Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the sun dips below the horizon, the kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of melting chocolate, triggering sweet memories of comforting desserts shared with loved ones. That’s how I knew it was time to whip up a Chocolate Orange Delight—a no-bake dessert that strikes the perfect balance between richness and refreshment. Ideal for those moments when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this easy dessert is a crowd-pleaser with its creamy mousse and glossy orange glaze. You’ll love how customizable it is, lending itself to delicious swaps like dairy-free options, making it accessible for everyone. How about stirring up your own flavor memories as you craft this delightful treat? Why is Chocolate Orange Delight a Must-Try? Irresistible Flavor Combo: The classic pairing of rich chocolate and zesty orange creates a harmonious blend that tickles the taste buds. Effortless Preparation: With no baking required, even novice chefs can whip this up, making it a perfect weekend treat for all. Customizable for Everyone: Easily adapt the recipe using dairy-free or gluten-free alternatives, so no one is left out at the dessert table. Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this delightful dessert a day in advance, taking the stress out of entertaining. Garnish with Flair: Top it off with a sprinkle of fresh orange zest or slices for a stunning presentation that impresses! This Chocolate Orange Delight is definitely a show-stopper, much like my other favorites like Bake Chocolate Peanut and Double Chocolate Chip Cookies. Dive into this delicious treat today! Chocolate Orange Delight Ingredients • Get ready to gather the essentials for this delightful dessert! For the Crust Crushed Chocolate Cookies – Forms the delicious base of the dessert; substitute with graham crackers for a different flavor. Unsalted Butter – Binds the cookie crumbs together; use dairy-free butter for a vegan option. For the Mousse Layer Heavy Cream – Adds luxurious richness and volume; opt for coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Cream Cheese – Offers a smooth texture; Greek yogurt can be substituted for a lighter option. Sugar – Sweetens the mousse; natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup work beautifully. Dark Chocolate – Essential for that deep chocolate flavor; dairy-free chocolate makes it suitable for vegans. For the Orange Glaze Fresh Orange Juice – Provides a bright citrus flavor; lemon juice is a great alternative for a different twist. Honey – Sweetens the glaze; agave syrup serves as a fantastic vegan substitute. Cornstarch – Thickens the glaze to perfection; arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute. Gather these ingredients to create a sensational Chocolate Orange Delight that will impress your family and friends while keeping everyone coming back for seconds! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Orange Delight Step 1: Prepare the Crust Begin by melting 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of crushed chocolate cookies until evenly coated. Pour the melted butter into the cookie mixture and stir well. Transfer this mixture into a springform pan, pressing it firmly into the bottom to create a sturdy base. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set. Step 2: Make the Mousse In a large mixing bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream using an electric mixer until soft peaks form, approximately 3-4 minutes. In a separate bowl, blend 8 ounces of cream cheese, ½ cup of sugar, and 8 ounces of melted dark chocolate until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture in three additions, being careful not to deflate it. Spread this creamy mousse over the chilled cookie crust and return to the refrigerator to set for another hour. Step 3: Cook the Orange Glaze In a medium saucepan, whisk together ½ cup of fresh orange juice, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 5-7 minutes. Once it reaches a glossy consistency, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. This luscious orange glaze will add a refreshing touch to your Chocolate Orange Delight. Step 4: Assemble and Garnish Once the orange glaze has cooled but is still pourable, gently spread it over the set mousse layer in the springform pan. Allow the glaze to set in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. After setting, remove the dessert from the pan and garnish with fresh orange slices or zest for an appealing finish. The sparkling orange against the rich chocolate creates an eye-catching presentation! Step 5: Serve Chilled To serve your delicious Chocolate Orange Delight, slice it with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges. Pair each slice with a cup of coffee or tea, and enjoy how the chocolate and citrus flavors complement each other perfectly. This no-bake dessert is best enjoyed chilled, making it an ideal treat for any occasion! Make Ahead Options Creating the Chocolate Orange Delight in advance is a fantastic way to save time and stress on busy days! You can prepare