There’s something irresistibly luxurious about the combination of rich chocolate and bright orange flavor, and when paired in a creamy cheesecake, it becomes a dessert worthy of any celebration. Chocolate Orange Cheesecake balances the velvety texture of cream cheese with the bittersweet depth of chocolate and the fresh citrus brightness of orange zest and juice.

This cheesecake features a buttery cookie crust that provides a firm base while maintaining a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The chocolate-orange filling is creamy, dense, and indulgent, with just the right amount of orange flavor to brighten the richness of the chocolate. Topped with a chocolate ganache and orange zest, this dessert is both elegant and irresistible — perfect for birthdays, holidays, or dinner parties.

Making this cheesecake from scratch might sound intimidating, but with step-by-step instructions, you’ll create a professional-looking dessert that tastes like it came from a gourmet patisserie. With careful layering, gentle mixing, and a touch of patience, your Chocolate Orange Cheesecake will be the star of any dessert table.

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 6 oz dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled

Chocolate Ganache Topping

• 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Orange zest, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Mix chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until well combined.
3. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then let cool.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently.
6. Mix in sour cream, vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice until fully incorporated.
7. Fold in melted dark chocolate until homogeneous.

Bake the Cheesecake

8. Pour cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until edges are set but center slightly jiggly.
10. Turn off oven and let cheesecake sit inside oven with door ajar for 1 hour.
11. Remove and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Prepare the Ganache & Serve

12. Heat heavy cream until simmering, pour over chopped chocolate, stir until smooth.
13. Pour ganache over chilled cheesecake and spread evenly.
14. Garnish with fresh orange zest.
15. Slice and serve chilled.

Tips & Creative Notes

• Chocolate Choice: Use high-quality dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Orange Zest: Adds fresh citrus brightness; avoid the white pith to prevent bitterness.
• Avoid Cracks: Do not overmix the batter and consider a water bath if desired.
• Make Ahead: Cheesecake tastes even better the next day, allowing flavors to meld.
• Presentation: Serve with whipped cream or fresh berries for extra elegance.

Chocolate Orange Cheesecake

A decadent cheesecake with a chocolate crust, creamy chocolate-orange filling, and ganache topping, perfect for holidays and celebrations.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Ingredients Equipment

Ingredients

  

Crust

• 1.5 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs, large
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 6 oz dark chocolate, melted slightly cooled

Ganache

• 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 0.25 cup heavy cream
• to taste orange zest for garnish

Equipment

• Springform pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Spatula