This Orange Mascarpone Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache is a decadent dessert featuring creamy mascarpone cheese, fresh orange zest, and a rich chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for any occasion, this cheesecake offers a delightful blend of citrusy and chocolaty flavors that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
For the crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
16 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tbsp orange zest
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the chocolate ganache:
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a springform pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until it resembles wet sand. Press this mixture into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the orange juice, orange zest, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and bake for 50-60 minutes, until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour inside the oven before transferring it to the fridge. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for 2 minutes and stir until smooth.
Once the cheesecake is chilled, pour the ganache over it, spreading evenly with a spatula. Let the ganache set before slicing and serving.
Fruit Toppings: Add fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries on top for extra color and flavor.
Nutty Crust: Swap some of the graham cracker crumbs with crushed nuts (like almonds or pecans) for a more textured crust.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers or a nut-based crust to make the cheesecake gluten-free.
Freezing: You can freeze the cheesecake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.