Ingredients
Scale
- 24 Oreo cookies (or digestive biscuits), finely crushed
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
- 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- Optional: Chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush Oreos into fine crumbs. Combine crushed Oreos with melted butter in a medium bowl, mixing until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create the crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let cool completely.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, cocoa powder, orange zest, and orange juice until well combined. Gradually add the egg mixture to the cream cheese mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake batter until just combined.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the cooled crust. Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the larger pan to come halfway up the sides of the springform pan (this creates a water bath for even baking).
- Step 6: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. Then, remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving. Garnish with chocolate shavings, if desired.
Notes
- Store leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring it's tightly covered to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out.
- For a slightly warmer, softer texture, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or until warmed through – avoid overheating.
- Serve chilled slices with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh orange segments for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
- To intensify the orange flavor, use a high-quality, intensely flavored orange for the zest and juice, and consider adding a teaspoon of orange extract to the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American