If you’re on the hunt for a delightful dessert that packs a punch of flavor without any fuss, this Mini Chocolate Orange Cheesecakes Recipe is the answer to your sweet dreams. Imagine velvety cream cheese mixed with luscious melted chocolate orange, all perched on a crisp digestive biscuit base, perfectly portioned in cute little shot glasses. It’s the ultimate treat that balances rich chocolate and zesty orange notes effortlessly, making it an instant favorite for parties or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture that define this Mini Chocolate Orange Cheesecakes Recipe. Each component plays its part, from the buttery biscuit base to the creamy filling and decadent chocolate topping.
- 150 g Digestive biscuits: Provides the perfect crumbly and buttery base for each mini cheesecake.
- 80 g Butter, melted: Helps bind the biscuit crumbs into a firm, delicious crust.
- 150 g Terry’s Chocolate Orange: The star ingredient, melted for a fragrant and indulgent orange-chocolate blend.
- 500 g Full fat cream cheese: Adds rich creaminess to the filling for that classic cheesecake texture.
- 80 g Icing sugar: Sweetens the mixture just right without overpowering the other flavors.
- 200 ml Double cream: Whipped to perfection, it lends lightness and fluffiness to the filling.
- 30 Terry’s Minis: A charming finishing touch that adds a bit of crunch and extra orange essence.
- Orange zest: Sprinkled on top for a fresh, citrusy pop that elevates the whole dessert.
- Festive sprinkles: Adds a playful, colorful sparkle ideal for celebrations.
How to Make Mini Chocolate Orange Cheesecakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Lay out 30 shot glasses on your work surface so you’re ready to assemble these beauties. Blitz the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Mix the crumbs thoroughly with the melted butter, ensuring the texture is like wet sand. Divide this mixture evenly between the shot glasses and press down firmly with your finger or the back of a spoon to create a solid base that will hold the creamy filling perfectly.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Orange
Take 150 grams of Terry’s Chocolate Orange and melt it slowly over a bain-marie or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring in between. Allow it to cool completely to avoid melting the cream cheese later on. This melted chocolate orange will bring that signature zesty chocolate flavor that makes this Mini Chocolate Orange Cheesecakes Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a spacious mixing bowl, beat the full-fat cream cheese and icing sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Pour in the double cream and whip with an electric mixer until thick peaks form – this ensures a light, fluffy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy base. Once the whipped cream is ready, gently fold in the cooled melted chocolate orange, combining everything into a luscious, swirled filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecakes
Transfer the filling into a piping bag and snip off the end. Pipe an equal amount of the chocolate orange mixture into each shot glass, filling them just right for a perfect mini portion. This piping method ensures a neat, professional look and saves you from messy spooning.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Place one Terry’s Mini on top of each cheesecake for extra chocolaty oomph. Sprinkle fresh orange zest across all, adding an aromatic zing that wakes up the senses. Finish with festive sprinkles to add a fun, celebratory touch. These mini desserts are ready to serve immediately – no chilling needed!
How to Serve Mini Chocolate Orange Cheesecakes Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your mini cheesecakes with extra garnishes like finely grated orange zest or a tiny fresh mint leaf for a pop of color and freshness. You can also add a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of orange-infused syrup for a subtle flavor lift that makes every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
These mini treats pair wonderfully with a light fruit salad or a bowl of fresh berries to balance the richness. If you’re serving these at a party, a pot of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of sparkling wine complements the chocolate and orange flavors beautifully, turning your dessert experience into a real celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Forget the ordinary—serve these Mini Chocolate Orange Cheesecakes Recipe portions in elegant shot glasses, mini jars, or even decorative ramekins for an impressive presentation. Layering the crumbs and filling in clear containers allows the vibrant color contrast to shine through, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator in an airtight container or securely wrapped to avoid any absorption of other fridge odors. They will stay fresh and creamy for up to three days, giving you plenty of time to indulge again or share with friends.
Freezing
While these mini cheesecakes are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them if needed. Place them on a baking tray first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve the delicate texture.
