Description
Chocolate Orange Delight is a luscious no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy chocolate cookie base topped with a creamy chocolate mousse infused with fresh orange juice, finished with a glossy orange glaze and garnished with fresh orange slices or zest. This elegant treat combines rich chocolate flavors with zesty citrus notes, perfect for special occasions or a sophisticated everyday dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 cup crushed chocolate cookies or brownie crumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Mousse
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup sugar or natural sweetener
- 1/2 cup melted dark chocolate
Orange Glaze
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Garnish
- Fresh orange slices or zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Mix the crushed chocolate cookies or brownie crumbs with the melted butter thoroughly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to form an even crust. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for 15 minutes to set the base.
- Make the Mousse: Whip the heavy cream in a bowl until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, blend the cream cheese (or Greek yogurt), sugar (or natural sweetener), and melted dark chocolate until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until fully combined. Spread this mousse evenly over the chilled cookie base. Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the mousse to set properly.
- Prepare the Orange Glaze: In a saucepan, whisk together fresh orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a glaze consistency. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before pouring it evenly over the mousse layer.
- Garnish and Serve: Decorate the dessert with fresh orange slices or finely grated orange zest. Keep the dessert chilled until ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter mousse, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
- Use natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey to reduce refined sugar.
- Ensure the orange glaze is cooled before pouring to prevent melting the mousse.
- Chill the dessert for at least an hour, but overnight chilling enhances the flavors.
- Use a springform pan for easier removal of the dessert.
- Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content pairs best with the orange flavor.
