This Mandarin Orange Cheesecake combines the crunchy, buttery base of crushed biscuits with a rich and creamy filling, topped with delightful mandarin oranges. The base is made from either digestive biscuits or a similar type, bound together with melted unsalted butter, creating a firm foundation for the luscious cream cheese layer. Infused with vanilla, a hint of lemon zest, and mandarin oranges, this cheesecake is not just a dessert; it's an experience. The smooth texture of the cream cheese filling contrasts beautifully with the tangy citrus topping, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This: The unique combination of mandarin oranges and cream cheese offers a refreshing twist on traditional cheesecake. The citrus notes cut through the richness of the cream, making it a lighter, more palatable option for those who find classic cheesecakes too heavy. Additionally, this recipe is straightforward, ensuring a delightful dessert that can be made without too much hassle.
Perfect Occasion: This Mandarin Orange Cheesecake is ideal for serving as a sophisticated dessert at dinner parties, afternoon tea, or coffee gatherings. It's also a fantastic choice for holidays and celebrations, where a show-stopping dessert is required. The bright citrus flavor makes it particularly appealing during the spring and summer months.
Decoration Tips: For an elegant presentation, arrange extra mandarin orange segments on top of the cheesecake before serving. A sprinkle of grated lemon zest or a few mint leaves can add color and enhance the flavor. For a festive touch, drizzle a little caramel or chocolate sauce over the top.
Ingredients:
- For the base:
- 350 grams of digestive biscuits
- 150 grams of melted unsalted butter
- For the cream filling:
- 600 grams of cream cheese
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 150 ml of heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
- Zest of one lemon
- 4 eggs
- For the topping:
- 1 can of mandarin oranges, drained
Instructions:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 165°C (329°F). Line a 26 cm cake pan with parchment paper.
- Crush the biscuits in a food processor until fine. Mix with the melted butter and press into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a solid base.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla sugar, heavy cream, cornstarch, and lemon zest. Mix well until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully into the mixture.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the biscuit base. Arrange the mandarin orange segments on top.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the top is set but slightly wobbly in the center.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside with the door ajar for an hour to cool gradually.
- Remove from the oven and let it reach room temperature before refrigerating.
- Chill for several hours, preferably overnight, before serving.
Enjoy this delicious Mandarin Orange Cheesecake, a refreshing dessert that's as beautiful as it is tasty!