Elegant Orange Blossom Cheesecake
“The aroma of orange zest hints at how heavenly this delicate cheesecake tastes. Gingersnap cookie crumbs make a distinctive crust, while glazed orange slices become a blossomlike topping.” —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| Servings | Prep Time | Cook Time |
| 16servinga | 40minutes | 70minutes + chilling |
| Servings | Prep Time |
| 16servinga | 40minutes |
| Cook Time |
| 70minutes + chilling |
Ingredients
- 3 cups crushed gingersnap cookies about 60 cookies
- 2 tsp plus 2 tbsp grated orange zest divided
- 1/3 cup butter melted
- 1-1/2 cups orange juice
- 1/3 cup sliced fresh gingerroot
- 4 packages cream cheese softened, 8 ounces each
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 6 oz white baking chocolate melted
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs lightly beaten
- CANDIED ORANGE SLICES:
- 3 cups water
- 1-1/2 cups sugar
- 2 small navel oranges thinly sliced
Portions: servinga
Units:
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Ingredients
Portions: servinga
Units:
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Instructions
- Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan.
- In a large bowl, combine crumbs, 2 teaspoons orange zest and butter. Press onto bottom and 2-in. up sides of prepared pan.
- In a large saucepan, combine orange juice and ginger; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until syrupy and reduced to about 3 tablespoons. Strain and discard ginger.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in ginger syrup, melted chocolate, vanilla and remaining orange zest. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour into crust. Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan.
- Bake at 325° for 70-80 minutes or until centre is just set and top appears dull. Remove springform pan from water bath; remove foil. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight.
- For candied orange slices, in a large skillet, combine water and sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is completely dissolved. Add orange slices. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 45 minutes or until translucent. Drain oranges on a wire rack; arrange in a single layer on waxed paper to dry.
- Remove sides of pan. Top cheesecake with candied orange slices. Refrigerate leftovers.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
1 slice: 752 calories, 35g fat (18g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 660mg sodium, 101g carbohydrate (55g sugars, 2g fibre), 10g protein.
