Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required – Perfect for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
- Creamy and refreshing – The combination of cream cheese, orange juice, and whipped cream creates a silky texture with a citrusy zing.
- Easy to make – Simple steps with no complicated techniques.
- Great for make-ahead – Chill it overnight for the best flavor and texture.
- Light yet indulgent – A dessert that feels rich without being too heavy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust:
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Sugar
- Unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream cheese, softened
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Fresh orange juice
- Orange zest
- Orange gelatin (Jell-O)
- Orange extract
Directions
- Prepare the crust: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in the melted butter until evenly coated.
- Form the crust: Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Beat the cream cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Whip the cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
- Add orange flavors: Fold in the orange juice, orange zest, orange gelatin, and orange extract until fully incorporated.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the chilled crust, smoothing out the top.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to set.
- Serve: Garnish with whipped cream and additional orange zest before serving, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 slices
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Chill time: 4 hours
- Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Calories per serving: 250 kcal
Variations
- Oreo Crust – Swap the graham crackers for crushed Oreos for a chocolatey twist.
- Lighter Version – Use reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping instead of heavy cream.
- Extra Tangy – Add a tablespoon of lemon juice for a citrus boost.
- Tropical Flavor – Mix in a bit of coconut extract or shredded coconut for a tropical vibe.
- Mini Cheesecakes – Make individual servings by using a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Reheating: This dessert is meant to be enjoyed chilled, so no reheating is necessary.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought orange juice instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh orange juice gives the best flavor.
What can I use instead of orange gelatin?
You can use unflavored gelatin with a bit more orange zest and juice for natural flavor.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes! It’s best when made the day before so it has plenty of time to set.
What if I don’t have a springform pan?
A regular pie dish works, but serving might be trickier. A deep dish with removable sides is best.
Can I use Cool Whip instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of Cool Whip for a shortcut.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped cream as substitutes.
Can I use a different citrus fruit?
Yes! Lemon or lime would work well for a different citrus cheesecake.
Why didn’t my cheesecake set properly?
Make sure you chilled it long enough. If it’s still too soft, try freezing it for an hour before serving.
Can I add more orange extract for stronger flavor?
Yes, but a little goes a long way! Start with a small amount and taste as you go.
What toppings go well with this cheesecake?
Whipped cream, orange slices, white chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of honey complement the flavors beautifully.
Conclusion
This No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is an easy and refreshing dessert that delivers a creamy, citrusy flavor with minimal effort. Whether for a summer gathering or a simple treat at home, this cheesecake is sure to impress. Try it out and enjoy a slice of orange-infused goodness!
PrintNo-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake
This No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is a creamy, citrusy dessert inspired by the classic orange creamsicle. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, tangy orange cheesecake filling, it’s the perfect refreshing treat for warm days. Plus, it’s easy to make with no oven required!
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 4hours
- Total Time: 4hours15min
- Yield: 8slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 package (3 oz) orange gelatin (Jell-O)
- ½ tsp orange extract
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in the melted butter until evenly combined.
- Form the crust: Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Beat the cream cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Whip the cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
- Add orange flavors: Fold in the orange juice, orange zest, orange gelatin, and orange extract until fully incorporated.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the chilled crust, smoothing out the top.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to set.
- Serve: Garnish with whipped cream and extra orange zest before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For a chocolate twist: Swap the graham cracker crust for an Oreo crust.
- For a lighter version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping instead of heavy cream.
- For a tropical touch: Add a bit of coconut extract or shredded coconut.
- For mini cheesecakes: Make individual servings using a muffin tin with cupcake liners.