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Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated with butter and the mixture begins to clump together.
Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch square baking pan (or a similarly sized rectangular pan). You can use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press it down firmly.
Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
Add the granulated sugar and continue mixing until fully combined and smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
Stir in the sour cream, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and the filling is smooth and creamy.
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust in your baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to make sure it’s evenly distributed.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake Squares
Bake the cheesecake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. It should have a firm edge but a slightly soft middle. Don’t worry if it cracks a little on top; this is completely normal.
Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool for about 1 hour. This helps prevent it from cracking as it cools.
After the cheesecake has cooled for an hour, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to set.
Step 4: Optional Orange Glaze
While your cheesecake squares are chilling, you can prepare an optional orange glaze for an extra burst of citrus flavor:
In a small saucepan, combine orange juice and powdered sugar.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens slightly (about 3-5 minutes).
Let the glaze cool completely before drizzling it over the cheesecake squares just before serving.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, use a sharp knife to cut it into squares. For clean cuts, wipe the knife between slices.
If desired, drizzle with the orange glaze, or simply serve the cheesecake as is, topped with extra orange zest or a few orange slices for garnish.
Tips for the Best Orange Cheesecake Squares
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth, lump-free filling, make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
Don’t Overmix: When adding the eggs, mix just until incorporated to prevent too much air from getting into the batter, which can cause cracks during baking.
Chill Overnight: For the best texture and flavor, let the cheesecake chill overnight. This allows the filling to firm up and the flavors to develop fully.
Extra Orange Flavor: If you want even more citrusy punch, you can add a little more orange zest or orange juice to the filling. Just be mindful not to add too much liquid, as this could affect the cheesecake’s texture.
Garnish: You can top the cheesecake with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a bit of grated dark chocolate for a fun twist.
Why You’ll Love These Orange Cheesecake Squares
These Gorgeous Orange Cheesecake Squares offer the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet, making them a dessert that everyone will love. They’re easy to make, refreshing, and great for serving in bite-sized portions. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just because, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
With the bright, citrusy notes of fresh orange juice and zest blending beautifully with the smooth cream cheese filling, every bite is like a celebration in your mouth. And the best part? You don’t need to worry about making a complicated cheesecake with a water bath or springform pan. These squares are foolproof!
So the next time you’re looking for a stunning dessert that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, make these Orange Cheesecake Squares. They’ll quickly become your new go-to recipe for any occasion!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent, these Gorgeous Orange Cheesecake Squares are the perfect choice. With their creamy filling, buttery crust, and zesty orange flavor, they’re sure to impress everyone at the table. Plus, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
The tangy citrus flavor, complemented by the sweet, velvety cheesecake, makes these squares an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to something delicious, these cheesecake squares are bound to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation. Enjoy!
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