the crust and mousse layers up to 24 hours in advance, simply refrigerating them separately to maintain freshness. For the crust, press the chocolate cookie mixture into the pan and chill until firm. When you’re ready to serve, whip up the orange glaze and pour it over the mousse layer for that beautiful finish. Just be sure to let the glaze cool slightly to avoid melting the mousse. By planning ahead, you’ll enjoy a delectable no-bake dessert that’s just as delightful as if you made it the same day! Expert Tips for Chocolate Orange Delight Whip It Right: Ensure your heavy cream is whipped to soft peaks for a light, airy mousse. Overwhipping can lead to a dense texture. Gentle Folding: When combining the whipped cream and chocolate mixture, fold gently. Overmixing will deflate the mousse, affecting the final texture. Glaze Cooling: Allow the orange glaze to cool slightly before pouring to prevent it from melting the mousse. This helps maintain distinct layers in your Chocolate Orange dessert. Flavor Exploration: Don’t hesitate to swap fresh orange juice for other citrus juices like lemon or lime for a fun twist on the glaze. Layer Up: For a decadent finish, add a layer of chocolate ganache on top after the orange glaze sets. It adds richness and a beautiful contrast! How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Orange Delight Fridge: Store your uncut Chocolate Orange Delight in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This ensures it remains fresh while the flavors meld beautifully. Freezer: If you wish to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thawing: To enjoy frozen slices, transfer them to the fridge to thaw overnight. This keeps the structure intact and preserves the delightful flavors. Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this no-bake dessert! Serve chilled, allowing the rich chocolate and refreshing orange flavors to shine. Chocolate Orange Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with this delightful treat, allowing your taste buds to explore new flavors and textures! Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream for a rich, creamy texture. It’s a great way to accommodate those with lactose intolerance while keeping the dessert lofty and delicious. Nut-Based Crust: Swap the chocolate cookie crust for a nut-based crust made from almonds or walnuts for a gluten-free option. This adds a lovely nutty flavor that complements the chocolate and orange beautifully. Coconut Cream: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for an extravagant, tropical twist to your mousse. It brings a subtle hint of coconut, enhancing the dessert’s richness and indulgence. Fruit Puree Layer: Add a layer of fresh fruit puree, such as raspberry or strawberry, between the mousse and glaze for a fruity surprise. It introduces a burst of tanginess that contrasts perfectly with the chocolate flavor. Citrus Variations: Experiment with other citrus juices like lime or grapefruit for the glaze to discover unexpected flavor combinations. Each fruit brings its own vibrancy and personality to this dreamy dessert. Flavored Ganache: Consider topping the dessert with a flavored chocolate ganache, like orange zest-infused dark chocolate. It enhances the chocolate intensity while harmonizing beautifully with the refreshing citrus notes. Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of caramel sauce over each slice adds a decadent sweetness that pairs well with chocolate and orange. The interplay of flavors creates a delightful experience that will leave everyone wanting more. Extra Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mousse for a spicy kick! This surprising twist can elevate the dessert, giving it an enticing warmth that dances on the palate. Whether you’re inspired to create something completely new or simply stick to the original recipe, enjoy the process of crafting your perfect Chocolate Orange Delight! For more indulgent ideas, check out Double Chocolate Chip Cookies and Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls. What to Serve with Chocolate Orange Delight? As you indulge in the creamy layers and zesty notes of this delightful dessert, consider these delicious pairings that will elevate your meal experience. Fresh Berries: Their bright acidity cuts through the richness of the mousse, making each bite more refreshing and balanced. Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup enhances the chocolate flavor while providing a delightful contrast to the chilled dessert. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: A playful addition that complements the dessert’s flavors, offering a burst of sweetness and elegance on the plate. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and cool, it melts beautifully against the mousse, providing a rich, decadent experience. Sparkling Water with Citrus: A light, fizzy drink with a hint of orange or lemon keeps things refreshing and prevents the meal from feeling too heavy. Almond Biscotti: The crunchy texture adds contrast, while the nutty flavor pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and citrus notes. Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: For a little extra indulgence, drizzle warm chocolate sauce over your slice, intensifying the dessert’s cocoa flavor. Lavender Lemonade: This floral, refreshing drink provides a light, crisp counterpart to the richness of the dessert, ensuring a delightful end to your meal. Chocolate Orange Delight Recipe FAQs What type of cookies should I use for the crust? Absolutely! For the crust, crushed chocolate cookies like Oreos or brownie crumbs work wonders, forming a deliciously rich base. If you’re looking for a different flavor, graham crackers can also do the trick. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cookie crumbs, which will hold up just as well! How do I store Chocolate Orange Delight and how long does it last? Store your uncut Chocolate Orange Delight in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for optimal freshness. This will also allow the flavors to meld beautifully, making it taste even better. Just remember, once you cut into it, aim to finish within a day or two for the best experience! Can I freeze Chocolate Orange Delight, and how? Yes, you can absolutely freeze Chocolate Orange Delight! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. This method preserves the texture and delicious flavors. What should I do if the mousse is too dense? If your mousse turns out denser than expected, it might be due to overwhipping the cream or overmixing when folding in the whipped cream. To avoid this, whip the cream until soft peaks form (about 3-4 minutes) and fold gently to maintain that airiness. If you find yourself with a dense mousse, you can try gently folding in a bit more whipped cream to lighten it up! Are there any dietary considerations for Chocolate Orange Delight? Absolutely! This dessert is quite versatile. To make it dairy-free, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate in your mousse. For gluten-free options, simply swap in gluten-free cookies for the crust. Remember to check labels for any potential allergens, especially when serving to guests with dietary restrictions! Chocolate Orange Delight: The Ultimate No-Bake Treat No ratings yet Indulge in a delightful Chocolate Orange dessert that perfectly combines richness and refreshment. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsChilling Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes minsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust2 cups Crushed Chocolate Cookies Substitute with graham crackers for a different flavor.4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Use dairy-free butter for a vegan option.For the Mousse Layer1 cup Heavy Cream Opt for coconut cream for a dairy-free version.8 ounces Cream Cheese Greek yogurt can be substituted for a lighter option.½ cup Sugar Natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup work beautifully.8 ounces Dark Chocolate Dairy-free chocolate makes it suitable for vegans.For the Orange Glaze½ cup Fresh Orange Juice Lemon juice is a great alternative for a different twist.2 tablespoons Honey Agave syrup serves as a fantastic vegan substitute.2 tablespoons Cornstarch Arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute. Equipment Mixing BowlElectric MixerSpringform Pansaucepan Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by melting 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of crushed chocolate cookies until evenly coated. Pour the melted butter into the cookie mixture and stir well. Transfer this mixture into a springform pan, pressing it firmly into the bottom to create a sturdy base. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.In a large mixing bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream using an electric mixer until soft peaks form, approximately 3-4 minutes. In a separate bowl, blend 8 ounces of cream cheese, ½ cup of sugar, and 8 ounces of melted dark chocolate until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture in three additions, being careful not to deflate it. Spread this creamy mousse over the chilled cookie crust and return to the refrigerator to set for another hour.In a medium saucepan, whisk together ½ cup of fresh orange juice, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 5-7 minutes. Once it reaches a glossy consistency, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.Once the orange glaze has cooled but is still pourable, gently spread it over the set mousse layer in the springform pan. Allow the glaze to set in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. After setting, remove the dessert from the pan and garnish with fresh orange slices or zest for an appealing finish.To serve your delicious Chocolate Orange Delight, slice it with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges. Pair each slice with a cup of coffee or tea. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 6mg NotesAllow the orange glaze to cool slightly before pouring to prevent it from melting the mousse. This helps maintain distinct layers in your Chocolate Orange dessert. 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