Ingredients
Scale
- Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 3/4 cups finely crushed graham crackers
- 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 6 Tablespoons melted butter
- Orange Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 oz sweetened orange-flavored gelatin
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup iced water
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 1/2 cups whipped cream
- Orange food color, optional
- Orange Curd:
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 egg and 1 egg yolk, whisked
- Orange food color, optional
- For Serving:
- Whipped cream
- Orange wedges
- Mint leaves
Instructions
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- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9 x 9 x 2 inch pan with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the pan with cooking spray and set aside. Lining the pan with foil or plastic wrap makes it easy to remove the cheesecake bars and prevents them from sticking.
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- Make the Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, light brown sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and place it in the refrigerator to firm. Pressing the crust firmly ensures it holds together and creates a sturdy base for the filling.
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- Make the Orange Cheesecake Filling:
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- Dissolve the Gelatin: Pour the boiling water over the orange gelatin and stir for about 2 minutes, or until it’s completely dissolved. Add the iced water and stir well, then set aside to cool while making the filling. Dissolving the gelatin completely prevents lumps from forming in the filling and ensures a smooth texture.
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- Cream the Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Use an electric mixer for best results, as this will create a light and airy texture.
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- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Orange Juice: Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and mix well. Then, slowly pour in the orange juice and mix until smooth. Adding the ingredients gradually ensures they are evenly incorporated and prevents lumps from forming.
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- Add Gelatin and Food Coloring: Pour in the dissolved gelatin and mix until combined. Add a few drops of orange food coloring if you like and mix well. Adding food coloring enhances the vibrant orange color of the filling, making it visually appealing.
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- Fold in Whipped Cream: Finally, whisk in the whipped cream and spread the filling over the crust. Folding in the whipped cream gently prevents it from deflating and ensures a light and airy texture.
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- Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator for a few hours (preferably overnight) to firm completely. Chilling the cheesecake bars overnight allows them to set properly and ensures a firm texture.
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- Make the Orange Cheesecake Filling:
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- Make the Orange Curd:
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- Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from the heat.
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- Add Sugar, Zest, and Juice: Whisk in the sugar, orange zest, and orange juice.
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- Add Eggs: Add the eggs and whisk well.
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- Cook: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes). Stirring constantly prevents the curd from curdling and ensures a smooth texture.
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- Add Food Coloring: Add a few drops of orange food coloring if you like.
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- Cool: Transfer the curd to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to prevent a film from forming on top. Cool to room temperature. Covering the curd with plastic wrap prevents a skin from forming and ensures a smooth texture.
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- Make the Orange Curd:
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- Assemble and Garnish: When the cheesecake is completely set, pull the overhang of the foil to lift it from the pan and transfer it onto a cutting board. Spread the orange curd on top. Garnish with whipped cream, orange wedges, and mint leaves if desired. Garnish adds a finishing touch and enhances the visual appeal of the dessert.
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- Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese for a smooth filling.
- Chill thoroughly for firm bars.
- Use fresh orange juice for best flavor.
- Cool curd completely before spreading.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American