Looking to impress your guests or just enjoy a delicious dessert that's both sweet and tangy? Our chocolate orange cheesecake is perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to simple weekend treats. This recipe combines the rich flavors of dark chocolate with the zesty burst of orange, making it an absolute delight.
#### Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups (285g) graham cracker crumbs
- 3/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 packages (750g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon pure orange extract
- 1/2 cup (75g) dark chocolate chips
#### Step-by-Step Guide
##### Preparing the Crust
1. **Preheat Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the lower third position.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and salt.
3. **Add Wet Ingredients**: Stir in melted butter until well combined. This mixture will be quite wet and sticky.
4. **Press into Pan**: Press this crust mixture evenly onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to firmly press it down, creating an even layer.
5. **Bake Crust**: Place the prepared pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. This helps set the crust while keeping it slightly crispy.
##### Making the Cheesecake Filling
6. **Softened Cream Cheese**: Ensure that your cream cheese is at room temperature before starting this step, as it will blend more smoothly with other ingredients.
7. **Cream Cheese Mixture**: In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in vanilla extract and mix well.
8. **Beat Eggs Gradually**: Start by adding the eggs one at a time to prevent curdling. Beat after each addition for about 30 seconds before proceeding with the next egg.
9. **Fold in Sour Cream and Orange Extract**: Gently fold in sour cream and orange extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cheesecake to be too dense.
10. **Add Chocolate Chips**: Fold in dark chocolate chips for a delicious swirl of chocolate throughout your cheesecake.
##### Baking
11. **Pour Mixture into Pan**: Pour the prepared filling onto the pre-baked crust and smooth out the top with a spatula.
12. **Bake Cheesecake**: Place the pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake in the center of the oven for 45-50 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
13. **Cool Completely**: Once done, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside with the door closed for about an hour. Then remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating overnight.
##### Served Best When:
- Refrigerated for 24 hours before serving
- Garnished with fresh orange slices or additional chocolate chips
#### Conclusion
This chocolate orange cheesecake is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. The combination of creamy cheesecake, rich dark chocolate, and the tangy zest of oranges makes it a favorite among many. Serve it as an impressive dessert at your next gathering or simply enjoy it solo with a cup of coffee. Happy baking!