Chocolate Orange Vegan Cheesecake Recipe
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If you are someone who loves the intoxicating pairing of tangy citrus and rich chocolate, then this Chocolate Orange Vegan Cheesecake Recipe is going to become your new obsession. This luscious, creamy dessert combines the bright zestiness of fresh orange with the deep, velvety flavors of vegan dark chocolate, all nestled on a crunchy cookie crust. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, citrusy, and indulgent textures, making it an ideal treat for any occasion – guilt-free and entirely plant-based. Whether you’re surprising friends, celebrating a special moment, or simply treating yourself, this cheesecake will wow your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All of the ingredients in this recipe are straightforward but essential to achieving that perfect harmony of flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role, from the crispy base to the creamy, silky filling, and of course, the vibrant orange infusion that makes this vegan cheesecake truly unforgettable.
- Original Oreos or Oreo style cookies (16): Provide a wonderfully crunchy, chocolatey crust that is the perfect foundation.
- Vegan butter (60 g): Helps bind the cookie crumbs together, adding a rich, buttery undertone.
- Sea salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors by adding a subtle contrast to the sweetness.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice (360 ml): The heart of the recipe, bringing zesty brightness and natural sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (50 g): Sweetens the orange reduction to balance the tart citrus notes.
- Vegan dark chocolate (300 g): Creates a decadent, silky chocolate flavor that harmonizes with the citrus.
- Vegan cream cheese (400 g): Adds creamy richness and the luscious texture that’s key to any cheesecake.
- Vegan Greek-style yogurt or soft silken tofu (300 g): Provides a light, tangy tang to balance the sweet and smooth filling.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (20 g, sifted): Deepens the chocolate intensity without adding sugar.
- Freshly grated orange zest (1 tablespoon): Gives bursts of citrus aroma and flavor for that irresistible zing.
- Dark chocolate and orange slices: Beautiful garnishes that add elegance and extra flavor to your finished cheesecake.
How to Make Chocolate Orange Vegan Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Tin
Start by lining the bottom and sides of a 7 or 8-inch cake tin with parchment paper. This step is simple but important because it ensures your cheesecake will easily release after setting, maintaining its perfect shape for serving.
Step 2: Create the Orange Reduction
Pour the freshly squeezed orange juice into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow it to reduce for about 10 to 20 minutes until it shrinks down to around 120 ml, concentrating its sweet and tangy flavors. Stir in the sugar and cook for an additional minute until fully dissolved. Let this orange reduction cool to room temperature before adding it to your filling.
Step 3: Craft the Cookie Crust
In a food processor, combine the Oreos and sea salt, pulsing for around 30 seconds until finely ground. Then add the vegan butter and pulse again until the mixture sticks together when pressed between your fingers. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared cake tin, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon. Chill the crust in the fridge as you move on to the creamy filling.
Step 4: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling
Gently melt the vegan dark chocolate over a bain-marie, stirring until it becomes luxuriously smooth. Set aside to cool for 15 to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the vegan cream cheese and Greek-style yogurt (or silken tofu) and whisk vigorously with an electric mixer for 2 to 3 minutes until the texture is smooth and airy. Add in the sifted cocoa powder and fresh orange zest, folding until everything blends perfectly.
Step 5: Blend Chocolate and Orange Reduction
This is where the magic happens. Alternately whisk in the melted chocolate and the cooled orange reduction in three increments each. Start with a portion of orange reduction, whisk well, add a portion of chocolate, whisk again, and continue until both are fully incorporated. This method makes sure your filling is beautifully marbled and bursting with flavor.
Step 6: Set the Cake
Transfer the silky filling into your crust-lined cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. For a delightful swirl effect, place the tin on a turntable and gently ripple the surface while spinning. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm perfectly. Once set, carefully remove from the tin to reveal your masterpiece.
Step 7: Storage Tips for Freshness
Once your stunning Chocolate Orange Vegan Cheesecake Recipe is ready, keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and texture. Leftover slices can be frozen for convenience, making this dessert as flexible as it is delicious.
How to Serve Chocolate Orange Vegan Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate this cheesecake to eye-catching elegance. Consider topping it with thin slices of fresh orange and shavings of dark chocolate to complement the flavors and add a lovely decorative touch that will impress your guests.
