Elegant Orange Blossom Cheesecake Recipe

Elegant Orange Blossom Cheesecake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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The aroma of orange blossoms and zest hints at how heavenly this delicate cheesecake tastes. Gingersnap cookie crumbs make a great base and glazed orange slices a lovely topping.—Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Elegant Orange Blossom Cheesecake Recipe

Prep: 40 min. Bake: 70 min. + chilling

Yield: 12 Servings

40 70 110

Ingredients

3 cups crushed gingersnap cookies (about 60 cookies)
2 teaspoons plus 2 tablespoons grated orange peel, divided
1/3 cup butter, melted
1-1/2 cups orange juice
1/3 cup sliced fresh gingerroot
4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup sugar
6 ounces white baking chocolate, melted
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 eggs, lightly beaten
CANDIED ORANGE SLICES:
3 cups water
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 small navel oranges, thinly sliced

Directions

Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan.
In a large bowl, combine crumbs, 2 teaspoons orange peel and butter. Press onto bottom and 2-in. up sides of prepared pan.
In a large saucepan, combine orange juice and ginger; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until syrupy and reduced to about 3 tablespoons. Strain and discard ginger.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in ginger syrup, melted chocolate, vanilla and remaining orange peel. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour into crust. Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan.
Bake at 325° for 70-80 minutes or until center is just set and top appears dull. Remove springform pan from water bath; remove foil. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight.
For candied orange slices, in a large skillet, combine water and sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is completely dissolved. Add orange slices. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 45 minutes or until translucent. Drain oranges on a wire rack; arrange in a single layer on waxed paper to dry.
Remove sides of pan. Top cheesecake with candied orange slices. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 12 servings.