How To Make Orange Mascarpone Cheesecake With Chocolate Ganache

 

Indulge in a citrusy, creamy, and chocolatey delight with this Orange Mascarpone Cheesecake! This rich, velvety cheesecake combines the zesty freshness of oranges with the luxurious creaminess of mascarpone, all topped with a smooth, decadent chocolate ganache. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating or simply treating yourself.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making a homemade orange mascarpone cheesecake with a crunchy crust, a creamy filling, and a silky chocolate topping. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake

✔️ Citrusy and Refreshing – The orange zest and juice bring a fresh, tangy flavor.

✔️ Rich and Creamy – Mascarpone cheese creates a silky-smooth texture.

✔️ Perfectly Balanced – The sweetness of the cheesecake pairs beautifully with the slight bitterness of the dark chocolate ganache.

✔️ Great for Special Occasions – This cheesecake is a show-stopper at parties, birthdays, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups (180g) crushed graham crackers (or digestive biscuits)

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz (450g) mascarpone cheese, room temperature

• 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, room temperature

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1 tbsp orange zest

• ½ cup (120ml) fresh orange juice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup (180g) dark chocolate, finely chopped

• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

• In a bowl, mix crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.

• Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.

• Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese and cream cheese until smooth.

• Add sugar and mix until fully incorporated.

• One at a time, add the eggs, mixing on low speed to avoid overbeating.

• Stir in the orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until just combined.

3. Bake the Cheesecake

• Pour the filling over the cooled crust.

• Place the cheesecake in a water bath (wrap the bottom of the pan with aluminum foil and place it in a roasting pan filled with hot water).

• Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but set.

• Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour inside.

• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

4. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

• Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it starts to simmer.

• Pour it over the chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes.

• Stir until smooth and glossy.

• Let it cool slightly before pouring over the chilled cheesecake.

5. Decorate & Serve

• Spread the ganache evenly over the cheesecake.

• Garnish with orange slices, chocolate shavings, or whipped cream for extra elegance.

• Slice and serve!

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesecake

✔️ Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This ensures a smoother batter.

✔️ Don’t Overmix – Overbeating can introduce too much air, causing cracks.

✔️ Water Bath is Key – It prevents cracks and keeps the texture silky.

✔️ Chill Overnight – The flavors develop beautifully when the cheesecake is properly chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ricotta instead of mascarpone?

Yes! The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

2. How long does this cheesecake last?

Stored in the refrigerator, it will last 4–5 days in an airtight container.

3. Can I freeze this cheesecake?

Absolutely! Wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Mascarpone Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache is a masterpiece of flavors! The combination of zesty orange, creamy mascarpone, and rich chocolate makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cheesecake is sure to impress.

Try it out and let us know how it turns out in the comments below!