Side Dishes
Pair this cheesecake with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for extra creaminess. Fresh berries or a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce also make charming accompaniments that highlight the dessert’s bright and indulgent notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve individual mini cheesecakes in clear glass jars or small ramekins topped with candied orange peel and a chocolate drizzle. This not only makes serving effortless but also adds a wow factor to your presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cheesecake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. This keeps it moist and flavorful while preventing it from absorbing any other scents in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days to maintain the fresh, vibrant taste of the orange and chocolate.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, slice the cheesecake before freezing. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can defrost only what you need, preserving the taste and texture wonderfully for up to 2 months.
Reheating
This cheesecake is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly softer, let the slice sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes before enjoying. Avoid using any heat as it may alter the texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of vegan cream cheese?
For a truly plant-based dessert, it’s best to stick to vegan cream cheese. Regular cream cheese will work if you are not restricted by diet, but it will change the vegan nature of this cheesecake.
What can I substitute for vegan Greek-style yogurt?
If you can’t find vegan Greek-style yogurt, soft silken tofu is an excellent alternative, providing similar consistency and a mild tang to the cheesecake.
Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free chocolate cookies or gluten-free Oreos for the crust. Make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
How long does it take for the cheesecake to set?
You’ll want to chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal to let all the flavors marry beautifully and ensure a firm, sliceable texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! This Chocolate Orange Vegan Cheesecake Recipe is perfect for making a day in advance or even freezing slices ahead of time, making party prep much easier.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully special about this Chocolate Orange Vegan Cheesecake Recipe — it’s a dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshing, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. The marriage of chocolate and orange flavors wrapped in a creamy vegan filling on a crunchy base is simply irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience this delightful treat for yourself. Trust me, once you do, it will become a beloved classic in your recipe collection!
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Chocolate Orange Vegan Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This decadent Chocolate Orange Cheesecake is a vegan delight combining the rich flavors of dark chocolate with the bright, zesty notes of fresh orange. Featuring a crunchy Oreo cookie base and a silky, creamy filling made from vegan cream cheese and Greek-style yogurt, this no-bake cheesecake is perfect for a refreshing dessert that impresses with every bite.
Ingredients
Crust
- 16 original Oreos or Oreo-style cookies
- 60 g vegan butter
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Orange Reduction
- 360 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
- 50 g granulated sugar
Filling
- 300 g vegan dark chocolate
- 400 g vegan cream cheese (room temperature)
- 300 g vegan Greek-style yogurt or soft silken tofu
- 20 g unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
Decoration
- Dark chocolate (for garnish)
- Orange slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Tin: Line the bottom and sides of a 7″ or 8″ cake tin with removable base using parchment paper to ensure easy release of the cheesecake after setting.
- Make Orange Reduction: Pour the freshly squeezed orange juice into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to reduce for 10-20 minutes until the volume decreases to about 120 ml. Stir in the granulated sugar and cook for an additional minute until fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Crust: Place the Oreos and sea salt into a food processor and pulse for approximately 30 seconds until finely ground. Add the vegan butter and blend until the mixture sticks together when pressed between fingers. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared cake tin and smooth it evenly. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
- Melt the Chocolate: Using a bain-marie (double boiler), gently melt the vegan dark chocolate until smooth. Set aside and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes to prevent curdling when mixed with other ingredients.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk the vegan cream cheese and vegan Greek-style yogurt together using an electric whisk for 2-3 minutes until fluffy and smooth. Incorporate the sifted cocoa powder and freshly grated orange zest until evenly combined.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Gradually add the melted chocolate and cooled orange reduction to the cream cheese mixture in alternating increments (add a portion of orange reduction, whisk, then a portion of chocolate, whisk again, and so forth) until fully incorporated.
- Set the Cheesecake: Transfer the filling mixture into the chilled cake tin and smooth the surface with a spatula. For a decorative swirl effect, place the tin on a turntable and gently create swirls on the surface while spinning. Refrigerate the cheesecake to set for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Serve and Store: Once set, carefully remove the cheesecake from the tin. Garnish with dark chocolate shavings and fresh orange slices as desired. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days. Leftover slices can be frozen and thawed when needed.
Notes
- Ensure the vegan cream cheese and yogurt are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- The orange reduction adds a concentrated citrus flavor—do not skip this step for best results.
- Use a cake tin with a removable base for easier removal of the cheesecake after setting.
- The dessert is best refrigerated overnight for optimal flavor and texture.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the Oreos with certified gluten-free cookies.
- The cheesecake can be frozen; wrap slices tightly to prevent freezer burn.
- Adjust sugar amount in the orange reduction depending on the sweetness of the oranges.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vegan
