Remember the sweet, tangy delight of orange creamsicle popsicles from childhood? Imagine that flavor transformed into a luscious, velvety cheesecake—without turning on your oven! This No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining zesty citrus, creamy vanilla, and a buttery graham cracker crust. Ideal for busy home cooks, summer barbecues, or anyone craving a fuss-free dessert, this recipe promises maximum flavor with minimal effort. Let’s dive into how to create this sunny, refreshing masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Orange Creamsicle cheesecake Recipe
- No Oven Required: Perfect for hot days or tiny kitchens.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes of active prep.
- Nostalgic Flavor: A grown-up twist on a childhood favorite.
- Customizable: Adapt crusts, sweetness, and citrus intensity to your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Orange Creamsicle cheesecake
(Serves 10–12)
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1/3 cup melted butter (or coconut oil for vegan option)
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
For the Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened; use vegan cream cheese if needed)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 medium oranges)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
For the Topping (Optional):
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Orange slices or zest
- White chocolate shavings
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until it resembles wet sand.
- Press firmly into a 9-inch springform pan. Use a glass to smooth the surface.
- Chill in the freezer for 15 minutes while making the filling.
2. Make the Orange Creamsicle Filling
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth (2–3 minutes).
- Add powdered sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until no streaks remain.
3. Assemble & Chill
- Pour filling over the chilled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours (overnight is best).
4. Add Toppings & Serve
- Before serving, garnish with whipped cream, orange slices, or chocolate.
- Run a knife around the pan’s edge to release the cheesecake.
Pro Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensures a silky-smooth filling.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Bottled juice can taste artificial. For tips on selecting and handling citrus safely, check out this FDA guide on produce safety (external link).
- Chill Thoroughly: Patience is key—don’t rush the setting time!
- Avoid Overmixing: Fold gently to keep the filling airy.
Creative Variations
- Lemon-Berry Twist: Swap orange for lemon juice and top with fresh berries.
- Chocolate Crust: Use Oreo crumbs instead of graham crackers.
- Tropical Vibes: Add 1/2 cup toasted coconut to the crust.
- Boozy Version: Stir 2 tbsp Grand Marnier into the filling.
FAQs: Orange Creamsicle cheesecake
1. Can I use a different citrus fruit?
Absolutely! Lemon, lime, or blood orange work beautifully. Adjust sugar to balance tartness.
2. How long does this cheesecake keep?
Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze slices (without toppings) for 2–3 months.
3. Why is my filling too runny?
- The cream wasn’t whipped to stiff peaks.
- The cream cheese wasn’t full-fat.
- It needs more chilling time.
4. Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Use vegan cream cheese, coconut cream, and a plant-based butter substitute.
5. Can I use a store-bought crust?
Sure—opt for a pre-made graham cracker crust to save time.
6. What if I don’t have a springform pan?
A deep pie dish works, but slicing neat portions will be trickier.
Conclusion : Orange Creamsicle cheesecake
This No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is more than just a dessert—it’s a burst of sunshine on a plate! Whether you’re hosting a summer party, celebrating a birthday, or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers creamy, citrusy bliss without breaking a sweat. Share your creations with us on social media, and don’t forget to tag #CreamsicleCheesecakeMagic!
Hungry for more? Explore our other no-bake desserts like Easy Oreo Dirt Cake Recipe or Oven-Baked Croissants with Ham and. Cheese Delight
Print
Best No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is a creamy, dreamy dessert that combines the refreshing flavors of orange and vanilla in a rich, no-bake cheesecake. With a graham cracker crust and a luscious, citrus-infused filling, this cheesecake is a perfect treat for warm weather and any occasion where you want something light, sweet, and refreshing.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin (about 2 ½ teaspoons)
- ¼ cup warm water
For the Garnish (Optional):
- Orange slices or zest
- Whipped cream
- Orange sprinkles
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter.
- Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish to form the crust.
- Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to set.
2. Prepare the Gelatin:
- In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin in ¼ cup warm water. Stir until fully dissolved and set aside.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture.
- Slowly add the dissolved gelatin to the cheesecake mixture and beat until fully incorporated.
4. Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Pour the cheesecake filling into the chilled graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to set.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, garnish with orange slices, extra orange zest, and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
- Slice and enjoy this refreshing, creamy dessert!
Notes
- Substitute Gelatin: You can substitute the unflavored gelatin with agar-agar if you prefer a vegetarian option.
- Add More Citrus: For a more intense orange flavor, add a little extra orange zest or orange extract to the filling.
- Make Ahead: This cheesecake is perfect for preparing ahead of time and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American, Dessert, No-Bake
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 servings
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
Keywords: No-Bake Cheesecake, Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake, No-Bake Dessert, Creamy Orange Cheesecake, Summer Cheesecake