This Mary Berry Chocolate Orange Cheesecake is a rich and decadent recipe, which combines the classic pairing of dark chocolate and fresh orange in a creamy, no-bake filling. Set on a buttery chocolate biscuit crust, it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for a dinner party or a special treat, ready in about 30 minutes, plus chilling time.
Mary Berry Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 250g (9 oz) chocolate digestive biscuits (or chocolate graham crackers), crushed
- 100g (½ cup) butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 200g (7 oz) good quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa solids), broken into pieces
- 500g (18 oz) full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
- 150g (1 ¼ cups) icing sugar, sifted
- 1 large orange, finely grated zest of
- 300ml (1 ¼ cups) double cream or heavy whipping cream
To Decorate (optional):
- Chocolate curls or grated chocolate
- A few twists of orange peel
How To Make Mary Berry Chocolate Orange Cheesecake
- Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix the crushed chocolate biscuits with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand.
- Press the Crust: Tip the crumb mixture into a 23cm (9in) springform or loose-bottomed cake tin. Use the back of a spoon to press the crumbs firmly and evenly into the base of the tin. Place the tin in the refrigerator to chill and firm up for at least 30 minutes.
- Melt the Chocolate: While the crust chills, gently melt the dark chocolate pieces in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (a double boiler), or in the microwave in 20-second intervals. Be very careful not to overheat it. Set aside to cool slightly until it is tepid.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the room-temperature cream cheese until it is completely smooth and free of lumps. On a low speed, gradually beat in the sifted icing sugar until combined, then beat in the orange zest.
- Combine the Filling: Pour in the slightly cooled melted chocolate and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and a uniform colour. In a separate, clean bowl, lightly whip the double cream until it holds soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate and cream cheese mixture with a large metal spoon or spatula until it is just combined.
- Assemble and Chill: Spoon the filling over the chilled biscuit crust and spread it into an even layer. Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator to chill for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until it is completely firm.
- Decorate and Serve: When you are ready to serve, carefully remove the cheesecake from the tin. Decorate with chocolate curls and orange peel, if desired.
Recipe Tips
- How to get a perfectly smooth, non-lumpy filling? The two most important secrets are to use cream cheese that is fully softened to room temperature, and to let the melted dark chocolate cool slightly before you add it to the cream cheese mixture. Adding hot chocolate to cold cream cheese can cause it to seize.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! This no-bake cheesecake is the perfect make-ahead dessert. It needs at least 6 hours to set, but its flavor and texture are even better if it’s made a full day in advance.
- How do I get the best flavor? For the most intense and authentic flavor, use a good quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids and the zest from a fresh, unwaxed orange.
- Why did my cheesecake not set? This can happen if it wasn’t chilled for long enough, or if low-fat ingredients were used. For a no-bake cheesecake to set up properly, it is essential to use full-fat cream cheese and double (heavy) cream.
What To Serve With Chocolate Orange Cheesecake
This is a rich and decadent dessert that is a complete treat on its own. The richness of the chocolate is perfectly balanced by the fresh orange. It is fantastic served with:
- A dollop of crème fraîche or a simple, unsweetened whipped cream.
- A small glass of an orange liqueur, like Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
- A strong cup of coffee or an espresso.
How To Store Chocolate Orange Cheesecake
- Refrigerate: This cheesecake must be stored in the refrigerator because of the cream cheese. Keep it covered in a cake carrier or with plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: This cheesecake freezes beautifully. You can freeze it whole or in individual slices. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 44g
- Saturated Fat: 28g
- Sugar: 40g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Digestive biscuits are a classic British semi-sweet biscuit with a crumbly texture. The chocolate-coated version is commonly used for cheesecake bases. Chocolate graham crackers are the perfect substitute if you can’t find them.
You can, but the final cheesecake will be significantly sweeter if you use milk chocolate. A good quality dark chocolate with around 70% cocoa solids provides a deep flavor that balances the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the cream cheese.
A crumbly crust that doesn’t hold together is usually because it wasn’t pressed firmly enough into the tin. Use the bottom of a glass or a flat measuring cup to really compact the buttery crumbs into a solid base before you chill it.
Try More Recipes:
- Mary Berry Mango Cheesecake Recipe
- Mary Berry Lemon Curd Cheesecake Recipe
- Mary Berry Crumble Cheesecake Recipe
Mary Berry Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Recipe
Description
A classic and incredibly easy no-bake chocolate cheesecake infused with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh orange, all set on a simple, buttery chocolate biscuit crust.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make the crust by mixing the crushed chocolate biscuits with the melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the base of a 23cm (9in) springform tin. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Gently melt the dark chocolate and let it cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth. Beat in the icing sugar and orange zest, then beat in the cooled, melted chocolate until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, lightly whip the double cream to soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Pour the filling over the chilled biscuit base and spread it evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely firm.
Notes
- The most important tip for this recipe is to let the cheesecake chill for at least 6 hours (or overnight); this is not optional and is essential for the no-bake filling to set up properly.
- For the smoothest, lump-free filling, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature and that your melted chocolate has cooled slightly before combining.
- Be very gentle when folding the whipped cream into the cream cheese base to keep the filling light and airy.
- This is the perfect make-ahead dinner party dessert, as it’s incredibly easy and the flavor is even
