Chocolate Ganache with Orange Mascarpone Cheesecake

🍊 Chocolate Ganache with Orange Mascarpone Cheesecake 🍫

This creamy, citrus-scented dream of a dessert combines the rich smoothness of mascarpone cheesecake with the bright flavor of orange—all topped with silky chocolate ganache and a buttery hazelnut crust. Pure delight! ✨

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🌰 Nut Crust

Ingredients:

•    ½ cup walnuts

•    2 cups graham cracker crumbs

•    ⅓ cup granulated sugar

•    ¼ teaspoon salt

•    ½ cup melted unsalted butter

Directions:

1.    Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).

    2.    Toast the hazelnuts for 5-7 minutes, then chop or grind them finely.

3.    Mix the hazelnuts, crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter until well combined.

4. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 23 cm (9 inch) springform pan.

5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let cool.

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🍊 Orange Mascarpone Cheesecake Filling

Ingredients:

•    450 g (16 oz) cream cheese, at room temperature

•    225 g (8 oz) mascarpone cheese

•    1 cup granulated sugar

•    3 large eggs, at room temperature

•    Zest of 1 large orange

•    2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

    •    1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    •    1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for firmness)

Directions:

    1.    Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F).

    2.    Beat the cream cheese, mascarpone, and sugar until smooth and creamy.

3.    Add the eggs one at a time, beating lightly after each addition.

4. Mix in the orange zest, orange juice, vanilla, and cornstarch.

5. Pour the filling over the cooled crust.

6. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.

7. Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

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🍫 Chocolate Ganache Sauce

Ingredients:

•    170 g (6 oz) dark chocolate, finely chopped

•    120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream

•    1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions:

1.    Heat the cream until it reaches boiling point, then pour it over the chopped chocolate.

2.    Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.

3.    Stir in the butter for shine.

4.    Pour the ganache over the cooled cheesecake and spread evenly.

5.    Chill for 30 minutes before cutting.

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✨ Serving: Garnish with candied orange slices or grated chocolate.

Every bite is creamy, nutty, citrusy, and rich with chocolate flavor—the perfect dessert for any occasion! 🍊🍫💛