If you adore the decadent pairing of rich chocolate and bright, zesty orange, this Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Pots Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. These individual pots marry the crumbly crunch of a buttery shortbread base with a luxuriously creamy cheesecake filling infused with the unmistakable flavor of Terry’s Chocolate Orange. Each bite delivers a silky texture and a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus tang that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Whether you’re whipping these up for a cozy night in or as an impressive dessert for guests, the Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Pots Recipe promises a show-stopping finish to any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple yet carefully chosen ingredients that work together beautifully to create the perfect texture and flavor contrast. From the buttery crunch of shortbread biscuits to the smooth richness of cream cheese and the iconic chocolate orange that adds a festive flair, each ingredient plays a vital role.
- Shortbread biscuits, 200 g: Provide a buttery and crumbly base that holds everything together with a satisfying crunch.
- Unsalted butter, 100 g, melted: Binds the biscuit crumbs perfectly while adding a rich depth of flavor.
- Cream cheese, 280 g: The creamy heart of the cheesecake filling, offering a smooth and tangy foundation.
- Icing sugar, 10 g: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the orange and chocolate notes.
- Terry’s Chocolate Orange, 190 g (about 1.5 oranges): Infuses the filling with that iconic harmonious blend of chocolate and citrus.
- Double cream, 150 ml: Whipped into the filling to keep it light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth.
- Extra Terry’s Chocolate Orange segments: Reserved for garnish to give each pot a festive and elegant finishing touch.
How to Make Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Pots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Base
The base is the foundation of these cheesecake pots, so start by finely crushing your shortbread biscuits into crumbs. Pour the melted unsalted butter over the crumbs and mix well to combine; this ensures your base will hold together firmly. Press the mixture evenly into the bottoms of your chosen serving pots or glasses, creating a compact layer that will add a delightful crunch to every spoonful. Then, pop them in the fridge to set while you prepare the luscious cheesecake filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Begin by softening the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy, then beat in the icing sugar for just the right touch of sweetness. Next, chop up the Terry’s Chocolate Orange and gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring that the chocolate and orange flavors are evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, whip the double cream until soft peaks form, then carefully fold it into the cheesecake mixture. This step adds lightness and ensures your filling is delightfully airy.
Step 3: Assemble the Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Pots
Once your biscuit base is chilled and set, spoon the cheesecake filling over the top, filling each pot generously. Smooth the surface with the back of a spoon or spatula, creating an inviting smooth finish. Return the pots to the fridge and let them chill for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cheesecake to set perfectly.
Step 4: Decorate and Serve
Just before serving, add extra segments of Terry’s Chocolate Orange to each pot as a garnish. The bright orange pieces perched atop the creamy filling create a striking contrast and add an extra burst of fresh citrus flavor. This final touch is both visually stunning and utterly delicious.
How to Serve Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Pots Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Pots Recipe with extra segments from the Terry’s Chocolate Orange you used in the filling. A sprinkle of finely grated orange zest or a dusting of cocoa powder can also add aroma and subtle color, making these pots look irresistible at first glance and taste even better.
Side Dishes
These cheesecake pots are wonderfully rich on their own, but serving them alongside some fresh berries or a tangy fruit coulis can add a lovely contrast. Raspberry or blackberry compote pairs beautifully, offering a tartness that complements the smooth, sweet orange and chocolate flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering crushed shortbread, cheesecake filling, and chocolate orange pieces in clear jars or stemmed glasses to create beautiful, layered desserts. Adding a fresh mint leaf on top gives a pop of green that brightens the presentation and adds a hint of freshness when served.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Pots Recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them covered with plastic wrap or lids to maintain freshness and prevent the cheesecake from absorbing any other fridge odors.
Freezing
While cheesecake pots are best enjoyed fresh or chilled, you can freeze them if needed. Cover each pot tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the texture and taste as much as possible.
Reheating
This dessert is best served cold and doesn’t require reheating. In fact, warming it up would compromise the creamy texture and the fresh chocolate orange flavor, so stick to enjoying it chilled straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use any other chocolate instead of Terry’s Chocolate Orange?
Absolutely! Terry’s Chocolate Orange is iconic for its citrus-chocolate combo, but you can experiment with other orange-flavored chocolates or even dark chocolate with orange zest. Just note the flavor will vary slightly from the classic dessert.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan cream cheese and coconut cream, plus dairy-free butter spreads. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might shift slightly but should still be delicious.
Can these cheesecake pots be made in advance?
Yes, they actually taste best after resting for several hours or overnight. Making them ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cheesecake to set perfectly, making your dessert prep easy and stress-free.
What size pots or containers work best for this recipe?
Small to medium-sized glass jars, ramekins, or dessert glasses work wonderfully for making individual portions. Choose something about 150-200 ml in volume to get the perfect ratio of biscuit to filling in each pot.
How can I make the biscuit base crunchier?
To achieve an extra crunchy base, you can bake the crushed biscuit and butter mixture for 8–10 minutes before adding the cheesecake filling. Just allow it to cool completely before assembling to keep the layers neat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving an indulgent dessert that feels both comforting and vibrant, the Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Pots Recipe is a must-try. It’s such a joy to make and even more satisfying to eat, especially when shared with friends or family. Trust me, these pots are bound to become a treasured classic you’ll reach for again and again.
PrintChocolate Orange Cheesecake Pots Recipe
Delight in these indulgent Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Pots, featuring a rich shortbread biscuit base topped with a creamy, zesty chocolate orange filling. Perfect as an elegant dessert or a special treat, this no-bake recipe combines the smoothness of cream cheese and double cream with the unique citrus-chocolate flavor of Terry’s Chocolate Orange, finished with decorative chocolate segments for a stunning presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (melting chocolate)
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 6 cheesecake pots
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Biscuit Base
- 200 g shortbread biscuits
- 100 g unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 280 g cream cheese
- 10 g icing sugar
- 190 g Terry’s Chocolate Orange (about 1.5 chocolate oranges, save half for decoration)
- 150 ml double cream
Decoration
- Extra Terry’s Chocolate Orange segments, from the chocolate oranges used above
Instructions
- Prepare the Biscuit Base. Crush the shortbread biscuits finely using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Mix the crushed biscuits with the melted unsalted butter until fully combined. Spoon the mixture evenly into serving pots or glasses and press down firmly to create a compact base. Chill in the fridge while preparing the filling.
- Melt the Chocolate Orange. Break the Terry’s Chocolate Orange into pieces and gently melt it using a bain-marie or microwave in short bursts while stirring to avoid burning. Allow it to cool slightly while continuing to prepare other ingredients.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and icing sugar together until smooth and creamy. Whip the double cream separately until soft peaks form, then fold the whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture. Gradually add the melted chocolate orange and fold it through until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Cheesecake Pots. Spoon the cheesecake filling over the biscuit bases in the pots, smoothing the tops for an even finish. Cover the pots and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Decorate and Serve. Before serving, garnish each cheesecake pot with extra Terry’s Chocolate Orange segments to add visual appeal and an extra burst of flavor. Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, chocolaty, citrusy delight.
Notes
- Use good quality shortbread biscuits for the best flavor and texture in the base.
- Melting the chocolate gently is crucial to prevent it from seizing or burning.
- Allow the cheesecake pots to set properly in the fridge for a firm and creamy texture.
- These cheesecake pots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to substitute double cream with whipping cream if preferred.