Name: Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups almond flour; 1/3 cup salted butter, melted; 1/4 cup Joy Filled Eats Sweetener (or preferred sweetener alternative); 3 tbsp almond butter; 1-2 tbsp gelatin; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup Joy Filled Eats Sweetener (or preferred sweetener alternative); 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp orange extract (or orange zest); Orange food coloring (optional); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tsp Joy Filled Eats Sweetener (or preferred sweetener alternative); 1 tsp gelatin (optional); 2 tbsp cold water (for dissolving gelatin); Orange slices for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 28 reviews

If you have a sweet spot for nostalgic flavors and creamy textures, you absolutely need to try this Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Recipe. This dessert perfectly captures the classic orange creamsicle flavor in a luscious, velvety cheesecake form that is sure to impress everyone at your table. Bright, tangy orange notes blend seamlessly with smooth cream cheese and a subtly sweet almond flour crust, creating a delightfully refreshing treat. Whether for a special occasion or to brighten up a weekday, this cheesecake is a showstopper you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single white pie crust forms a round base with a light golden-brown edge, filled with a thick, smooth, light beige cream layer that has small bubbles on its surface. Next to the pie is a clear white container filled with a similar light beige cream with a soft texture. Both rest on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a critical role, from building a moist, flavorful crust to crafting a creamy, dreamy filling bursting with citrus goodness.

Almond flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides a nutty, gluten-free base that’s perfect for the crust’s tender texture.
Salted butter (1/3 cup, melted): Binds the crust ingredients with a rich, buttery flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Sweetener (Joy Filled Eats or alternatives – various amounts): Balances the tartness and adds the ideal level of sweetness without overpowering the orange zest.
Almond butter (3 tbsp): Adds creaminess and depth to the crust, complementing the almond flour beautifully.
Gelatin (1-2 tbsp): Essential for giving the cheesecake its perfect, firm yet creamy consistency without baking.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the filling, lending that classic cheesecake creaminess and tang.
Cottage cheese (1 cup): Adds a smooth texture and lightness to the filling, balancing richness.
Sour cream (1/4 cup): Enhances the tangy undertones and adds a luscious mouthfeel.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Deepens the overall flavor and pairs beautifully with the orange.
Orange extract or zest (1 tsp): Delivers the unmistakable bright, citrus punch central to the creamsicle flavor.
Orange food coloring (optional): Boosts the vibrant color to make the cheesecake even more visually appealing, though it’s completely optional.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Whipped into peaks, this tops the cheesecake with a light, airy finish.

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the No-Bake Crust

Start by combining almond flour, melted salted butter, sweetener, and almond butter in a food processor until the mixture comes together evenly. This crust forms the wonderful base of your cheesecake, offering a subtle nuttiness that complements the bright orange flavor beautifully. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into a standard 9-inch pie plate to create a sturdy base that will support the creamy filling.

Step 2: Bloom the Gelatin

Sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and let it stand for about 5 minutes. Once it’s bloomed, stir in 1/4 cup of very hot water to dissolve the gelatin completely. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to ensure no lumps remain. This step is key for achieving the cheesecake’s perfect set without baking.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a food processor, blend softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sweetener until the mixture is ultra-smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla extract, pulsing to combine fully. Then, slowly add your gelatin mixture, making sure it’s lump-free by straining again if necessary. This silky filling is where the magic happens—rich, tangy, and dense in the best way.

Step 4: Add the Orange Swirl

Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the crust to create a clean, creamy layer. Add your orange food coloring to the remaining filling for that vibrant creamsicle hue, then pour it carefully on top of the plain layer. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two layers for an eye-catching and delicious marbled effect.

Step 5: Chill to Set

Place your cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hours, allowing the gelatin to fully firm up the layers. This chilling time is crucial for achieving the ideal texture—smooth but sliceable, light but rich.

Step 6: Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping

Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form for a fluffy, cloud-like topping. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of gelatin in 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir in sweetener. Fold this gelatin mixture gently into the whipped cream to help the topping hold its shape longer. Pipe or spread this onto your set cheesecake for a professional finish and garnish with fresh orange slices for extra zing and color.

How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Recipe

A round pie with one main smooth layer of light orange filling sits in a clear pie dish on a white marbled surface. The crust is thin and light brown, holding the filling. Around the edge of the pie, there are white swirls of whipped cream evenly spaced, each topped with a small yellow-orange slice. In the center of the pie, there is a circle made of white whipped cream with one small yellow-orange slice on top. The colors are soft: light orange for the main layer, white for the whipped cream, and yellow-orange for the fruit slices. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Delight your guests by topping the cheesecake with fresh orange slices, which not only look beautiful but also enhance the citrus flavor. A light sprinkle of orange zest over the top adds a fragrant, edible decoration that complements each bite perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serve this cheesecake with a handful of mixed berries or a crisp, fruity sorbet on the side. Light salads or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream make wonderful companions, balancing the richness and adding refreshing contrasts.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra special presentation, try serving the cheesecake in mini glass jars or individual ramekins with layered fillings and swirls. Drizzle a little orange syrup or marmalade on top to enhance the creamsicle vibe and provide a glossy finish that’s as delicious as it is stunning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Recipe refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor. It will stay deliciously creamy and moist for about 3 to 4 days, perfect for enjoying a slice or two over time without losing its charm.

Freezing

You can freeze this cheesecake for longer storage. Slice into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When stored properly, it keeps well for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results without compromising texture.

Reheating

Since this is a no-bake, chilled dessert, reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving if you prefer a slightly softer texture. This gentle warming will enhance the flavors without melting the structure.

FAQs

Can I use a different sweetener?

Absolutely! While this recipe suggests Joy Filled Eats Sweetener, you can substitute with other keto-friendly or natural sweeteners like erythritol or stevia. Just be sure to adjust quantities according to sweetness levels as some sweeteners are more potent than others.

Is this cheesecake gluten-free?

Yes, the use of almond flour in the crust makes this cheesecake gluten-free. Just double-check any added ingredients to be sure, especially if using pre-packaged sweeteners or extracts.

Can I make this cheesecake vegan?

This recipe relies heavily on dairy products and gelatin, so making it vegan would require several ingredient swaps, such as plant-based cream cheese and a vegan gelling agent like agar agar. The texture and flavor will differ, but with some experimentation, it can be adapted.

What if I don’t have orange extract?

If you don’t have orange extract, fresh orange zest works wonderfully to impart natural citrus flavor. You could also experiment with a splash of orange juice, but reduce other liquids slightly to keep the cheesecake from becoming too loose.

Can I bake this cheesecake instead?

This particular Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Recipe is designed as a no-bake dessert, relying on gelatin to set. Baking it would change the texture dramatically, so it’s best to follow the recipe as written for the iconic creamy, mousse-like consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a dessert that brings back childhood memories while feeling elegant enough for any celebration. This Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Recipe is that perfect blend of nostalgic flavor and gourmet texture that anyone can master. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and fall in love with this bright, creamy delight just like I did.