Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The bitterness of dark chocolate is beautifully complemented by the citrusy sweetness of orange.
- Light & Fluffy: Japanese cheesecake is known for its airy, light texture that feels almost cloud-like in every bite.
- Impressive Presentation: A stunning dessert to serve for special occasions that will wow your guests.
Ingredients
- 200g cream cheese, softened
- 60g unsalted butter
- 100ml whole milk
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 100g granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 70g cake flour
- 30g cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 150g dark chocolate, melted
- Fresh citrus fruits (orange segments, grapefruit slices) for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) and line the base and sides of an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the Chocolate Mixture
In a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate, butter, and milk until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then stir in the orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
3. Incorporate the Cream Cheese
Add the softened cream cheese to the cooled chocolate mixture and beat until smooth and creamy.
4. Mix the Egg Yolks
Whisk the egg yolks with sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the citrus-chocolate-cream cheese mixture and blend until smooth.
5. Add Dry Ingredients
Sift in the cake flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the batter until just combined.
6. Whip the Egg Whites
In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold them into the chocolate-orange batter to maintain a light and airy texture.
7. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and tap it on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until the top is set.
8. Cool the Cake
Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar. Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling)
Variations
- Chocolate Lovers: Add extra melted chocolate to the batter for an even richer chocolate flavor.
- Different Citrus: Experiment with other citrus fruits like mandarins or grapefruits for a twist on the flavor profile.
- Toppings: Garnish with whipped cream or chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cheesecake in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This cheesecake can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: Best served chilled. If desired, warm the cheesecake slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, feel free to use milk chocolate or white chocolate, but dark chocolate creates the best balance with the orange flavor.
2. Can I make this cheesecake without citrus zest?
You can skip the citrus zest, but it adds a unique flavor that enhances the chocolate.
3. Can I use a different type of cake pan?
Yes, you can use a 9-inch round pan, but adjust the baking time as necessary.
4. How do I keep the cheesecake from cracking?
Be sure not to overbake the cheesecake. Also, cooling it slowly in the oven with the door slightly ajar helps prevent cracking.
5. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, this cheesecake is even better the next day, so feel free to prepare it in advance.
Conclusion
Chocolate Orange Japanese Cheesecake is the perfect combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange flavors in a light, airy cake. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a treat to enjoy with friends and family, this cheesecake will surely impress!
