Ingredients For the Crust: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted For the Cheesecake Filling: 24 oz cream cheese, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 3 large eggs 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible) Zest of 1 large orange 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp orange extract (optional for extra orange flavor) A few drops of orange food coloring (optional) For the Whipped Cream Topping: 1 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup powdered sugar 1/2 tsp vanilla extract For Decoration: Orange slices or wedges (optional) Orange zest (optional) White chocolate curls (optional) Instructions Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in the melted butter until evenly mixed. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange extract (if using). If desired, add a few drops of orange food coloring for a more vibrant orange color. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Bake the Cheesecake: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool inside the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight. Make the Whipped Cream Topping: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the top of the chilled cheesecake. Decorate and Serve: Garnish the cheesecake with orange slices, orange zest, and white chocolate curls for an extra elegant touch. Slice and serve chilled for a refreshing, citrusy dessert. Prep Time: 25 minutes | Baking Time: 60 minutes | Chill Time: 4+ hours | Servings: 12 slices Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Ingredients For the Crust: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted For the Cheesecake Filling: 24 oz cream cheese, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 3 large eggs 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible) Zest of 1 large orange 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp orange extract (optional for extra orange flavor) A few drops of orange food coloring (optional) For the Whipped Cream Topping: 1 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup powdered sugar 1/2 tsp vanilla extract For Decoration: Orange slices or wedges (optional) Orange zest (optional) White chocolate curls (optional) Instructions Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in the melted butter until evenly mixed. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange extract (if using). If desired, add a few drops of orange food coloring for a more vibrant orange color. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Bake the Cheesecake: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool inside the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight. Make the Whipped Cream Topping: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the top of the chilled cheesecake. Decorate and Serve: Garnish the cheesecake with orange slices, orange zest, and white chocolate curls for an extra elegant touch. Slice and serve chilled for a refreshing, citrusy dessert. Prep Time: 25 minutes | Baking Time: 60 minutes | Chill Time: 4+ hours | Servings: 12 slices
