Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Delight (Ready-to-Print Version)

A luscious blend of chocolate, orange zest, and creamy filling atop a chocolate cookie crust.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Crust

01 - 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (e.g., Oreos or similar)
02 - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

→ Cheesecake Filling

04 - 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
06 - 1 cup sour cream
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 3 large eggs
09 - ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
10 - 2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 1 orange)
11 - ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
12 - ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

→ Topping

13 - Whipped cream (for serving)
14 - Orange slices (for garnish)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
02 - Combine chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and cool.
03 - Beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Gradually add granulated sugar and mix well. Incorporate sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing each thoroughly. Blend in cocoa powder, orange zest, and orange juice carefully to avoid overmixing. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
04 - Pour the filling into the cooled crust and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes until the center is set yet slightly jiggles.
05 - Turn off oven and leave the cheesecake inside for one hour to cool gradually. Remove, bring to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
06 - Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Slice and serve topped with whipped cream and garnished with fresh orange slices as desired.

# Handy Tips:

01 - Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the turned-off oven to minimize cracking.