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No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake

This No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is a delightful twist on the classic cheesecake, bringing together the creamy richness of cheesecake with the refreshing, tangy flavor of an orange creamsicle. It's an easy-to-make dessert that requires no baking, making it perfect for warm weather or when you simply want a hassle-free treat. The combination of a buttery vanilla wafer crust, a smooth cream cheese filling, and a vibrant orange jello layer creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz. vanilla wafers
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar separated
  • 4 tbsp. unsalted butter melted (equivalent to ½ stick)
  • 2 packages of cream cheese softened to room temperature (8 oz. each)
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 box of orange jello 3 oz.
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp. vanilla extract
  • Zest of one orange

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Wafer Crust
  2. In a food processor, pulse 12 ounces of vanilla wafers until they are finely crushed. If you don't have a food processor, you can place the wafers in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Transfer the crushed wafers to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add ½ cup of granulated sugar and 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter to the bowl. Stir well until all the crumbs are moistened and the mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Step 2: Press the Crust into the Pan
  4. Grease a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray or a light coating of butter. Pour the vanilla wafer mixture into the pan and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom. You can use the bottom of a measuring cup or a spatula to help create a smooth and compact crust. Once the crust is pressed, place the pan in the freezer to chill for at least 30 minutes. This will help the crust set and prevent it from crumbling when you add the filling.
  5. Step 3: Prepare the Orange Jello Layer
  6. In a large bowl, dissolve one 3-ounce box of orange jello in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir the mixture continuously until all the jello crystals are completely dissolved. This ensures a smooth and clear jello layer. Let the jello mixture cool to room temperature while you prepare the cheesecake filling. It's important that the jello is not too hot when you add it to the filling, as this could melt the cream cheese.
  7. Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
  8. In a large mixing bowl, beat two 8-ounce packages of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of granulated sugar together using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps. Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract and continue beating for another minute to incorporate the vanilla flavor. This step ensures that the cream cheese filling is perfectly smooth and evenly sweetened.
  9. Step 5: Prepare the Whipped Cream and Assemble the Layers
  10. In a separate mixing bowl, whip 2 cups of heavy cream to soft peaks. Gradually add ½ cup of powdered sugar while whipping, and continue whipping until the cream forms stiff peaks. Be careful not to overwhip the cream, as it can turn grainy. Divide the whipped cream into three equal portions. Gently fold one portion of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. In a separate bowl, gently fold another portion of the whipped cream into the cooled orange jello mixture.
  11. Pour half of the orange jello mixture over the chilled vanilla wafer crust, spreading it evenly. Then, pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the orange jello layer, gently swirling the two layers together. Repeat the process with the remaining orange jello mixture and cream cheese mixture, creating a layered effect.
  12. Step 6: Chill the Cheesecake
  13. Cover the springform pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely. This chilling time is essential for the cheesecake to firm up and develop its flavors.
  14. Step 7: Garnish and Serve
  15. Before serving, remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator and carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Garnish the top of the cheesecake with fresh orange zest and the remaining portion of whipped cream. You can also add orange segments or slices for an extra touch of presentation. Slice the cheesecake into wedges and serve chilled.