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No Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Recipe

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4.4 from 77 reviews

This No Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is a creamy and refreshing dessert combining zesty orange flavor with smooth white chocolate and a buttery Nilla Wafer crust. Perfectly chilled and easy to prepare, this cheesecake offers a delightful citrus twist reminiscent of the classic creamsicle without requiring any baking for the filling.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Cheesecake Mixture

  • 3 tablespoons orange zest
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 (3.4-ounce) box white chocolate pudding mix
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons orange extract

Nilla Wafer Crust

  • 1½ cups crushed Nilla Wafers (about 3 cups whole wafers)
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 6 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Whip the Cream: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form, setting it aside for later use.
  2. Blend Orange Zest and Juice: Using a blender, blend the orange zest and orange juice until the zest is finely emulsified to ensure a smooth and creamy cheesecake mixture without chunks of zest. Set aside the mixture.
  3. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until light, fluffy, and smooth. Gradually add the milk and white chocolate pudding mix, beating until fully incorporated and creamy.
  4. Add Flavorings and Sweetener: Mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange extract to the cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
  5. Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to maintain the airiness and light texture of the cheesecake filling.
  6. Prepare Nilla Wafer Crust: Use a food processor to finely crush Nilla Wafers into crumbs. Combine the crumbs with sugar, then add melted butter and mix with a fork until the texture resembles wet sand, holding its shape when pressed.
  7. Form the Crust: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan (or pie plate). Use the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed measuring cup for firm, even pressing.
  8. Bake or Chill the Crust: Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 12-14 minutes to set it firmly, or alternatively freeze it for about 30 minutes to solidify the butter and stabilize the crust.
  9. Assemble Cheesecake: Pour the prepared cheesecake filling into the baked or chilled Nilla Wafer crust, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon.
  10. Chill and Set: Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake for at least 2 hours or until fully set and firm to the touch.
  11. Serve: Once set, slice and serve chilled for a refreshing creamy dessert with bright orange flavors.

Notes

  • Blending the orange zest with the juice helps eliminate chunks and provides a smooth creamy texture for the cheesecake filling.
  • If you prefer not to bake the crust, freezing it for 30 minutes is an excellent alternative to firm it up.
  • This cheesecake is best served chilled and kept refrigerated until ready to serve.
  • Use a stand mixer or hand mixer for best results when whipping cream and beating cream cheese.
  • To lighten the dessert, you may substitute half-and-half or light cream for heavy cream, but the texture may be less rich.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian