to beat the low-fat cream cheese until smooth to avoid lumps in your cheesecake!
