Mandarin Orange Cheesecake: A Citrus Delight Perfect for Tea and Coffee Times

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:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 165°C (329°F). Line a 26 cm cake pan with parchment paper.
2. 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.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla sugar, heavy cream, cornstarch, and lemon zest. Mix well until smooth.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully into the mixture.
5. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the biscuit base. Arrange the mandarin orange segments on top.
6. 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.
7. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside with the door ajar for an hour to cool gradually.
8. Remove from the oven and let it reach room temperature before refrigerating.
9. 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!