No Bake Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Recipe

ByClara Bennett
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Introduction

This no-bake cranberry orange cheesecake is a refreshing and elegant dessert perfect for any occasion. With a creamy, citrus-infused filling and a tangy cranberry topping, it offers a delightful balance of flavors without needing an oven.

A round cheesecake with three clear layers: a thick light brown crumb crust at the bottom, a thick creamy pale yellow middle layer, and a smooth deep red jelly layer on top. The cake is decorated on the edge with large white whipped cream swirls, each topped with sugared red cranberries and thin orange slices standing upright between the cranberries. One slice is cut out and placed slightly away from the whole cake. The cake sits on a white plate with a scalloped edge, placed on a folded dark pink cloth on a white marbled surface, with some extra cranberries and orange slices blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (268g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tbsp (26g) sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 tbsp (112g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 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
  • 1/2 cup (104g) sugar
  • 3 1/4 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 1/2 cups (250g) cranberries
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1 cup (207g) sugar, divided
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup (100g) fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Grease a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray and line the bottom with a parchment circle. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 2 tbsp sugar, pinch of salt, and melted butter. Mix until all crumbs are moistened.
  3. Step 3: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pan. Place in the fridge to chill while preparing the filling.
  4. Step 4: In a large mixer bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar together until smooth and well combined.
  5. Step 5: Add sour cream, orange juice, and 3 1/2 tsp orange zest. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth. Set aside.
  6. Step 6: In another large bowl, whip 1 1/4 cups cold heavy whipping cream, 3/4 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form.
  7. Step 7: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two parts until fully combined.
  8. Step 8: Pour the filling into the chilled crust and spread into an even layer. Refrigerate while preparing the cranberry topping.
  9. Step 9: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1/2 cup sugar and cornstarch until smooth. Add 2 1/2 cups cranberries, 2 tbsp orange juice, and 1 tsp orange zest. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly. Mash if desired. Avoid boiling for more than 1 minute.
  10. Step 10: Puree the cranberry mixture in a food processor or blender until smooth. Strain to remove skins and lumps. Let cool to room temperature, then spread evenly over the cheesecake filling.
  11. Step 11: Refrigerate the cheesecake for 5-6 hours or overnight until firm.
  12. Step 12: Make the sparkling cranberries: Bring 1/2 cup sugar and water to a simmer in a saucepan until sugar is dissolved. Let cool for 10 minutes, then add 1 cup fresh cranberries and refrigerate, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  13. Step 13: Spread remaining ½ cup sugar on a plate. Roll cranberries in sugar to coat them evenly, then let dry for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  14. Step 14: Remove cheesecake from the springform pan and place on a serving plate.
  15. Step 15: Prepare whipped cream topping by whipping 1 cup cold heavy cream, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tsp orange zest until stiff peaks form.
  16. Step 16: Pipe swirls of whipped cream around the edge of the cheesecake. Garnish with orange slices and the sugared sparkling cranberries.
  17. Step 17: Refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy within 4-5 days for best freshness.

Tips & Variations

  • For a gluten-free crust, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free digestives or almond flour.
  • Use fresh orange zest and juice for the brightest flavor; dried zest will be less vibrant.
  • If you prefer a firmer filling, chill the cream cheese mixture longer before folding in the whipped cream.
  • Try adding a splash of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur to the cranberry topping for an adult twist.
  • Decorate with fresh mint leaves alongside sugared cranberries for added color and aroma.

Storage

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Keep the sparkling cranberries separate until serving to maintain their texture. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled for the best taste and consistency.

How to Serve

A slice of cheesecake with three clear layers: a bottom crumbly brown crust, a thick middle creamy white layer with small orange specks, and a smooth deep red top layer. On top, there are swirls of white whipped cream topped with three sugared red berries and two small orange slices placed vertically. The slice rests on a white plate with a subtle textured rim, placed on a folded bright pink cloth, all set on a white marbled background. Additional sugared red berries sit near the front of the slice, and the whole image is bright and sharp. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on dairy ingredients like cream cheese and heavy cream. You can try substituting with vegan cream cheese and coconut cream, but the texture and flavor will differ.

Do I need a springform pan for this recipe?

A 9-inch springform pan makes it easiest to remove the cheesecake without damage. If you don’t have one, use a cake pan lined with parchment and carefully loosen the edges before serving.

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No Bake Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 502 reviews

A luscious, no-bake cranberry orange cheesecake featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy orange-infused filling, a smooth cranberry topping, and sparkling sugared cranberries for garnish. This elegant dessert combines tangy citrus and tart cranberries with a rich, velvety cream cheese base, perfect for special occasions or festive gatherings.

  • Author: Clara
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: No-Bake Desserts
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 2 cups (268g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tbsp (26g) sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 tbsp (112g) unsalted butter, melted

Filling

  • 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

  • 1/2 cup (104g) sugar
  • 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 Topping

  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions

  1. Make the crust: Grease a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray and line the bottom with a parchment circle. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter until all crumbs are moistened. Press mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Refrigerate to chill.
  2. Make the filling: In a large mixer bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, orange juice, and orange zest, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture in two batches until smooth. Spread the filling evenly into the chilled crust and refrigerate.
  3. Make the cranberry topping: In a medium saucepan, whisk sugar and cornstarch until no lumps remain. Add cranberries, orange juice, and orange zest, stirring to coat. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until cranberries begin to pop and release juices. Mash cranberries and cook until thickened, avoiding boiling for more than 1 minute. Puree mixture in a blender or food processor and strain to remove skins and lumps. Allow to cool to room temperature, then spread over the cheesecake. Refrigerate until firm, 5-6 hours or overnight.
  4. Make sparkling cranberries: Bring 1/2 cup sugar and water to a simmer in a saucepan until sugar dissolves. Let syrup cool about 10 minutes. Add cranberries, stirring to coat; refrigerate 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Spread remaining 1/2 cup sugar on a plate, roll cranberries in sugar, and let dry 30-60 minutes.
  5. Finish the cheesecake: Remove cheesecake from springform pan and place on serving platter. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest until stiff peaks form. Pipe whipped cream swirls around cheesecake edge. Garnish with fresh orange slices and sugared sparkling cranberries. Refrigerate until serving. Best enjoyed within 4-5 days.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth filling.
  • Do not overcook cranberry topping; it will thicken as it cools.
  • Use fresh cranberries for best flavor and texture in topping and garnish.
  • Chilling times are important for the cheesecake to set properly; plan ahead.
  • Sugared cranberries add a festive sparkle and a sweet crunch to the presentation.
  • The cheesecake is best stored refrigerated and served cold.

Keywords: no bake cheesecake, cranberry cheesecake, orange cheesecake, holiday dessert, no bake dessert, creamy cheesecake, festive dessert

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