Orange Mascarpone Cheesecake with Chocolate
A delightful Orange Mascarpone Cheesecake topped with luscious chocolate ganache, combining rich creamy flavors with bright citrus notes, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1.5 cups crushed graham crackers for a nutty, buttery crunch
- 0.25 cups melted butter for a rich texture
For the cheesecake filling
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese softened
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 0.5 cups sugar to balance flavors
- 0.5 cups orange juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp orange zest from one orange
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
For the chocolate ganache
- 0.5 cups dark chocolate chips melted
- 0.25 cups heavy cream for the ganache
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter thoroughly and press into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Bake the crust for 8 minutes.
Cheesecake Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition, then gradually mix in orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
Baking
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for approximately 45-50 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
Chocolate Ganache
- Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it simmers.
- Pour the hot cream over the dark chocolate chips and stir until smooth.
- Drizzle the ganache over the chilled cheesecake.
Notes
Allowing the cheesecake to chill overnight improves flavor melding. Use room temperature ingredients for best texture. Consider serving with powdered sugar or fresh orange slices.