This delightful Orange and Jaffa Cheesecake is a wonderful blend of refreshing citrus flavors, creamy texture, and a rich chocolate glaze. Made with Jaffa biscuits and a touch of Fanta for a twist, this no-bake dessert is an ode to the classic combination of orange and chocolate. The cheesecake has a crunchy Jaffa biscuit base, a creamy and zesty orange filling, and a glossy dark chocolate glaze on top. Perfect for any occasion, this cheesecake is a crowd-pleaser with its unique texture and vibrant flavor. Let’s dive into how to make this rich, decadent dessert!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Base:

200 g (7.1 oz) Jaffa biscuits
1 orange (zest and juice)

500 ml (17 fl oz) Fanta (orange soda)
45 g (1.6 oz) starch (cornstarch or potato starch)

For the Cream:

300 g (11 oz) cream cheese

150 g (5.3 oz) powdered sugar
400 ml (14 fl oz) whipping cream
15 g (0.5 oz) orange peel (zested)

For the Glaze:

120 g (4.2 oz) dark chocolate
25 ml (0.8 fl oz) vegetable oil

For Decoration:

80 g (2.8 oz) Jaffa biscuits (crumbled or whole for decoration)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Crush the Jaffa Biscuits: Place the 200 g of Jaffa biscuits in a food processor and blitz until you have fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the biscuits in a plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin.
Make the Orange Mixture: In a small saucepan, heat the 500 ml of Fanta over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the 45 g of starch to avoid lumps. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
Add Orange Zest and Juice: Grate the zest of 1 orange and juice the orange. Add both the zest and juice to the thickened Fanta mixture, stirring well.

Form the Base: Press the crushed biscuits into the bottom of a greased or lined 23 cm (9-inch) springform tray. Pour the orange-Fanta mixture on top and smooth it out with a spatula. Place the tray in the fridge to chill and firm up for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Layer

Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the 400 ml of whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In another bowl, beat together the 300 g of cream cheese and 150 g of powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the zested orange peel for extra flavor.

Combine the Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until everything is combined, and the cream is smooth and airy.
Spread the Cream: Remove the base from the fridge and evenly spread the cream mixture over the biscuit and orange layer. Use a spatula to smooth the top.

Step 3: Prepare the Glaze

Melt the Dark Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the 120 g of dark chocolate over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir in the 25 ml of vegetable oil to create a glossy, smooth glaze.

Pour the Glaze: Once the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth, pour it over the cream layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 4: Decorate and Serve

Decorate with Jaffa Biscuits: Before the chocolate glaze sets, crumble 80 g of Jaffa biscuits on top or place them in decorative patterns. You can also add some extra orange zest for a final touch.
Chill the Cheesecake: Place the cheesecake in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set.

Cooking Tips:

Ensure Proper Chilling: Make sure to chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours before serving. The longer it chills, the firmer and easier it will be to slice.
Alternative Biscuit Base: If you can’t find Jaffa biscuits, you can substitute with plain digestive biscuits and add a bit of melted butter to help them hold together.
Zest Carefully: When zesting oranges, avoid the white pith, as it can add a bitter taste to the cheesecake.

Perfect Chocolate Glaze: Be careful not to overheat the chocolate when melting. If it becomes too hot, it can seize up. The addition of oil keeps the glaze shiny and smooth.

Storage:

Refrigeration: Store the cheesecake in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep it covered to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors.
Freezing: You can freeze the cheesecake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 9 Slices):

Calories: 450 kcal
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g

Carbohydrates: 39g
Sugar: 28g
Protein: 6g

Sodium: 240mg
Fiber: 2g

FAQs:

1. Can I make this cheesecake without Fanta?
Yes, you can substitute Fanta with freshly squeezed orange juice if you prefer a more natural flavor. The orange juice will still work well with the starch to create a thick base.

2. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the glaze?
Absolutely! If you prefer milk chocolate or white chocolate, feel free to use those instead. Just be aware that it will change the overall flavor profile of the cheesecake.

3. Can I prepare the cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, this cheesecake can be prepared a day in advance. In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, and the texture will be perfect.

4. Can I use light cream cheese or reduced-fat ingredients?
Yes, you can substitute full-fat cream cheese with a light version if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the texture may be slightly less rich and creamy.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe is not gluten-free because Jaffa biscuits typically contain gluten. You can, however, make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free biscuits and ensuring the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Conclusion:

This Orange and Jaffa Cheesecake with Chocolate Glaze is an unforgettable dessert that is not only visually appealing but also a treat for the taste buds. The combination of the zesty orange cream, crunchy Jaffa biscuit base, and rich chocolate glaze creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this cheesecake is sure to impress. Best of all, it’s a no-bake recipe, making it accessible even for beginner bakers. Try it out and enjoy a slice of this citrusy, creamy goodness!