Blood Orange Cheesecake Dessert (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Crust

01 - 180 g graham cracker crumbs
02 - 50 g granulated sugar
03 - 115 g unsalted butter, melted
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Filling

05 - 680 g cream cheese, softened
06 - 200 g granulated sugar
07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 3 large eggs
09 - 120 ml freshly squeezed blood orange juice
10 - Finely grated zest of 2 blood oranges
11 - 60 g sour cream
12 - Red gel food colouring, optional

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 163°C. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 50 g sugar, melted butter, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined. Firmly press mixture into the base of a 23-cm springform pan.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add remaining 200 g sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until light and fluffy.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
04 - Stir in blood orange juice and zest until just combined. For a vibrant appearance, fold in a few drops of red gel food colouring if desired.
05 - Gently fold in sour cream. Pour the prepared filling over the crust and smooth the surface with a spatula.
06 - Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the centre is set but still slightly wobbly.
07 - Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door ajar for 1 hour to gradually cool.
08 - Remove from the oven and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.
09 - Before serving, garnish with additional blood orange zest or slices if desired.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - For the smoothest texture, ensure all filling ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.