No Bake Orange Vanilla Cloud Cheesecake

Welcome to a journey of making the most ethereal orange-infused cheesecake that will transport you to dessert paradise. This no-bake masterpiece combines the bright essence of citrus with pillowy vanilla cream, all atop a perfectly crisp cookie base.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• 8-inch springform pan
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Microplane zester
• Parchment paper
• Food processor
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Piping bag with star tip

Ingredients

For the Base

• 250g vanilla cookies, finely crushed
• 120g unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp orange zest

For the Filling

• 750g cream cheese, room temperature
• 200g granulated sugar
• 2 tsp alcohol free vanilla extract
• 240ml heavy whipping cream
• 3 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 2 tbsp orange zest
• 7g agar agar powder
• 120ml water

For the Topping

• 200ml heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp alcohol free vanilla extract
• Crushed candied orange peel
• Fresh mint leaves
• Gold sugar sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Base Preparation
   • Line the base of your springform pan with parchment paper
   • Process cookies until finely ground
   • Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter and orange zest
   • Press mixture firmly into the base of the pan
   • Refrigerate while preparing filling
2. Filling Creation
   • Combine agar agar with water in a small saucepan
   • Bring to a boil while stirring constantly
   • Simmer for 2 minutes until completely dissolved
   • Beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy
   • Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat
   • Mix in vanilla extract and orange zest
   • Fold in orange juice
   • Let the agar agar mixture cool slightly (but not set)
   • Slowly stream in warm agar agar mixture while mixing constantly
   • Whip cream separately until stiff peaks form
   • Gently fold whipped cream into cheese mixture
3. Assembly
   • Pour filling over chilled base
   • Smooth surface with spatula
   • Refrigerate for minimum 6 hours or overnight
4. Decoration
   • Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla
   • Pipe decorative swirls around the edge
   • Sprinkle with crushed candied orange peel
   • Garnish with fresh mint leaves
   • Add gold sugar sprinkles if desired

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature
• Beat cream cheese until completely smooth before adding other ingredients
• Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor
• Chill the cake thoroughly before decorating
• Keep refrigerated until serving

Storage Guide

Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. The cheesecake can be frozen without decoration for up to 1 month.

Recipe Variations

• Substitute lemon for orange for a classic citrus version
• Add white chocolate to the filling for extra richness
• Try different cookie bases like shortbread or ginger snaps
• Experiment with seasonal fruit toppings

This recipe yields 10-12 servings and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare plus chilling time.