This no-bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is a refreshing delight! With a fluffy orange-flavored filling on a crunchy crust, it’s like summer on a plate.
It’s super easy to whip up! Just mix, chill, and serve. I love how this dessert brightens up any gathering—it’s like bringing sunshine indoors! ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These create a crunchy base. If you don’t have graham crackers, crushed digestive biscuits or cookies (like vanilla wafers) can serve as a great substitute.
Heavy Cream: This adds rich creaminess. For a lighter version, you might use half-and-half, but the texture will be less fluffy. Coconut whipped cream is a good dairy-free alternative.
Cream Cheese: For the best taste, use full-fat cream cheese. If you need a lighter option, low-fat works, but it may not be as creamy. Neufchâtel cheese is a lower-fat substitute that has a similar flavor.
Orange Juice and Zest: Fresh-squeezed orange juice gives vibrant flavor. If you don’t have fresh oranges, bottled juice works, but choose one without added sugars for the best taste.
Unflavored Gelatin: This helps set the cheesecake. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, use agar-agar instead, following the package instructions for amounts.
How Do I Ensure My Gelatin Blooms Properly?
Blooming gelatin is key for smooth texture in your cheesecake. Start by sprinkling it over cold water, letting it sit until it absorbs the liquid. Once bloomed, it’s crucial to gently heat it so it completely dissolves. Avoid boiling! Just a few seconds in the microwave works great.
What’s the Best Way to Fold in Whipped Cream?
Folding is an important technique to keep your mixture light and airy. Start by adding a small amount of whipped cream to your cream cheese mixture to lighten it. Then, gently fold in the rest using a spatula or large spoon, scooping from the bottom and turning it over without stirring vigorously.
How Can I Swirl the Mixtures Without Overmixing?
For beautiful swirls, pour layers of your cheesecake filling and reserved mixture carefully into the crust. To create the swirl, take a knife or skewer and gently drag it through the two layers in a figure-eight motion. Be gentle, as you want to create patterns without fully mixing the layers.
Why Should I Chill My Cheesecake Overnight?
Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the gelatin to set properly, giving you that perfect cheesecake texture. While 4-6 hours is the minimum, overnight chilling is best for a firm and creamy dessert, making it easier to slice and serve perfectly.
How to Make 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 heavy cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 packet (1 oz) unflavored gelatin
- ¼ cup cold water
For Topping:
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Orange slices (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cheesecake takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus a chilling time of 4-6 hours. It’s perfect for preparing ahead of time and letting the flavors meld in the fridge!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing The Crust:
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until everything is well mixed. Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to create a solid crust layer. Once done, set it aside while you prepare the filling.
2. Dissolving The Gelatin:
Take a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over ¼ cup of cold water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it blooms, which means it will absorb the water. After that, gently heat it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until it’s fully dissolved. Stir it and set it aside.
3. Making The Cheesecake Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing well until it’s fully incorporated without any lumps.
4. Adding The Orange Flavor:
Pour the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture. Blend everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This is where the delicious orange flavor comes in!
5. Incorporating The Gelatin:
Now, stir the dissolved gelatin into the cream cheese mixture until you don’t see any lumps. This step helps the cheesecake set nicely!
6. Whipping The Cream:
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This means it should hold its shape when you lift the whisk. Gently fold this whipped cream into the orange cream cheese mixture. Be careful to mix it well without deflating the fluffy cream.
7. Layering The Cheesecake:
Instead of stirring everything together, save about 1 cup of the mixture aside. Pour half of the remaining mixture over your crust. Then, drizzle half of the reserved mixture on top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl them together for a pretty marbled look.
8. Completing The Layers:
Next, pour the rest of the filling over the top and repeat the swirling process with the remaining reserved mixture. This will give your cheesecake a lovely appearance!
9. Chilling The Cheesecake:
Wrap the cheesecake with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Allow it to chill for at least 4-6 hours, but overnight is even better for a perfect set!
10. Serving Your Cheesecake:
Once it’s fully set, carefully take the cheesecake out from the springform pan. Top it with whipped cream and decorate with orange slices to make it look extra special. Cut, serve, and enjoy your delicious no-bake orange creamsicle cheesecake!
Can I Use a Different Crust for This Cheesecake?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, you can use crushed vanilla wafers, Oreos, or even a gluten-free cookie for the crust. Just make sure to mix with melted butter in the same proportions to achieve a similar consistency.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a non-dairy alternative, try coconut cream or a vegan whipped topping, though the texture might be slightly different.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
This cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months, but be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving!
Can I Make This Cheesecake Without Gelatin?
You can, but the texture will be less stable and may not hold up as well. If you want to skip the gelatin, consider using a pre-made cheesecake pudding mix as a substitute for the cream cheese mixture, which can help achieve a similar creamy texture without added gelatin.
