No-Bake Orange Cream Cheesecake Recipe

With Syracuse University playing in the Final Four this year I wanted to make a special dessert to celebrate and eat during the game on Saturday!  It has been 10 years since Syracuse made the Final Four, so it is not an everyday occurrence.  I received my Master’s Degree from Syracuse, and have lived near the school for many years. Luckily since their mascot is an Orangeman it is fairly easy to make something themed, after all there are lots of ways to incorporate oranges in cooking.

I love cheesecake and haven’t made it in ages, so I decided to make a No-bake Orange Cream Cheesecake. This is a relatively simple recipe with a layer of graham crackers topped with layers of cream cheese and orange gelatin and whipped cream. I also used some mandarin oranges in between the layers. I made a no-bake cheese cake because I was in a hurry, and it is pretty quick and easy.

My big problem now is keeping my family from eating before Saturday’s game, they want to eat it now!

No-bake Orange Cream Cheesecake Recipe

click here for printable recipe

Graham Cracker Layer:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 packets of graham crackers (about 12)
• 1/4 c. sugar
• 1/2 c. melted butter

Directions:

Put the graham crackers in a food processor and process until small crumbs.  Mix in the remaining ingredients.

Cheesecake Layer:

Ingredients:

• 1 8oz package of cream cheese
• 1/4 c. sugar
• 1 c. heavy cream
• 1 T. orange juice

Directions:

Mix the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.  Mix in the orange juice, and then pour in the cream slowly and whip until it becomes thick.

Orange Cream Layer:

Ingredients:

• 1 box orange gelatin
• 1 c. heavy cream

Make gelatin as directed on box using the quick set method. Whip the cream in a mixer until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the gelatin as soon as it starts to set, mixing well.

Putting it all together:

Make all three layers, in the order listed, because the gelatin layer starts to set fast. Press a layer of graham cracker crumbs into the bottom of a dessert dish. Top with a cheesecake layer, and then an orange cream layer. Add mandarin oranges if desired, and then top with another cheesecake and orange cream layer. Refrigerate at least and hour before serving.