Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake

I love orange cream desserts and this Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake has the perfect orange flavor to compliment the other layers. I’ve made this recipe for countless occasions including birthdays, potlucks, and just because I was craving it. It takes a little bit of effort to make each layer but I promise that the result is worth the work.

The layers in this cheeescake are everything!! The tangy and sweet cheesecake layer is balanced by the orange cream cheese layer which includes jello and real orange juice. The orange jello layer has a great texture to offset the creaminess of the others. Combine those with the crunchy graham cracker crust and it’s heaven.

If you like orange dessert recipes, you will love Orange Fluff Salad and Orange Bundt Cake.

Why You’ll Love This Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Recipe

• No-bake recipe: None of the ingredients or layers of this orange creamsicle cheesecake are baked.
• Perfect for orange cream lovers: This orange cheesecake tastes exactly like other orange creamsicle desserts and treats.
• Great to make ahead: Prepare this cheesecake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it.

Ingredients

This orange cream dessert consists of four layers and below you will find all of the ingredients needed. Some ingredients are used in more than one layer so be sure to check the recipe card to make your grocery list.

• Graham crackers: I like the subtle sweetness of graham crackers for the crust. They also have the best texture when combined with the butter. Vanilla wafers work well, too!
• Brown sugar: Light brown sugar to the graham crackers helps balance the flavor of the butter and add a bit of sweetness.
• Butter: Salted or unsalted butter will work well here. I prefer unsalted but it’s up to you and your palate.
• Jello: The obvious choice for this recipe is orange Jello to maximize the orange flavor. Feel free to use any brand of orange gelatin that you want. We will be using it for the cream cheese layer and a layer of it on its own for the top layer.
• Cream cheese: The cream cheese must be at room temperature before you add it or it will be lumpy. Leave it on the counter for at least 30 minutes before you make this layer. You will be using cream cheese in two layers of the dessert.
• Condensed milk: This adds richness and sweetness as well as helps the both cream cheese layers from becoming too thin.
• Orange juice and zest: I use fresh orange juice and orange zest for authentic orange flavor to complement the jello.
• Heavy cream: Ensure that the heavy cream is cold before you whip it. It will hold its peaks better when making the two cheesecake layers.
• Powdered sugar: I prefer powdered sugar over granulated sugar in no-bake recipes. It adds sweetness without a gritty taste.
• Food coloring: This is optional, but you may add a little orange food coloring for a brighter color.
• Vanilla extract: The subtle vanilla flavor helps reinforce the creamsicle flavor that pairs with the orange.
• Gelatin: The unflavored gelatin is meant to stabilize the cheesecake layer — more specifically the whipped cream.

See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients, exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

• Chocolate Orange: Add melted chocolate before you add the orange jello layer for extra richness.
• Strawberry Orange: Use strawberry Jello in the Jello or cream cheese layer for even more fruit flavor.
• Almond orange: Swap the vanilla extract in the cheesecake layer for almond extract and add crushed almonds to the crust for a nutty note.

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake

Here are the instructions on how to make this orange cream cheesecake. It will be chilled in between each layer to ensure that it’s set and doesn’t run together. This way, each slice is pretty and you can see each distinct layer.

To get started, line your springform pan with parchment and spray it with cooking spray so it comes out easily.

Step 1: Mix the crust. Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs and mix together with the brown sugar and melted butter until well combined.

Step 2: Press into the pan. Press the buttery crumbs firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan. Set it aside.

⭐️ PRO TIP: If you don’t have a food processor, place the crackers into a large zi0ploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

Step 3: Combine boiling water and jello for the orange cream cheese layer. Boil the water and pour it into a large mixing bowl. Then, stir in the packet of jello until it fully dissolved. Stir in cold water and let the jello mixture cool.

Step 4: Beat cream cheese. Add the cream cheese to a separate bowl and beat it with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Add condensed milk and orange juice. Use the mixer to add the sweetened condensed milk and orange juice to the cream cheese.

Step 6: Add zest and food coloring. Stir the orange zest and food coloring (if desired) into the cream cheese layer.

Step 7: Beat the cream. In a third bowl, add the heavy cream. Beat it with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.  Stir in powdered sugar.

Step 8: Combine the mixtures with jello. Fold the whipped cream mixture into the cream cheese mixture. Then, stir in the cooled jello.

Step 9: Add to the crust and chill. Scoop the finished orange cream cheese into the crust and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Step 10: Make Plain Cheesecake Layer. Beat the cream cheese with the electric mixer until smooth. Next, mix in the condensed milk.

Step 11: Combine cream and powdered sugar. Add the cream to a separate bowl and beat until you have stiff peaks. Then, mix in the powdered sugar.

Step 12: Microwave the water and gelatin. Add water to a microwave-safe bowl and add the unflavored gelatin. Let it sit for about 2 minutes. Then, microwave the mixture for 30 seconds. Stir it well and let it sit for an additional 2 minutes to cool.

Step 13: Combine the gelatin mixture and cream cheese. Once it’s cooled, pour the gelatin mixture into the cream cheese. Then, fold the whipped cream into the mixture as well.

