This No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is like a sunny day on a plate! With a creamy orange filling and a crumbly crust, it tastes just like your favorite childhood treat.
I love making this when I want something sweet without the baking fuss. Plus, who can resist that bright orange color? It’s perfect for summer gatherings or just because! 🍊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These are the traditional choice for crust, providing a nice crunch. If you want a different flavor, consider using crushed Oreos, vanilla wafers, or digestive biscuits instead.
Cream Cheese: This gives the cheesecake its rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese or even a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice brings out the best flavor, but if you’re short on time, bottled juice works too. Just opt for 100% juice without added sugars for a better taste.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is key for fluffy texture. If you want to reduce calories, you can use whipped topping instead. However, it might change the taste slightly.
Unflavored Gelatin: Using gelatin helps the cheesecake hold its shape. If you’d like a vegetarian version, try agar-agar as a substitute, following the packaging instructions for use.
What’s the Best Way to Make Stiff Whipped Cream?
Getting perfect whipped cream can be tricky. Make sure your heavy whipping cream is chilled, as cold cream whips better. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a clean, cold bowl and beaters for best results.
- Beat the cream on medium speed until it begins to thicken.
- Then, increase the speed to high until stiff peaks form. Keep an eye on it to prevent overwhipping!
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer makes this process easier, but you can whip it by hand for a bit of a workout if you’re up for it!
No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 packet (about 2 ½ tsp) unflavored gelatin (optional, for firmness)
For The Orange Swirl:
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tbsp water (for gelatin if using)
For Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Orange slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cheesecake takes about 30 minutes to prepare and then needs at least 4 hours (or overnight) to chill and set. Perfect for a make-ahead dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Use a fork to combine everything until it looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Once it’s set, pop the pan in the refrigerator while you work on the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually sprinkle in the powdered sugar and pour in the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. This will be nice and sweet!
3. Whip the Cream:
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks start to form. This means it should hold its shape when you lift the beaters. Gently fold this whipped cream into your cream cheese mixture, making sure to combine it without deflating the whipped cream.
4. Add the Orange Juice and Zest:
Now, carefully mix in the orange juice and zest to your cheesecake mixture. Make sure everything is well blended, and you’ll start to smell that lovely orange flavor!
5. Optional – Prepare the Gelatin:
If you want extra firmness, combine 1 tablespoon of water with the gelatin and let it bloom for about 5 minutes. Then, gently heat this mixture until the gelatin dissolves. Mix this into your cheesecake filling to help it set better.
6. Layer the Filling:
Pour half of the cheesecake mixture over the chilled crust. Then, drizzle some of the orange swirl mixture (which we will prepare next) on top and swirl it gently with a knife. Repeat this step with the rest of the cheesecake mixture and more orange swirl, creating a fun design!
7. Prepare the Orange Swirl:
To make the swirl, mix ½ cup orange juice, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 tsp cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir this continuously until it thickens. Remove it from the heat and mix in the orange zest, letting it cool while you finish the cheesecake.
8. Chill the Cheesecake:
Cover your springform pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. Letting it chill will help all those delicious flavors come together and set nicely.
9. Serve the Cheesecake:
When you’re ready to serve, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Garnish it with dollops of whipped cream and fresh orange slices on top to make it pretty!
10. Enjoy:
Slice your No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake and serve chilled. Enjoy every bite of your refreshing treat!
Can I Use Other Types of Crackers for the Crust?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a twist, you can substitute graham cracker crumbs with vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even chocolate cookies for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the sugar content based on how sweet your alternative crust is!
How Can I Make This Cheesecake Gluten-Free?
To make this cheesecake gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or any gluten-free cookie alternative for the crust. Most brands offer gluten-free options that will work perfectly!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you don’t have heavy whipping cream on hand, you can substitute it with equal parts of coconut cream for a dairy-free option, or use an equal amount of mascarpone cheese for a creamier texture. Just remember that the final texture might vary slightly!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, consider freezing it! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
