Orange Cream Cheesecake

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so light, so refreshing


For years I've collected the hardcover Taste of Home Cookbooks. I enjoy going through them now and then just for inspiration. I was reading the one from the year 2003 recently when I came across this one again and remembered that my sister Karen has made it and always says how refreshing it is. It is a fuss free, no bake, not your run of the mill cheesecake. It's an easy, fun recipe. The next flavor on my list to try is Lime. MMM, I can taste it already.


For the crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon orange zest
½ cup butter, melted


zesting the orange peel


Mix all crust ingredients and pour in melted butter.


Mix thoroughly and press into the bottom of a greased 10 inch Springform pan.


Refrigerate at least 30 minuters.

Filling:
1 package (3 oz.) orange gelatin
3 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
1¼ cups sugar
5 oz. evaporated milk
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/3 cup orange juice concentrate
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 carton (8 oz.) Cool Whip, thawed

Prepare gelatin according to package directions. Set aside ½ cup at room temp. Chill remaining jello until slightly thickened, about 80 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar for 2 minutes. Gradually beat in the milk and lemon juice.


Beat on medium-high speed for another 2 minutes.

Gradually beat in the orange juice concentrate, vanilla and room temperature jello.


Fold in Cool Whip.



I ended up stirring it with the Bosch paddles and then finishing by hand till it was smooth.


Pour over prepared crust and spread evenly.


Chill in refrigerator till firm before adding the topping.

Topping:
8 oz. Cool Whip
Chilled remaining jello



In a bowl combine the Cool Whip and the jello and whisk gently till evenly mixed. Chill for 30 minutes. Spoon onto chilled filling and spread carefully and evenly. Pan will be full to the brim.


The original recipe asks for a ¼ cup of sugar in the topping but I chose not to add it and it worked out fine.

Chill completely, preferably over night, before serving.

Be Blessed!

Linking to the New Blogger party @ Debbies
 Funky Junk Interiors
 The Tattered Tag
Time Travel Thursday
Made It Monday
Food Fight Friday
The Charm of Home
Cupcake Apothecary

Comments

  1. MelanieFebruary 14, 2011 at 4:03 PM

    Wow...this looks awesome! I always wanted to make a cheesecake, but it takes too much effort and time. This is perfect. Thanks for sharing! I found you at Debbiedoo's and am now a follower. Come check me out!

    Melanie
    youmadethat.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. MarthaFebruary 14, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    Hey thanks, and welcome to my blog. I hope you try the cheesecake, you will love it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. CindyFebruary 14, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    Oh my, that sound delicious!
    Happy Valentine's Day!
    Hugs, Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  4. DebbiedoosFebruary 14, 2011 at 4:49 PM

    Martha you are such a good cook!!~ Happy Valentines day. XO

    ReplyDelete
  5. DianeFebruary 14, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    This looks incredibly delicious. Thank God there aren't any calories in staring longingly at my monitor and wishing I lived next door to you!

    ReplyDelete
  6. SarahFebruary 15, 2011 at 10:16 AM

    Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. It looks so delicious and definitely something I want to try. Have a blessed day!

    ReplyDelete
  7. PamFebruary 15, 2011 at 11:01 AM

    It looks so pretty AND delicious.

    ReplyDelete
  8. MarthaFebruary 15, 2011 at 1:19 PM

    Thank You ladies, I'd be very happy to share the leftovers :) I think I'll go visit my neighbor. :) She will love it.

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownFebruary 28, 2011 at 1:36 AM

    I am such a cheesecake junkie, thanks for supporting my habit. :) What a yummy recipe, can't wait to try it. Please share all this yumminess with my followers, link to my blog bash K.I.S.S. Happy to be a new follower. :)

    http://thetatteredtag.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownMarch 5, 2011 at 11:18 PM

    Love your yummy recipe, thanks for linking up to my blog bash K.I.S.S. @ The Tattered Tag. Please link up more of your great ideas tomorrow. :)

    Drop by The Tattered Tag

    ReplyDelete
  11. Liz @ the Brambleberry CottageMarch 16, 2011 at 11:35 PM

    This sounds really yummy! Cheesecake is one of my favorite desserts.

    Thanks for sharing this at my party. I would love to have you link up each week.

    By the way, I just joined you as a follower.

    Blessings,
    Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
    http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  12. The Charm of HomeApril 21, 2011 at 6:02 PM

    Martha,
    I love cheesecake and I love orange cake. This sounds so good. Orange flavor in a graham cracker crust, sounds delicious! I will have to try this recipe! Have a lovely Easter! Thanks for linking up!
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  13. DiannApril 21, 2011 at 7:43 PM

    Oh this looks so yummy! I have already saved to favorites!

    ReplyDelete

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