Mandarin - Orange Cheese cake

Mandarin Orange Cheesecake Recipe from Iceland | Graham Cracker Crust

Region / culture: Iceland | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 8 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Mandarin Orange Cheesecake is a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the bright and tangy flavor of mandarin oranges. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a special celebration.

History

The combination of citrus fruits and creamy cheese has been a popular dessert choice for centuries. The addition of mandarin oranges to cheesecake adds a unique twist to this classic dessert, creating a refreshing and flavorful treat that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

1.67 cups of graham cracker crumbs
5 tbsp of sugar
5 tbsp of soft butter
90 g of lemon gelatin (such as jell-o or Royal)
1 cup of boiling water
500 g of unflavored cream cheese, softened at room temperature
1 tsp of vanilla extract
0.5 cups of sugar
1 cup of whipped cream
1 can (480 g) of mandarin orange sections
0.5 cups of juice from mandarin oranges
2 tbsp of lemon juice
2 tsp of unflavored gelatin powder or 2 sheets of unflavored gelatin

How to prepare

Mix together cracker crumbs, 5 tbsp of sugar, and soft butter.
Press the mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a spring mold (22 cm in diameter).
Bake for 8 minutes at 175°C.
Remove from the oven and let it cool.
Dissolve the lemon gelatin in boiling water.
Allow it to cool, but make sure it doesn't set completely!
In a separate bowl, mix together cream cheese, 0.5 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract.
When the lemon gelatin is about half-set, carefully mix it into the cheese mixture, little by little.
Fold in the whipped cream and pour the mixture into the mold over the crumb shell.
Let it cool for about 1 hour.
Drain the mandarin oranges well, reserving 0.5 cup of the juice.
Add lemon juice to the reserved juice.
Warm up the juice and dissolve the flavorless gelatin in it.
Allow it to cool, stirring occasionally.
Arrange the orange sections on top of the cheesecake in a pattern.
Gently spoon or brush the mandarin gelatin over the top.
Let it cool until set.
Remove the sides from the mold and serve.

Variations

For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and light whipped cream.
You can also try using different citrus fruits, such as lemon or lime, in place of mandarin oranges for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soften the cream cheese at room temperature before using it in the recipe to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Be careful not to overmix the cheesecake batter, as this can result in a dense and heavy texture.

- Allow the mandarin gelatin topping to cool slightly before pouring it over the cheesecake to prevent it from melting the cream cheese layer.

- For best results, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours before serving to allow it to set properly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mandarin Orange Cheesecake chilled, garnished with additional mandarin orange slices and a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful Mandarin Orange Cheesecake is to ensure that the cream cheese is properly softened and that the gelatin is dissolved and cooled before adding it to the cheesecake batter.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have mandarin oranges on hand, you can use canned pineapple or peaches as a substitute. You can also use a pre-made graham cracker crust instead of making your own.

Make Ahead Tips

Mandarin Orange Cheesecake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Just be sure to add the mandarin orange topping right before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

For a beautiful presentation, arrange the mandarin orange slices in a decorative pattern on top of the cheesecake before adding the gelatin topping. You can also garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Mandarin Orange Cheesecake pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience. You can also serve it with a glass of sweet dessert wine for a more indulgent treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Mandarin Orange Cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mandarin Orange Cheesecake contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mandarin Orange Cheesecake contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mandarin Orange Cheesecake contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Mandarin Orange Cheesecake contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Mandarin oranges are a good source of vitamin C, providing a boost to your immune system. The cream cheese in this recipe also contains calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese) and gelatin, which may be allergens for some individuals. Please check for any specific allergies before serving.

Summary

Mandarin Orange Cheesecake is a delicious dessert that provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also offers a good source of vitamin C and calcium.

Summary

Mandarin Orange Cheesecake is a delicious and refreshing dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and tangy citrus flavor, this dessert is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha for a cup of tea. As we chatted about our favorite memories and recipes, she suddenly pulled out a tattered old cookbook from her kitchen shelf.

"Have you ever tried making a Mandarin Orange Cheesecake, my dear?" Martha asked, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "It's absolutely divine!"

I had never heard of such a dessert before, but I was intrigued. Martha flipped through the pages of her cookbook and found the recipe, her fingers tracing the faded ink on the yellowed paper. As she read aloud the ingredients and instructions, I could practically taste the creamy cheesecake and tangy mandarin oranges in my mind.

I knew right then and there that I had to try making this Mandarin Orange Cheesecake for myself. Martha graciously wrote down the recipe for me, and I tucked it away in my own collection of treasured recipes.

That weekend, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. The scent of sweet vanilla and tangy citrus filled the air as I mixed together cream cheese, sugar, and eggs to create the rich, velvety cheesecake batter. I carefully folded in the mandarin oranges, their vibrant orange segments adding a burst of color to the mix.

As the cheesecake baked in the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation and excitement. Would my version of Martha's cherished recipe turn out as delicious as hers? I anxiously watched the cheesecake rise and set, the edges turning a golden brown as the center remained slightly jiggly.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the cheesecake was ready. I carefully removed it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator to set. The next day, I sliced into the chilled cheesecake and took my first bite.

The flavors were incredible. The creamy cheesecake was perfectly balanced by the bright, citrusy tang of the mandarin oranges. Each bite was a symphony of textures and tastes, and I couldn't believe that I had made something so delicious with my own two hands.

From that day on, Mandarin Orange Cheesecake became a staple in my dessert repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

Over the years, I have added my own twists and variations to the original recipe. Sometimes I would experiment with different types of citrus fruits, like blood oranges or tangerines. Other times, I would create a graham cracker crust or swirl in a raspberry sauce for added flair.

But no matter how many variations I tried, Martha's original Mandarin Orange Cheesecake recipe remained a timeless classic. It was a reminder of that fateful summer day when I discovered a new favorite dessert and forged a deeper bond with my dear friend.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that momentous occasion, I can't help but smile. Cooking has always been a source of joy and comfort for me, and sharing recipes with loved ones is a way to pass on that joy to others.

So if you ever find yourself in need of a show-stopping dessert for a special occasion, I urge you to give this Mandarin Orange Cheesecake recipe a try. Who knows, it may just become a cherished favorite in your own collection of recipes, passed down through the generations for years to come.