Get ready to indulge in a citrusy sweet treat! Orange desserts are a staple for many, and for good reason – the bright, sunny flavor of oranges is the perfect complement to rich, decadent desserts. In this article, we’ll be counting down our top 20 zesty orange dessert recipes that will make your taste buds do the tango!
From classic creamsicles to modern twists on traditional treats, these mouthwatering masterpieces are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re a fan of cheesecake, cake, cookies, or something entirely new, we’ve got you covered with our collection of zesty orange dessert recipes.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 20 most irresistible zesty orange desserts that will leave you pining for more!
Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake
Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Recipe
Brighten up your dessert table with this creamy and dreamy Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake! This unique flavor combination is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 11 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Orange zest, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F. In a medium bowl, mix crust ingredients. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, followed by sugar, orange extract, and heavy cream. Mix well.
- Pour cheesecake batter over crust. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
- Let cool completely on wire rack. Garnish with orange zest, if desired. Refrigerate overnight before serving.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is infused with the sweet and tangy flavors of blood oranges, perfectly balanced by the richness of olive oil. A perfect treat for any occasion!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup blood orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, blood orange juice, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, whisking until smooth.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Orange Blossom Honey Baklava
A sweet and fragrant twist on the classic baklava recipe, this Orange Blossom Honey version combines the warmth of honey with the brightness of orange blossom water.
Ingredients:
– 1 package phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup orange blossom water
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a bowl, combine chopped walnuts and granulated sugar.
3. In another bowl, whisk together orange blossom water and honey until well combined.
4. Layer phyllo dough in a 9×13 inch baking dish, brushing each layer with melted butter.
5. Sprinkle the walnut-sugar mixture evenly over the phyllo layers.
6. Drizzle the orange blossom-honey mixture over the walnuts.
7. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of phyllo on top.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Chocolate-Dipped Candied Orange Slices
Sweet and tangy, these Chocolate-Dipped Candied Orange Slices are a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 1 cup orange slices (candied or candied-cooked)
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 1 tablespoon shortening (such as Crisco or vegetable shortening)
Instructions
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
3. Add the shortening and stir until combined.
4. Dip each orange slice into the melted chocolate, coating about 75% of the surface.
5. Place the dipped orange slices on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
Cooking Time
– None required; simply chill and serve.
Orange Ricotta Cannoli
Elevate your cannoli game with the bright flavors of orange and creamy ricotta! This unique twist on a classic Italian dessert is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup candied orange peel, finely chopped
– 16-20 cannoli shells
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
2. Fold in the chopped candied orange peel.
3. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the ricotta mixture into each cannoli shell.
4. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a simple assembly process.
Grand Marnier Soufflé
A classic French dessert elevated by the sweet and citrusy flavors of Grand Marnier liqueur, this soufflé is sure to impress your dinner guests.
Ingredients:
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup (115g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
– 1/4 cup (60ml) Grand Marnier liqueur
– 3 large egg whites
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 1-quart soufflé dish and coat with granulated sugar.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, Grand Marnier liqueur, and egg yolks until well combined.
4. In a large bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
5. Fold the egg yolk mixture into the egg whites until no white streaks remain.
6. Pour batter into prepared soufflé dish and smooth top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Orange Cardamom Shortbread Cookies
Brighten up your snack time with the warmth of cardamom and the sweetness of orange in these shortbread cookies.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together butter, sugar, cardamom, and orange juice until smooth.
3. Add the flour and salt; stir until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or glass rim.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Orange Chiffon Pie with Toasted Meringue
This classic dessert is a delightful combination of tangy orange flavor and fluffy meringue, sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice
– 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
– 3 large egg whites
– 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, and orange juice until well combined.
3. Stir in the melted butter.
4. Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
5. Pour the egg yolk mixture into an ungreased 9-inch (23cm) tube pan or springform pan.
6. Top with meringue, spreading to cover the filling.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
9. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Orange Marmalade Thumbprint Cookies
Orange Marmalade Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Brighten up your holiday baking with these sweet and tangy Orange Marmalade Thumbprint Cookies. Perfect for a festive treat or as a thoughtful gift, these cookies are sure to bring joy to anyone who tries them.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 1 large egg
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in orange marmalade and egg until well combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Use your thumb or a cookie cutter to create the classic “thumbprint” shape.
7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Orange Panna Cotta with Berry Compote
A creamy orange panna cotta infused with the sweetness of berries, perfect for a warm weather dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 large egg yolks
– 1/4 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
– 1/4 cup orange zest
– Fresh berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries) for compote
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture simmers.
4. Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes with orange zest.
5. Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl.
6. Whisk in egg yolks and orange juice.
7. Pour mixture into individual serving cups or ramekins.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set.
9. Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
10. Serve chilled with fresh berry compote (simply cook berries with sugar and water over low heat until syrupy).
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Orange Poppy Seed Bundt Cake
Brighten up your day with this moist and flavorful orange poppy seed bundt cake, infused with the warmth of sunshine and the crunch of toasted poppy seeds.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup poppy seeds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 12-cup bundt pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in poppy seeds.
6. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Orange Sorbet with Prosecco Float
This refreshing dessert combines the sweetness of oranges with the effervescence of Prosecco, perfect for warm weather gatherings or special occasions. Create a light and airy sorbet that’s infused with citrus flavor and topped with a fizzy float.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 teaspoon orange zest
– Prosecco or sparkling wine, chilled
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in orange zest. Let it cool to room temperature.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Once the sorbet is almost set, pour it into a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm.
5. Just before serving, pour chilled Prosecco into glasses filled with scoops of orange sorbet.
Cooking Time: approximately 3-4 hours (including freezing time)
Orange Tiramisu with Amaretto
This Italian-inspired dessert combines the brightness of orange with the nutty flavor of amaretto, all wrapped up in a creamy tiramisu package.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 ladyfingers
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 8 oz mascarpone cheese
– 2 tbsp orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
– 2 tbsp amaretto liqueur
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine heavy cream, mascarpone cheese, orange liqueur, and amaretto liqueur. Whisk until smooth.
2. Dip each ladyfinger into the coffee-liqueur mixture for about 3-5 seconds on each side. They should be soft and pliable but not too wet.
3. In a large serving dish, create a layer of ladyfingers. You may need to trim them to fit the dish.
4. Spread half of the cream mixture over the ladyfingers.
5. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of cream on top.
6. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: None! This dessert is best served chilled.
Orange Almond Flourless Cake
A moist and flavorful cake that combines the brightness of orange with the richness of almonds, all without using flour.
Ingredients:
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, melted
– 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 1/4 cup (30g) sliced almonds
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
3. Add orange zest, orange juice, almond extract, and sliced almonds; whisk until well combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Orange Ginger Crème Brûlée
A velvety-smooth crème brûlée infused with the warmth of ginger and the brightness of orange, topped with a caramelized sugar crust.
Ingredients:
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 tsp kosher salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, heavy cream, sugar, grated ginger, and orange juice.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes.
4. Strain the mixture into a clean bowl to remove any excess solids.
5. Pour the mixture into 6 (1/2 cup) ramekins or small baking dishes.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly jiggly.
7. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.
8. Just before serving, sprinkle a layer of granulated sugar over each ramekin.
9. Caramelize the sugar with a kitchen torch or under the broiler.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Orange Coconut Macaroons
Brighten up your day with these chewy and flavorful Orange Coconut Macaroons, infused with the warmth of orange zest and the richness of coconut.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) almond flour
– 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice, freshly squeezed
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1/4 cup (30g) shredded coconut
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form.
4. Add orange juice, zest, and coconut to the egg mixture; mix until well combined.
5. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until smooth.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Orange Honey Madeleines
Brighten up your day with these delicate, citrusy French-inspired treats infused with the warmth of honey.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 3/4 cup (85g) confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup (55g) honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a Madeleine pan with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Beat in orange juice, vanilla extract, and honey.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
Yield: 20-25 Madeleines
Orange Dark Chocolate Truffles
Elevate your dessert game with these decadent truffles combining the warmth of orange and the richness of dark chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon orange marmalade
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the chocolate chips.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold the orange marmalade and vanilla extract into the whipped cream.
4. Pour the melted chocolate into the cream mixture and fold until well combined.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Use a melon baller or spoon to shape the mixture into small balls.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: None, as this recipe requires chilling in the refrigerator.
Orange Mascarpone Tart with Pistachios
This tart combines the sweetness of oranges with the creaminess of mascarpone cheese, all wrapped up in a crunchy pistachio crust. Perfect for a light and refreshing dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup mascarpone cheese
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry and cut into a circle or rectangle shape.
3. In a bowl, mix mascarpone cheese with eggs, orange juice, sugar, and salt until smooth.
4. Spread the mixture onto the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
5. Sprinkle pistachios over the filling.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Orange Caramel Flan
This creamy Orange Caramel Flan is a perfect combination of sweet and tangy, with the added bonus of bright orange color. It’s a unique dessert that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Add milk and whisk until smooth.
4. Pour mixture into 6 (6-ounce) ramekins or small cups.
5. Drizzle orange marmalade and caramel sauce over the top of each flan.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until edges are set and centers are still slightly jiggly.
7. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.
8. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a citrusy sweet treat extravaganza! This collection of 20 zesty orange dessert recipes will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. From creamy cheesecakes and moist cakes to tangy sorbets and decadent truffles, each recipe showcases the versatility of oranges in baking. Whether you’re a fan of bright citrus flavors or rich indulgent treats, there’s something for everyone in this irresistible lineup. So go ahead, get cooking, and let the sweet aroma of orange fill your kitchen!
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