Light Orange Cheesecake

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

A creamy, citrus-infused cheesecake with a light orange flavor, perfect for brunches or dessert tables, appealing to those who enjoy fresh, tangy, and sweet treats.

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Ingredients

  • unflavored gelatin
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • sugar
  • vanilla
  • graham cracker crumbs
  • egg
  • orange rind
  • cottage cheese

Instructions

  1. Sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup orange juice in a blender.
  2. Heat remaining 1 cup of orange juice to boiling and add to the blender.
  3. Cover and blend at high speed until gelatin dissolves.
  4. Add orange rind, 1/2 cup sugar, salt, egg yolks, cottage cheese, and vanilla.
  5. Cover and blend until smooth.
  6. Pour into a large bowl and chill until mixture mounds slightly when dropped from a spoon.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved before adding other ingredients. You can substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar to taste. To enhance the orange flavor, consider adding a splash of orange extract. This cheesecake is a lighter option compared to traditional cheesecake recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this light orange cheesecake chilled, garnished with fresh orange slices or a drizzle of orange syrup. It pairs beautifully with a side of whipped cream or a light fruit salad. For a delightful contrast, consider serving it alongside a slice of Lemon Cool Whip Pie. Enjoy as a refreshing dessert for warm weather gatherings or as a light finish to any meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its texture, avoid freezing, as it may become watery upon thawing. If you want to reheat it slightly, do so in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power, but serve chilled for the best taste.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Light Orange Cheesecake contains roughly 208 calories, with 1g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 500mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).

208 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.9g 2% DV
Total Fat 0.3g
Carbs 15.9g 6% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 7.7g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 500.1mg 22% DV
Potassium 173.4mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 3.4mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.4mcg
Vitamin C 11.3mg 13% DV
Calcium 18.1mg 1% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cheesecake in advance?

Yes, this cheesecake can be made a day ahead. Simply prepare it, chill it overnight, and serve it the next day. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures a firmer texture. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.

Is it possible to use a different type of juice?

Absolutely! While orange juice is key for the flavor, you can experiment with other citrus juices like lemon or lime for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the sweetness levels may vary, so adjust the sugar accordingly to balance the tartness of the juice used.

Can I use a different crust instead of graham cracker crumbs?

Yes, you can use a variety of crusts. Consider using crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even a nut-based crust for a gluten-free option. Just ensure the crust is firm enough to hold the cheesecake filling, and adjust the sugar in the crust if your chosen base is already sweet.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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