No-Bake Mandarin Orange Cheesecake: Creamy Citrus Perfection

My first apartment after college was a tiny studio with an even smaller kitchen. The “oven” was really just a glorified toaster and counter space was practically non-existent. When my parents announced they were visiting for the weekend, I panicked about what I could serve to make them think I was thriving in adult life. That’s when I discovered this Mandarin Orange Cheesecake, requiring minimal baking and equipment. The look on my husband’s face when he took his first bite, closed his eyes, and said, “Now this is good,” made all the work worthwhile. This elegant Mandarin Orange Cheesecake strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication.

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Why This Recipe Works

The science behind this perfect cheesecake lies in its chemistry. The acid from the citrus fruits helps to set and thicken the cream cheese mixture, while the sweetened condensed milk provides sweetness and structure without requiring eggs or additional sugar. The digestive biscuit crust (similar to graham crackers but with a nuttier flavor) offers the perfect buttery, slightly spiced base that complements the bright citrus notes. By baking only the crust and allowing the filling to set in the refrigerator, you achieve a lighter, silkier texture than traditional baked cheesecakes while dramatically simplifying the process.

Ingredients

• Digestive biscuit cookies – Creates a nutty, slightly sweet base with perfect crumbly texture
• Butter – Binds the crust together and adds rich flavor
• Freshly grated nutmeg – Provides warm aromatic notes that complement the citrus
• Cream cheese – Delivers creamy tanginess and forms the foundation of the filling
• Sweetened condensed milk – Adds sweetness and helps create a silky texture without baking
• Mandarin oranges – Offer bright, sweet citrus flavor and beautiful color
• Lemon juice – Enhances the citrus notes and helps set the filling
• Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavors with warm, aromatic depth

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Add the digestive biscuit cookies to a food processor and pulse until they form fine crumbs.
3. Transfer the cookie crumbs to a medium bowl.
4. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter and pour over the crumbs.
5. Add 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg to the crumb mixture.
6. Stir everything together until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
7. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan, creating an even layer.
8. Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
9. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
10. In a large mixing bowl, add 16 ounces of softened cream cheese.
11. Pour in 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk.
12. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
13. Mix by hand or with an electric mixer until smooth and completely combined.
14. Peel 2 mandarin oranges and separate into segments.
15. Cut the orange segments into small pieces over the bowl with the cheesecake mixture to catch any juice.
16. Gently fold the orange pieces into the cream cheese mixture.
17. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
18. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
19. Just before serving, peel the remaining mandarin orange and separate into segments.
20. Arrange the orange segments decoratively on top of the cheesecake.
21. Run a thin knife around the edge of the springform pan before releasing the sides.
22. Slice and serve chilled.

Chef’s Notes

The key to a perfectly smooth filling is ensuring your cream cheese is softened adequately before mixing. Leave it at room temperature for an hour, or microwave in 10-second intervals until soft but not melted. When incorporating the orange pieces, gently maintain some texture rather than completely break them down. Try adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the filling or a thin layer of orange marmalade between the crust and filling for an extra special touch. If digestive biscuits aren’t available, graham crackers make an excellent substitute.

Storage Instructions

• This dessert is meant to be served cold and should not be reheated.
• Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• For best texture and flavor, consume within 2-3 days.
• This cheesecake can be frozen (without the decorative orange topping) for up to 1 month.
• To freeze, place the set cheesecake on a flat surface in the freezer until solid, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
• Thaw frozen cheesecake overnight in the refrigerator before decorating and serving.
• Add the fresh mandarin orange segments for decoration only right before serving, as they will release moisture during storage.

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