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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Flavorings and Sweetener: Mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange extract to the cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Assemble Cheesecake: Pour the prepared cheesecake filling into the baked or chilled Nilla Wafer crust, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake for at least 2 hours or until fully set and firm to the touch.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian