No Bake Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Recipe
This No Bake Cranberry Orange Cheesecake is a delightful and refreshing dessert perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy orange-flavored cheesecake filling, a zesty cranberry topping, and sparkling sugared cranberries for decoration, this recipe blends tartness and sweetness beautifully without the need for baking.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Crust
- 2 cups (268g) graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp (26g) sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 8 tbsp (112g) unsalted butter, melted
Orange Cheesecake
- 24 oz (678g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (104g) sugar
- 1/4 cup (58g) sour cream
- 3 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 3 1/2 tsp orange zest
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 3/4 cup (86g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cranberry Topping
- 3 1/4 tsp cornstarch
- 2 1/2 cups (250g) cranberries
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
Sparkling Cranberries
- 1 cup (207g) sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup (100g) fresh cranberries
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a springform pan to form the crust. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Make the Orange Cheesecake Filling: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream, orange juice, and orange zest, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated. Pour the filling over the chilled crust, smoothing the top evenly. Refrigerate to set while making the toppings.
- Prepare the Cranberry Topping: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, and orange zest. Sprinkle cornstarch over the mixture and stir to combine. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens to a sauce consistency. Remove from heat and cool completely. Spread the cooled cranberry topping evenly over the set cheesecake layer. Return to the refrigerator.
- Make the Sparkling Cranberries: In a small saucepan, combine half the sugar and water and bring to a boil to create a simple syrup. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Using a fork, dip fresh cranberries into the syrup, then roll in the remaining sugar to coat. Place on parchment paper and allow to dry. These sparkling cranberries will be used as garnish.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream: Whip the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag or use a spoon to dollop on the cheesecake.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the cranberry topping is set, decorate the cheesecake with dollops or piped swirls of whipped cream and scatter the sparkling cranberries on top. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully. Slice and enjoy this elegant, no-bake dessert.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth filling without lumps.
- Chilling time for the cheesecake is important for setting the layers properly; plan ahead.
- If fresh cranberries are not available, frozen can be used but ensure they are fully thawed and drained.
- The sparkling cranberries add visual appeal and a sweet crunch, but you can omit them if preferred.
- This cheesecake is best served within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
Keywords: No bake cheesecake, cranberry cheesecake, orange cheesecake, holiday dessert, no bake dessert, cranberry topping, sparkling cranberries