This elegant baked marble chocolate orange cheesecake is a delectable dessert that combines the richness of chocolate and the tangy sweetness of oranges with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake. It features a swirled marble pattern of chocolate and orange flavors, and is topped with candied oranges and pieces of Terry’s chocolate orange, creating a visually stunning and mouthwatering treat that is sure to satisfy any dessert lover's cravings.

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Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this irresistible Chocolate Orange Cheesecake. This indulgent dessert is a heavenly blend of rich chocolate and vibrant orange, resulting in a flavor combination that is simply divine. With its velvety smooth cheesecake filling and buttery chocolate crust, every bite of this dessert is a delightful fusion of decadence and refreshing citrus notes. 

Whether you're looking to impress your guests at a special occasion or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, this chocolate orange masterpiece is the perfect treat that will leave you craving for more.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Indulge in the heavenly combination of chocolate and orange with our irresistible marble chocolate orange cheesecake. This delightful dessert brings together the richness of chocolate, the tangy sweetness of oranges, and the creamy goodness of cheesecake, creating a truly sensational treat. Here are a few reasons why you'll fall in love with this recipe:

Decadent Flavor Fusion: The marriage of velvety chocolate and vibrant orange creates a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Creamy and Smooth Texture: The luscious cheesecake filling, perfectly balanced with the citrusy notes, melts in your mouth, offering a truly delightful and satisfying texture.

Stunning Visual Appeal: The marble swirls of chocolate and orange create a visually stunning dessert that is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes.

Versatile and Impressive: This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to dinner parties, and is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavor combination and elegant presentation.

Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors and textures that will make our chocolate orange cheesecake your new favorite dessert.

What You’ll Need To Make Chocolate Orange Cheesecake

Chocolate sandwich cookies: Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies form the base of the cheesecake crust, adding a delightful chocolatey crunch and providing a solid foundation for the creamy filling.

Butter: Melted butter binds the cookie crumbs together, helping to create a firm and flavorful crust that holds its shape when sliced.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These delicious morsels are melted with heavy cream to make a chocolate ganache. This is then incorporated into the cheesecake filling, infusing it with rich chocolate flavor and adding smoothness to the texture.

Heavy cream: The heavy cream, when combined with the chocolate, creates a luxurious ganache-like texture, resulting in a silky smooth and creamy filling.

Cream cheese: The star of the show, cream cheese brings the signature tangy creaminess to the cheesecake. Its smooth and velvety texture adds richness and body to the filling.

Granulated sugar: Sugar sweetens the cheesecake, balancing the tanginess of the cream cheese and enhancing the overall flavor.

Corn starch: Corn starch acts as a thickening agent, ensuring that the cheesecake filling sets properly and maintains a smooth consistency.

Sour cream: Adding sour cream to the filling not only contributes a slight tang, but also enhances the creaminess and moisture of the cheesecake.

Eggs: Eggs provide structure and stability to the cheesecake while also adding richness. They help the cheesecake set and give it a smooth, silky texture.

Orange extract and orange zest: These citrus ingredients infuse the cheesecake with a refreshing burst of orange flavor. The extract provides a concentrated essence, while the zest adds bright and aromatic notes.

Terry's chocolate orange: The inclusion of this iconic chocolate adds an extra layer of indulgence and bursts of orange flavor throughout the cheesecake. It also makes for an attractive garnish.

Candied orange slices: These sweet and chewy slices of candied orange make for a delightful and visually appealing topping, adding a touch of elegance and enhancing the overall citrus experience. You can buy these pre-made or make your own!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create your own slice of heaven with this beautiful chocolate orange cheesecake:

Step 1: Prepare an 8 or 9-inch springform pan then preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).

Step 2: While the oven preheats, prepare the crust by crushing chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor. Do not remove the cream filling before crushing the cookies. 

Step 2:  Add the melted butter to the cookie crumbs in the food processor and pulse a few times until well combined. 

Step 3: Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to create a firm crust. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes then remove and set aside. Lower the oven temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius).

Step 4: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt semi-sweet chocolate chips with heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Set aside.

Step 5: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese on low speed until smooth.

Step 6: Add the granulated sugar and corn starch to the cream cheese and mix on low speed until combined. 

Step 7: Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed until just combined. 

Step 8: Add the sour cream and mix on low until smooth. 

Step 9: Divide the cheesecake batter evenly into two separate bowls. Gradually pour the melted chocolate mixture into one bowl, stirring gently until the filling is velvety and smooth. This will make the chocolate cheesecake batter.

Step 10: Add the orange extract and orange zest to the other half of the cheesecake batter and stir gently until combined. This will make the orange batter. 

Step 11: Pour alternating scoops of chocolate batter and orange batter over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Continue until all of the batter has been added to the pan. 

Step 12: Using a butter knife of the end of a spoon, make gentle swirls in the batter to create the marble effect. Don’t overdo this step or the batters will mix together instead of marbling.

Step 13: Boil water in a kettle or saucepan to prepare a water bath for the cheesecake. Place the springform pan with cheesecake batter in a large baking dish in the oven and pour the boiling water into the dish until it reaches about 1 inch up the side of the springform pan.

Step 14: Bake in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius) for about 90 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly. 

