Blood oranges have a special charm. Their deep red color and tangy-sweet taste instantly reminds me of cozy Sunday mornings when my grandma would squeeze them into the freshest juice. The first sip—vibrant, citrusy, and a bit floral—was like pure sunshine in a glass. Years later, when I tried making my own desserts, I discovered that this vibrant fruit could do more than just brighten up my breakfast. It could turn a classic dessert into something light and irresistibly tasty.
A Cheesecake Like No Other
This gluten-free blood orange and cottage cheese cheesecake is a delightful twist on the traditional rich and heavy cheesecake. Instead of using cream cheese, we swap it for cottage cheese, which creates a lighter, protein-rich dessert without sacrificing creaminess. The blood orange infuses it with a natural zestiness, making each bite a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Gluten-free & Guilt-free: Ideal for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone looking for a healthier alternative.
- Minimal effort, maximum flavor: Simple ingredients and quick preparation make it a hassle-free treat.
- Bright & fresh taste: The blood orange provides a natural citrusy zing that elevates the cheesecake.
- Light yet satisfying: Thanks to the cottage cheese, it’s creamy without feeling heavy.
Ingredients (For a 12cm cake)
For the base:
- 100g cottage cheese
- 40g freshly squeezed blood orange juice
- 1 egg
- 30g gluten-free all-purpose flour
- Zest of 1 blood orange
- 20g sugar (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)
For the topping:
- 50g cottage cheese
- Candied blood orange pieces (or fresh orange supremes for a fresher taste)
Let’s Get Baking!
1. Prep the oven and pan
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a 12cm cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Blend the base
In a blender or food processor, mix together the cottage cheese, blood orange juice, egg, gluten-free flour, orange zest, and sugar (if using). Blend until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
3. Bake to perfection
Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cool and chill
Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to the fridge. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set beautifully.
5. The finishing touch
Once chilled, spread the extra cottage cheese over the top for a creamy finish. Garnish with candied blood orange pieces or fresh orange supremes to add an extra burst of citrusy goodness.
How to Enjoy It Best
- Serving: This cheesecake is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to fully develop. Pair it with a warm cup of herbal tea or a freshly brewed espresso for a delightful contrast.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Leftover magic: If you have extra slices, try crumbling them over yogurt for a luxurious breakfast or layering them with fresh fruit for a quick dessert parfait.
Final Thoughts
This blood orange and cottage cheese cheesecake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. From the moment you zest the oranges to that first creamy, citrus-kissed bite, every step is a reminder that healthy treats can be just as indulgent. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weekend treat or impressing guests with a unique dessert, this cheesecake is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab those blood oranges while they’re in season, and let’s bake a little sunshine onto our plates!
Blood Orange & Cottage Cheese Cheesecake
Ingredients
Base
- 100 g cottage cheese
- 40 g freshly squeezed blood orange juice
- 1 egg egg
- 30 g gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 each blood orange zest
- 20 g sugar optional
Topping
- 50 g cottage cheese for topping
- to taste candied blood orange pieces or fresh orange supremes
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a 12cm cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a blender or food processor, mix together the cottage cheese, blood orange juice, egg, gluten-free flour, orange zest, and sugar (if using). Blend until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to the fridge. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set beautifully.
- Once chilled, spread the extra cottage cheese over the top for a creamy finish. Garnish with candied blood orange pieces or fresh orange supremes.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- If you have extra slices, try crumbling them over yogurt or layering them with fresh fruit for a quick dessert parfait.
Leave a Reply