If you crave dreamy orange-and-cream flavors but not the oven heat, this No Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is about to be your new favorite dessert. Luscious, vibrant, and shockingly simple to make, it’s an enchanting treat you’ll want on repeat for summer parties, family dinners—or whenever a fruity, nostalgic craving strikes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Oven Needed: All the rich, cheesecake indulgence with zero sweat—this dessert keeps your kitchen cool.
- Nostalgic Creamsicle Flavor: Every bite bursts with creamy orange bliss reminiscent of your favorite summertime treat.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep this beauty in advance and let your freezer do the work—stress-free entertaining at its best.
- Dreamy Texture: The pillowy cream cheese filling melts on your tongue, perfectly balanced by a crunchy graham cracker crust.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical about how a handful of pantry staples become a show-stopping No Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake. Each ingredient contributes to the playful color, lush texture, and craveable citrus zing that makes this dessert so special—so let’s peek inside your kitchen!
- Graham cracker crumbs: Form the sweet, toasty base that supports every creamy forkful; make them yourself or buy pre-crushed for speed.
- Butter (melted): Provides rich flavor and ensures your crust holds together, giving that satisfying crunch.
- Cream cheese (room temperature): The star for silky smoothness and classic cheesecake tang—let it warm up for easy, lump-free mixing.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both crust and filling perfectly, highlighting the citrus without overpowering.
- Mandarin oranges (in light syrup, drained): These juicy gems infuse the cheesecake with authentic orange flavor and sunshiny color.
- Vanilla extract: Brings gentle warmth and rounds out the tang of the cream cheese and the zing of orange.
- Whipped cream (already whipped): Folds into the filling for a mousse-like, cloud-light texture that sets up beautifully in the freezer.
Variations
The real joy of this No Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake? How easy it is to experiment! Whether you’re catering to allergies, love a twist on tradition, or simply want to use up what’s in the fridge, you’ll find endless ways to personalize every slice.
- Swap the Fruit: Try canned peaches, pineapple, or even fresh raspberries—each brings a new burst of summer flavor.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for a crust that everyone can enjoy worry-free.
- Lighten it Up: Substitute Neufchâtel cheese and light whipped topping for a slightly lower-calorie treat that’s still creamy-dreamy.
- Add a Citrus Twist: Add lemon or lime zest to the filling for even brighter, more refreshing flavor notes.
How to Make No Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by thoroughly greasing a 9-inch springform pan—this makes serving so much easier later! In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, mixing with a fork until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Pop the whole thing in the refrigerator to chill for 45–60 minutes while you move on to the dreamy filling.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling
With your crust chilling, add the room-temperature cream cheese, granulated sugar, drained mandarin oranges, and vanilla extract to your stand mixer (or a mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer). Beat it all together until the mixture is silky-smooth and the oranges are fully broken up—don’t worry, some small pieces are delicious!
Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Cream
Switch to a spatula and gently fold in the whipped cream. This step keeps your No Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake light and fluffy—think of a creamy orange cloud! Don’t overmix; just blend until everything is evenly combined.
Step 4: Fill and Freeze
Spoon the filling onto your chilled crust and smooth it gently with a spatula for a picture-perfect finish. Cover and freeze the cheesecake for at least 4 hours—this allows it to set into those perfect, easy-to-slice layers.
Step 5: Slice, Garnish, and Serve
To serve, run a sharp knife under hot water before cutting—this gives you neat, tidy slices. Let the cheesecake rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes to soften slightly, then top decoratively with reserved mandarin oranges and extra whipped cream. Each piece looks irresistible!
Pro Tips for Making No Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake
- Room Temperature Matters: Take the chill off your cream cheese before mixing for an ultra-smooth, creamy filling without lumps.
- Don’t Rush the Freeze: Let your cheesecake freeze for a full 4 hours (or overnight) for perfectly clean slices and the best texture.
- Hot Knife Trick: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry before every cut for crisp, bakery-style slices that wow.
- Flexible Pan Options: If you don’t have a springform, line a regular cake pan with foil or parchment for an easy lift-out option when serving.
How to Serve No Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake
Garnishes
This No Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake loves a little extra flourish! Pile on big swoops of whipped cream, scatter slices of fresh orange or mandarin segments, and finish with a sprinkle of orange zest. The combination makes for a stunning, sunshine-bright presentation.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside fresh mixed berries or a light fruit salad—both make the orange creaminess pop! For summer parties, pair with iced tea or sparkling lemonade for a dessert spread that feels refreshing and fun.
Creative Ways to Present
Try making this cheesecake in individual mason jars for a picnic-perfect treat, or layer cubes of the frozen cake into parfaits with more whipped cream and fruit. For birthdays, pile mini cones with dollops of the chilled filling for a playful, creamsicle-inspired “ice cream” cone!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover No Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake? Lucky you! Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. Store in the freezer for ultimate freshness—it’ll keep beautifully for up to a week. Let it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving again for the best creaminess.
Freezing
This recipe is designed for the freezer—you can even make it weeks ahead! Once fully frozen, wrap your cheesecake (whole or in individual slices) in a double layer of plastic and foil. Just don’t forget those garnishes—they’re best added just before serving for fresh flavor and looks.
Reheating
No reheating needed for this dessert! Simply move your cheesecake from the freezer to the refrigerator about 30–45 minutes before you plan to serve it. This softens the filling to silky perfection, ready to slice and enjoy.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! You can whip your own heavy cream with a little sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Just be careful not to overwhip, or it may become too stiff to gently fold into the cheesecake filling.
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What can I do if I don’t have a springform pan?
No worries! Line a standard cake pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving extra hanging over the sides. Once the cheesecake is set, lift it out carefully using the overhang.
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Can I make this cheesecake dairy-free?
Yes, you can try dairy-free cream cheese and non-dairy whipped topping as substitutes. Just know the texture and flavor may change a bit, but you’ll still get that delightful orange creamsicle vibe!
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How far in advance can I make No Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake?
You can freeze this cheesecake up to two weeks ahead! For best results, decorate just before serving. Leftovers will keep in the freezer for up to 7 days.
Final Thoughts
Give this No Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake a place in your recipe rotation, and watch it steal the show at every occasion. It’s a breeze to put together, bursting with nostalgic flavor, and guaranteed to bring smiles to anyone who takes a bite. Go ahead—treat yourself and those you love!
PrintNo Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, dreamy goodness of this No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake. A delightful dessert that perfectly balances the tangy sweetness of mandarin oranges with the rich smoothness of cream cheese.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
For the Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature (2 block packages)
- 1 cup plus 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup mandarin oranges in light syrup, drained
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream (already whipped)
Instructions
- For the Crust: Thoroughly grease a 9-inch springform pan. In a medium-sized bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press mixture into the pan and refrigerate for 45-60 minutes.
- For the Cheesecake Filling: Mix cream cheese, sugar, oranges, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in whipped cream. Pour filling into the crust and freeze for at least 4 hours. Slice with a hot knife and refrigerate before serving.
Notes
- No springform pan? Line a cake pan with foil or parchment paper for easy removal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg