Mandarin Orange Cheesecake with Orange Sauce

Mandarin Orange Cheesecake with Orange Sauce Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mandarin Orange Cheesecake with Orange Sauce

History

The combination of citrus fruits and creamy desserts has been a popular choice in many cuisines around the world for centuries. The use of mandarin oranges in desserts can be traced back to ancient China, where these fruits were prized for their sweet and juicy flavor. The addition of orange sauce to cheesecake is a modern twist on this classic flavor pairing, creating a unique and delicious dessert that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

1 can (11 oz / 312 g) mandarin oranges, well drained, reserving juice
1 package (8 oz / 227 g) cream cheese
1 package (3 oz / 85 g) cream cheese
0.5 cup sugar
2 eggs
0.5 cup toasted whole wheat bread crumbs
2 cups water

Orange sauce

0.25 cup sugar
0.5 tsp orange extract
0.5 cup reserved mandarin orange juice
2 tsp cornstarch

How to prepare

Line a soufflé dish or a 6-inch springform pan with aluminum foil (ensuring they fit easily inside your cooker).
Arrange orange sections decoratively on the bottom of the dish.
Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
Add 0.5 cup of sugar to the cream cheese and continue beating.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Pour the mixture over the orange sections.
Sprinkle with crumbs.
Securely cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Place a cooking rack or trivet and 2 cups of water in a pressure cooker with a capacity of at least 6 qt (5.68 liters).
Put the dish on the rack.
Lock the lid and bring the pressure cooker to full pressure.
Adjust the heat to maintain pressure and cook for 20 minutes.
Immediately cool the cooker by placing it in a sink filled with 4 inches of cold water.
Let it sit for 1 – 2 minutes.
Remove the cheesecake from the cooker and let it cool in the soufflé dish on a wire rack.
Loosen the edges and unmold the cheesecake.
Refrigerate until chilled.
Meanwhile, for the orange sauce, mix 0.25 cup of sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan.
Stir in 0.5 cup of reserved mandarin orange juice.
Cook and stir until the sauce boils and thickens.
Stir in the extract.
Allow the sauce to cool and then spoon it over the cheesecake.

Variations

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and sugar substitute.
Add a splash of orange liqueur to the orange sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
Top the cheesecake with whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to beat the cream cheese until smooth to ensure a creamy and lump-free cheesecake.

- Adding the eggs one at a time and beating well after each addition helps to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.

- Toasting the crumbs before sprinkling them on top of the cheesecake adds a delicious crunch and depth of flavor.

- Cooling the cheesecake in the soufflé dish before unmolding helps to set the cheesecake and prevent it from falling apart.

- Spooning the orange sauce over the chilled cheesecake just before serving adds a burst of citrus flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mandarin Orange Cheesecake with Orange Sauce chilled, garnished with fresh mint leaves or additional mandarin orange slices for a beautiful presentation. Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe utilizes a pressure cooker to cook the cheesecake quickly and evenly. The pressure cooker creates a moist and tender texture, perfect for cheesecakes.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use graham cracker crumbs or crushed vanilla wafers in place of toasted crumbs.

- If mandarin oranges are not available, you can use canned peaches or pineapple as a substitute.

- Orange zest can be used in place of orange extract for a more intense citrus flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Mandarin Orange Cheesecake with Orange Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The orange sauce can also be made in advance and refrigerated until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

To create a stunning presentation, unmold the cheesecake onto a serving platter and drizzle the orange sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh orange slices and mint leaves for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mandarin Orange Cheesecake with Orange Sauce with a glass of sweet dessert wine, such as Moscato or Riesling, to complement the citrus flavors of the dessert. Alternatively, serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Mandarin Orange Cheesecake with Orange Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature and enjoy chilled or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mandarin Orange Cheesecake with Orange Sauce contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

Each serving of Mandarin Orange Cheesecake with Orange Sauce contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Mandarin Orange Cheesecake with Orange Sauce contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Mandarin oranges are a good source of vitamin C, providing a boost to your immune system and overall health. 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 eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals. Please be mindful of any dietary restrictions or allergies when preparing and serving this dish.

Summary

Mandarin Orange Cheesecake with Orange Sauce is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. Enjoy this dessert in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Mandarin Orange Cheesecake with Orange Sauce 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 easy to make and perfect for any special occasion or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with family and friends. Enjoy the creamy texture of the cheesecake paired with the zesty orange sauce for a delicious and satisfying dessert experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. The bright colors of the mandarin oranges and the creamy texture of the cheesecake seemed like the perfect combination. I knew I had to learn how to make it, so I set out to find someone who could teach me.

I asked around my community and finally, I found an elderly woman who was known for her delicious desserts. Her name was Mrs. Jenkins, and she graciously agreed to teach me her secret recipe for Mandarin Orange Cheesecake with Orange Sauce.

I arrived at Mrs. Jenkins' house early one morning, ready to learn. She welcomed me in with a warm smile and led me to her cozy kitchen. The smell of freshly baked bread and cinnamon filled the air, and I knew I was in for a treat.

Mrs. Jenkins began by showing me how to make the crust for the cheesecake. She explained that a combination of graham crackers and melted butter would create the perfect base for the creamy filling. As she mixed the ingredients together, she shared stories of her own grandmother teaching her how to bake when she was a young girl.

Next, Mrs. Jenkins showed me how to make the filling for the cheesecake. She combined cream cheese, sugar, and eggs in a large mixing bowl, then added in the mandarin oranges. She explained that the oranges would give the cheesecake a light, citrusy flavor that would complement the richness of the cream cheese.

After pouring the filling into the prepared crust, Mrs. Jenkins placed the cheesecake in the oven to bake. As it cooked, she taught me how to make the orange sauce that would be drizzled over the top. She simmered fresh orange juice, sugar, and cornstarch together until it thickened into a sweet, tangy sauce.

Finally, the cheesecake was done baking, and Mrs. Jenkins removed it from the oven. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of warm citrus and sweet cream cheese. We let the cheesecake cool before slicing into it, and when we finally took our first bite, I knew I had found a new favorite dessert.

Mrs. Jenkins and I sat at her kitchen table, enjoying our slices of Mandarin Orange Cheesecake with Orange Sauce. She told me more stories of her childhood and the recipes she had learned over the years. I listened intently, soaking up every word as I savored the delicious dessert in front of me.

As the afternoon turned to evening, Mrs. Jenkins and I finished our cheesecake and said our goodbyes. I left her house feeling grateful for the experience and excited to share my newfound recipe with my family and friends.

Since that day, Mandarin Orange Cheesecake with Orange Sauce has become a staple in my own kitchen. I make it for special occasions and holidays, always thinking of Mrs. Jenkins and the time we spent together baking and sharing stories.

I am grateful for the knowledge and tradition that she passed down to me, and I will always cherish the memories of learning how to make this delicious dessert. Mrs. Jenkins' Mandarin Orange Cheesecake with Orange Sauce will forever hold a special place in my heart and on my table.