Reheating
Since these are chilled desserts, reheating is not recommended. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off, which will soften the filling slightly and enhance the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of Terry’s Chocolate Orange?
Absolutely! While Terry’s Chocolate Orange is iconic for this recipe, dark or milk chocolate combined with orange zest can make a delicious alternative. Just ensure you melt and cool it similarly for the best consistency.
How long will these Mini Chocolate Orange Cheesecakes last in the fridge?
They taste freshest within three days when stored in an airtight container. Beyond that, the texture may begin to change, so it’s best to enjoy them relatively soon after making.
Can I make these cheesecakes dairy-free or vegan?
With some substitutions like plant-based cream cheese, dairy-free cream, and vegan-friendly chocolate, you can adapt the recipe. The texture might be slightly different, but the essence of the Mini Chocolate Orange Cheesecakes Recipe will still delight.
Do these need to be baked?
No baking required! These are no-bake cheesecakes, which makes them quick and easy to prepare, perfect for when you want a show-stopping dessert without turning on the oven.
What can I use if I don’t have shot glasses?
Small jars, espresso cups, or mini ramekins work wonderfully as alternatives. Just make sure they’re small enough to create that perfect bite-sized serving your guests will love.
Final Thoughts
This Mini Chocolate Orange Cheesecakes Recipe is one of those magical desserts that feels special yet is incredibly simple to whip up. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends, these little bites of creamy, zesty chocolate goodness will bring joy with every spoonful. Give it a try—you’ll be wondering why you didn’t discover it sooner!
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Mini Chocolate Orange Cheesecakes Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 30 mini cheesecakes
Description
Delight in these festive Mini Chocolate Orange Cheesecakes, perfect bite-sized treats combining a crunchy digestive biscuit base with creamy chocolate orange-flavored filling, topped with Terry’s Minis, fresh orange zest, and sparkling festive sprinkles. Easy to prepare without baking, ideal for holiday parties or quick sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
Base
- 150 g Digestive biscuits
- 80 g Butter, melted
Filling
- 150 g Terry’s Chocolate Orange
- 500 g Full fat cream cheese
- 80 g Icing sugar
- 200 ml Double cream
Topping
- 30 Terry’s Minis
- Orange zest (from one orange)
- Festive sprinkles (e.g., gold stars from Sainsbury’s)
Instructions
- Prepare Base: Blitz the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or by hand with a rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until fully combined.
- Assemble Base: Lay out 30 shot glasses on your workspace. Divide the biscuit mixture evenly among them, pressing firmly down with your finger or the end of a spoon to form a compact base.
- Melt Chocolate Orange: Gently melt the Terry’s Chocolate Orange in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave. Stir until smooth and allow to cool completely to avoid curdling the cream cheese filling.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the full fat cream cheese with icing sugar. Mix until smooth and free of lumps.
- Whip Double Cream: Add the double cream to the cream cheese mixture and use an electric whisk to whip the mixture until thick peaks form, making it fluffy and light.
- Combine Chocolate: Gently fold the cooled melted chocolate into the cream cheese filling until well incorporated, maintaining the airy texture.
- Pipe Filling: Transfer the cheesecake filling into a piping bag and cut off the tip. Pipe the filling evenly into each shot glass over the biscuit base.
- Add Topping: Place one Terry’s Mini on top of each cheesecake. Sprinkle with fresh orange zest and decorative festive sprinkles to finish.
- Serve: These mini cheesecakes can be enjoyed immediately without chilling, making them perfect for quick service or parties.
Notes
- You can crush biscuits using a zip-lock bag and rolling pin if you don’t have a food processor.
- Ensure melted chocolate is cool before folding in to prevent the filling from splitting.
- For firmer texture, chill the cheesecakes in the fridge for 1-2 hours before serving.
- Use full fat cream cheese and double cream for best rich and creamy results.
- Festive sprinkles can be substituted or omitted depending on dietary preferences or allergies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: No-Bake Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British