Step 15: Once the cheesecake is cooked, turn the oven off and open the door slightly. Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 1 hour, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for several hours or overnight.

Step 16: Once chilled and firm, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Garnish the cheesecake with segments of Terry's chocolate orange and candied orange slices. 

How To Prepare Your Springform Pan For Cheesecake

I recommend using a water bath when cooking this cheesecake to help prevent cracks. To ensure your baked cheesecake doesn't leak in the water bath, it's crucial to properly prepare the springform pan. Follow these steps to do so:

Step 1: Clean and dry the springform pan thoroughly, including both the base and the circular ring. Set the base aside.

Step 2: Grease the bottom and sides of the circular ring lightly with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the cheesecake from sticking during baking and aid in its easy removal later. Place the greased ring back onto the base of the pan, ensuring that the clasp is in the open position.

Step 3: Cut a circular piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan. This added layer will further prevent the cheesecake from sticking. Gently place the parchment paper circle onto the greased bottom of the pan. Secure the ring of the pan by closing the clasp tightly, ensuring the parchment paper is firmly held between the base and the ring.

Step 4: To prevent any water from leaking into the pan during the water bath, wrap a strip of parchment paper or aluminum foil around the inner sides of the ring, extending it above the height of the ring. This creates a protective barrier.

Your springform pan is now properly prepared and ready to be filled with the cheesecake batter as per your recipe instructions. By taking the time to prepare the springform pan correctly, you'll minimize the risk of leakage in the water bath, allowing your baked cheesecake to turn out perfectly and preserving its creamy texture.

Tips & Tricks For Making The Best Chocolate Orange Cheesecake

To ensure you create the best possible version of this divine dessert, here are some expert tips and tricks:

Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chocolate, fresh oranges, and premium cream cheese to enhance the flavors and elevate the overall taste of your cheesecake.

Properly Prepare the Pan: Take the time to grease and line the springform pan with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and ensure a smooth release when it's time to serve.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to come to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother and more homogeneous batter.

Be Gentle When Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter once the eggs are added. Overmixing can introduce excess air, leading to cracks in the cheesecake as it bakes.

Create a Water Bath: Bake your cheesecake in a water bath to create a moist and gentle baking environment, reducing the chances of cracks forming on the surface.

Add Zest and Extract: Incorporate both orange zest and orange extract to infuse the cheesecake with a vibrant and well-rounded orange flavor.

Garnish with Flair: Once chilled and set, garnish your chocolate orange cheesecake with creative flair. Consider topping it with chocolate shavings, candied orange slices, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for a visually stunning presentation.

Allow for Proper Chilling Time: After baking, give your cheesecake ample time to chill and set in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to firm up for the best results.

With these tips and tricks, you're well on your way to creating a show-stopping chocolate orange cheesecake that will impress and delight your taste buds.

Serving Suggestions

This delightful dessert combines the richness of chocolate with the refreshing tang of orange, creating a harmonious flavor experience that is sure to impress. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your enjoyment:

Classic Style: Serve the chocolate orange cheesecake as is, with its velvety texture and decadent flavors. Cut generous slices and present them on dessert plates for an elegant and satisfying treat.

Chocolate Drizzle: Take the indulgence up a notch by drizzling a rich chocolate sauce over the cheesecake. Melt some chocolate chips or chunks and create beautiful swirls on top of each slice for an irresistible visual appeal.

Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each slice.

Chocolate Orange Sauce: Prepare a homemade chocolate orange sauce by melting chocolate with a splash of orange juice or zest. Drizzle this velvety sauce over the cheesecake slices, creating a delightful flavor fusion with every bite.

How To Store Leftovers

To store leftover chocolate orange cheesecake and preserve its freshness and flavor, follow these guidelines:

The best way to store it is in the refrigerator. Ensure the cheesecake is covered with plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container to prevent drying out and to protect it from absorbing any odors in the fridge.

Before refrigerating, allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature. This step helps it set properly and prevents condensation from forming on the surface when placed in the refrigerator. If you have individual slices, wrap each slice tightly with plastic wrap or place them in separate airtight containers. This not only helps with portion control but also maintains the freshness of each slice.

Chocolate orange cheesecake can generally be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Beyond that, the texture and flavor may start to deteriorate. If you have a larger amount of leftover cheesecake or want to extend its shelf life, freezing is an option. Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen chocolate orange cheesecake can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

When you're ready to enjoy the frozen cheesecake, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw slowly overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the cheesecake. Remember to consume the cheesecake within a few days to ensure optimal freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tools And Equipment For This Recipe

Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Springform Pan: A 9-inch springform pan is an essential tool for making this cheesecake. Its size allows for the perfect amount of batter, ensuring a well-proportioned and evenly baked cheesecake. 

KitchenAid Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer: This mixer is perfect for making this chocolate orange cheesecake. It’s strong enough to easily beat the cream cheese and has a large mixing bowl with plenty of space for all of the batter.

Cuisinart 16-Inch Roasting Pan: A large roasting pan like this one from Cuisinart is a versatile kitchen essential that can be useful for making this chocolate orange cheesecake recipe. It serves as the water bath container, ensuring even heat distribution and helping to prevent cracks on the cheesecake's surface. 

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