### Delicious Choc Orange Cheesecake Recipe: A Sweet and Citrusy Delight
Are you looking to impress your friends and family with a unique dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and the zesty notes of orange? Then our Choc Orange Cheesecake is just what you need! Follow these detailed steps to create this delightful treat, perfect for any special occasion or simply as a weekend indulgence.
#### Ingredients
- **Crust:**
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Zest from 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- **Cheesecake Filling:**
- 48 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- The zest and juice of 2 oranges (peel the orange carefully to avoid white pith)
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- **Topping:**
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
#### Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch springform pan
- 9-inch round baking dish or oven-safe bowl
- Cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer
- Electric mixer with paddle attachment
#### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Crust:**
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
- Mix well until the mixture is thoroughly combined.
2. **Press the Crust into the Pan:**
- Press the crust firmly onto the bottom of your 9-inch springform pan. Use a flat utensil or the back of a spoon to ensure it’s even and compacted.
3. **Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:**
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add in the granulated sugar and continue beating until well combined.
- Add in the flour, vanilla extract, salt, orange zest, juice of 2 oranges, and mix until fully incorporated.
4. **Fold in the Eggs:**
- Crack the eggs into a small bowl to prevent shell pieces from entering your mixture.
- Gradually fold the eggs into the cream cheese mixture using an electric mixer on low speed to avoid curdling.
5. **Pour the Filling Into the Pan:**
- Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the crust, smoothing it out with a spatula or offset spatula.
6. **Bake the Cheesecake:**
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (170°C).
- Place the pan on a baking sheet and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 60-70 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
7. **Cooling and Setting:**
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside to cool for about 2 hours.
- Once cooled, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
8. **Make the Topping:**
- In a small bowl, cream together butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using) until smooth.
9. **Apply the Topping:**
- Take your chilled cheesecake out of the fridge.
- Carefully remove the outer ring of the springform pan.
- Spread the topping evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
10. **Final Touches and Serving:**
- Let it chill in the refrigerator for another 30-60 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Slice into portions and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh berries, if desired.
#### Tips for Perfect Results:
- **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve the best texture.
- **Do Not Overbake:** The cheesecake should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Overbaking can result in a dry and cracked surface.
- **Cooling Process:** Allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly will help maintain its consistency.
Enjoy your Choc Orange Cheesecake, a delightful blend of chocolatey richness and zesty orange flavor that is sure to be a hit with everyone who tastes it!