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orange creamsicle cheesecake slice on pastel pink plate with whipped cream orange zest garnish creamy citrus cheesecake dessert
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Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake – Creamy Orange Vanilla Cheesecake Recipe

This Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake is rich, creamy, and bursting with bright citrus and smooth vanilla flavor. Made with fresh orange zest, silky cream cheese, and a buttery graham cracker crust, this nostalgic dessert tastes just like a classic creamsicle ice cream bar in cheesecake form. Perfect for summer gatherings, holidays, or make-ahead desserts, this orange vanilla cheesecake is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress.
Course Dessert, Holiday Dessert, Make-Ahead Dessert, Summer Dessert
Cuisine American, Modern American Baking
Keyword baked orange cheesecake with graham crust, bakery style orange cheesecake, best orange cheesecake recipe, creamy orange vanilla cheesecake, easy creamsicle cheesecake recipe, homemade orange cheesecake, make ahead cheesecake dessert, nostalgic creamsicle dessert, orange creamsicle cheesecake recipe, summer citrus cheesecake recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Chill time 6 hours
Total Time 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings 12 slices
Calories 480kcal
Cost $16 for entire recipe

Equipment

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Microplane or citrus zester
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Aluminum foil (for water bath)
  • Large roasting pan (for water bath)
  • Cooling rack
  • Piping bag (optional, for whipped topping)

Ingredients

Crust

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • Pinch salt

Cheesecake Filling

  • 24 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of 2 oranges
  • ⅓ cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 small box instant vanilla pudding mix optional but stabilizes + boosts creamsicle flavor
  • Few drops orange gel color optional

Creamsicle Topping

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • Orange zest for garnish

Instructions

Prepare crust

  • Preheat oven to 325°F.
  • Mix graham crumbs, butter, sugar, and salt.
  • Press into springform pan.
  • Bake 10 minutes. Cool.

Make filling

  • Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  • Add eggs one at a time.
  • Mix in sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla, orange zest, juice, and pudding mix.
  • Optional: add orange coloring.
  • Pour into crust.

Bake

  • Wrap pan in foil and place in water bath.
  • Bake 50–55 minutes until center slightly jiggly.
  • Turn oven off, crack door, cool 1 hour.
  • Refrigerate 6 hours or overnight.

Topping

  • Whip cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to soft peaks.
  • Spread or pipe onto cheesecake.
  • Garnish with orange zest.

Notes

  • For the best orange creamsicle cheesecake flavor, use fresh orange zest and juice — bottled juice won’t deliver the same bright citrus taste.
  • Allow all ingredients to reach room temperature to create a smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter.
  • Baking the cheesecake in a water bath helps prevent cracks and gives a creamy, bakery-style texture.
  • The instant vanilla pudding mix is optional but adds stability, enhances the classic creamsicle flavor, and helps the cheesecake slice cleanly for photography.
  • Chill the cheesecake at least 6 hours (overnight is ideal) so the orange vanilla flavors fully develop.
  • This cheesecake freezes well, making it a perfect make-ahead summer dessert for parties and holidays.
  • For variation, swirl in orange curd, add white chocolate chips, or top with whipped cream for an extra nostalgic creamsicle dessert experience.