Step 14: Add layer to pan and chill. Spread the cheesecake layer over the chilled cream cheese layer and place it back in the refrigerator for another 2 hours.

Step 15: Combine hot water and jello. Stir the jello packet into the hot water until it fully dissolves. Next, add the cold water and mix it well.

Step 16: Spoon over the cheesecake and chill. Carefully spoon the cooled jello over the cheesecake layer. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Step 17: Decorate and Serve. Remove the creamsicle cheesecake from the springform pan. Garnish with more whipped cream and orange slices. Enjoy a slice!

⭐️ Hint: You may use a hand mixer or stand mixer when beating the cream cheese and whipped cream — whatever you prefer or have on hand is great!

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers of this orange cheesecake recipe in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Allow it to fully thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying it.
• Make Ahead: Since the cheesecake needs time to set in the refrigerator, prepare it the night before a party or when you plan to serve it.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy a refreshing fruity beverage with a slice of this cheesecake. Try Orange Gin and Tonic Cocktail, Pink Mojito, or Moscato Sangria with Melon to compliment the orange flavor.
• Try a creative twist! Spoon Cranberry Jalapeno Jam or Mango Jalapeno Jam onto your piece of no-bake creamsicle cheesecake. It adds sweetness and a hint of spice.

Recipe Tips

• Plan ahead: Be sure to read through the full instructions before getting started. The recipe is pretty easy but there are three layers to prepare so it may take a bit more time than some desserts.
• Chill each layer long enough: Allow each layer of the cheesecake plenty of time to chill in the refrigerator before you add the next one so they don’t run together.
• Add food coloring: You may add orange food coloring to any of the layers to enhance the orange color.
• Don’t pour the prepared jello: For the jello layer, ensure that you spoon it gently and don’t pour it so it stays separate from the cheesecake layer.

Recipe FAQs

More No-Bake Cheesecake Recipes

Do you like easy no-bake desserts? Here are some recipes you may also like to try!

Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.

Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake

Karin and Ken

This creamy no-bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is an easy orange dessert. It has the right amount of citrus flavor and sweetness from all three layers.

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Chill 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 803 kcal

Equipment

• 1 10 inch springform pan
• 1 Hand mixer

Ingredients

  

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Crust

• 1 ¾ cups graham cracker crust or vanilla wafers
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter melted

Orange Cream Cheese Layer

• ¾ cup boiling water
• 3 ounce package orange jello
• ¼ cup cold water
• 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese room temp
• 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• Orange food coloring optional

Cheesecake Layer

• 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese room temperature
• 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons cold water
• 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin

Orange Jello Layer

• 1 3-ounce package orange flavored gelatin
• 1 cup boiling water
• ½ cup cold water

For Serving

• whipped cream orange wedges, mint leaves

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

 

Crust

• Line a 10 inch springform pan with parchment paper. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
• Crush or blend the graham crackers, then stir in the brown sugar.
• Add the melted butter and stir until well combined.
• Press the crust evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan. (Use a flat bottomed glass or a measuring cup to press the crust down.)

Orange Cream Cheese Layer

• Place the boiling water in a large bowl and stir in the jello. Add the cold water and stir.
• In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until creamy, then add the sweetened condensed milk, and orange juice.
• Beat the heavy cream until stiff, then add the powdered sugar and beat until combined.
• Stir in the orange zest and food coloring.
• Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Then stir in the jello.
• Spread evenly over the crust and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Cheesecake Layer

• Beat the cream cheese until creamy and add the sweetened condensed milk and beat until combined.
• Beat the heavy cream until stiff, then add the powdered sugar and beat until combined.
• Place the water in a microwave safe bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over the water. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir until combined, then let it cool for 2 minutes.
• Beat vanilla and then the gelatin into the cream cheese. Fold in the whipped cream.
• Spread evenly over the orange layer and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Orange Jello Layer

• Pour the hot water in a bowl and stir in the jello until dissolved, then add the cold water.
• Gently spoon the jello over the cheesecake layer.
• Refrigerate for 2 hours.
• Remove and let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes, then unmold and serve.
• You can decorate with whipped cream, orange slices and mint leaves.

Notes

• Plan ahead: Be sure to read through the full instructions before getting started. The recipe is pretty easy but there are three layers to prepare so it may take a bit more time than some desserts.
• Chill each layer long enough: Allow each layer of the cheesecake plenty of time to chill in the refrigerator before you add the next one so they don’t run together.
• Add food coloring: You may add orange food coloring to any of the layers to enhance the orange color.
• Don’t pour the prepared jello: For the jello layer, ensure that you spoon it gently and don’t pour it so it stays separate from the cheesecake layer.

Nutrition

Calories: 803kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 14gFat: 53gSaturated Fat: 29gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 144mgSodium: 547mgPotassium: 433mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 63gVitamin A: 2047IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 303mgIron: 1mg

Keyword no bake cheesecake, orange cheesecake, orange creamsicle cheesecake

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