No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is a refreshing dessert that combines the creamy texture of cheesecake with the bright, citrusy flavor of oranges. Perfect for warm days, this recipe requires no baking, keeping your kitchen cool while delivering a satisfying and indulgent treat. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a sweet snack, this cheesecake is a simple yet impressive option that captures the essence of summer.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1 cup fresh orange juice

• Zest of 1 orange

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Gelatin:

• 1 envelope (about 2 tablespoons) unflavored gelatin

• 2 tablespoons cold water

For Garnish (Optional):

• Additional orange slices or zest

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.

2. Soften the Cream Cheese: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.

3. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese, mixing until well combined.

4. Incorporate the Cream: Add the heavy whipping cream, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.

5. Prepare Gelatin: Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom. Then, gently heat it in the microwave for about 10 seconds until dissolved.

6. Combine Gelatin with Mixture: Slowly pour the gelatin mixture into the cheesecake mixture, stirring until well incorporated.

7. Pour Filling into the Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the springform pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.

8. Chill: Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

9. Remove from Pan: After the cheesecake has set, carefully remove the sides from the springform pan.

10. Garnish and Serve: Top with additional orange slices or zest for a decorative touch before serving.

nutritional value

• Calories: 305 kcal (per serving)

• Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 12g

• Cholesterol: 65mg

• Sodium: 160mg

• Carbohydrates: 29g

  • Fiber: 0g

  • Sugars: 22g

• Protein: 3g

• Vitamin A: 15% of the Daily Value (DV)

• Vitamin C: 20% of the DV

• Calcium: 6% of the DV

• Iron: 2% of the DV

This dessert provides a rich, creamy indulgence with a refreshing citrus twist, making it a delicious treat to enjoy with moderate nutritional impact.

The Appeal of No-Bake Desserts

No-bake desserts have grown in popularity for their convenience and ease of preparation. With minimal effort required, these desserts offer a refreshing alternative to traditional baked treats, especially during hot weather when turning on the oven is far from appealing. No-bake recipes often use ingredients that don’t need heat to come together, which means you can achieve rich, creamy textures and balanced flavors without the time and energy it takes to bake.

No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake fits perfectly into this category, offering an effortless yet impressive dessert that combines the best of both worlds. It’s a no-fuss recipe that delivers all the indulgence of a classic cheesecake, but with a citrus twist. The ease of preparation and the light, refreshing flavor make it a favorite among both novice and experienced bakers alike.

The Key Ingredients and Their Roles

While the ingredient list for No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is simple, each component plays a crucial role in creating the dessert’s signature flavor and texture. Let’s break down the main ingredients and what they contribute to the overall dish.

Graham Cracker Crust

The graham cracker crust is the foundation of this cheesecake, offering a sweet, buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. The mixture of graham cracker crumbs and melted butter is pressed into the bottom of the springform pan, forming a solid base that holds everything together. This crust adds texture and a touch of sweetness, while also balancing the richness of the creamy filling. It’s easy to prepare, requiring only a few ingredients, and helps make the cheesecake more substantial.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is the star ingredient in any cheesecake, providing the rich, velvety texture that is the hallmark of this dessert. In this recipe, softened cream cheese is beaten until smooth and creamy, forming the base of the filling. It creates a lush, indulgent texture that pairs perfectly with the bright, citrusy flavors of the orange juice and zest.

Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar is used to sweeten the filling without affecting its smooth texture. Since powdered sugar dissolves easily, it ensures that the cheesecake remains silky and creamy. It adds the right amount of sweetness to balance the tangy cream cheese and the refreshing orange juice.

Heavy Whipping Cream

Heavy whipping cream is crucial for achieving the light, airy texture that makes this cheesecake so indulgent. When whipped, it forms soft peaks that help the cheesecake filling hold its shape. The cream adds a rich and luxurious texture, contributing to the overall smoothness of the dessert. Whipping the cream separately before folding it into the cream cheese mixture helps to create a light, fluffy consistency in the finished cheesecake.

Orange Juice and Zest

The fresh orange juice and zest are what give this cheesecake its signature citrus flavor. The juice provides a refreshing, tangy element, while the zest contributes a bright, aromatic note that enhances the overall flavor. The combination of orange juice and zest creates that unmistakable creamsicle taste, which is the essence of this dessert. The citrus flavor is vibrant but not overpowering, providing the perfect balance to the rich cream cheese filling.

Gelatin

Gelatin is what helps set the cheesecake without the need for baking. The gelatin mixture is added to the cream cheese filling to give it structure and stability as it chills in the fridge. It ensures that the cheesecake sets properly and holds together when sliced. The gelatin helps create a smooth, firm texture that makes each bite satisfying, without being overly dense.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is often used in cheesecake recipes to enhance the overall flavor profile. It adds a subtle warmth and depth that complements the citrus notes in the dessert. The vanilla balances the richness of the cream cheese and adds a hint of sweetness to the filling.

The Simple, No-Bake Process

Making No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is surprisingly simple, and the process is relatively quick. It’s a great recipe for anyone who enjoys making desserts without the hassle of baking. Here’s an overview of the steps:

Prepare the Crust

The first step is to prepare the graham cracker crust. The graham cracker crumbs are combined with melted butter and pressed into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. This step forms the base of the cheesecake and should be done firmly to ensure the crust holds together when the cheesecake is sliced.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

Once the crust is ready, it’s time to make the filling. The cream cheese is softened and whipped until smooth, then combined with powdered sugar to sweeten it. Heavy whipping cream, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract are added to the mixture, and everything is beaten until fluffy. The resulting mixture is light, creamy, and perfectly smooth.

Prepare the Gelatin

Next, the unflavored gelatin is dissolved in cold water. This step is crucial to ensure that the gelatin blooms properly and is incorporated into the filling without lumps. Once dissolved, the gelatin is mixed into the cream cheese filling, helping the cheesecake set as it chills.

Assemble and Chill

The cheesecake filling is poured over the graham cracker crust, and the pan is covered and refrigerated for at least 4 hours, though overnight is preferable for the best results. The gelatin will work its magic, allowing the cheesecake to set and hold its shape.

Garnish and Serve

After the cheesecake has set, remove the sides of the springform pan, and garnish with additional orange slices or zest, if desired. These garnishes not only add a fresh, visually appealing touch but also enhance the citrus flavor of the dessert.

Serving Suggestions

No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is perfect for serving as a refreshing summer dessert. It can be served as-is, or paired with a variety of toppings, such as whipped cream or additional fresh fruit. It’s a great addition to summer barbecues, dinner parties, or holiday gatherings, and it can easily be made ahead of time, which makes it even more convenient.

Conclusion

No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that brings the bright, fresh flavors of oranges into a creamy, indulgent cheesecake. Its smooth texture and vibrant citrus flavor make it a perfect treat for hot summer days, while its no-bake nature keeps your kitchen cool. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a quiet afternoon snack, or looking for a refreshing dessert, this cheesecake is sure to be a hit. It’s a simple, yet impressive dessert that offers the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy elements.