Crock Pot Creamy Orange Cheesecake

Mirj's Note:

I had this at a friend's house and it was exceptional!

• Total Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 3 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

Crust

• ¾ cup cookie crumbs or ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

Filling

• 16 ounces light cream cheese or 16 ounces cream cheese
• 2⁄3; cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 egg yolk
• ¼ cup frozen orange juice concentrate , thawed
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (or dried grated rind) or 1 teaspoon lemon zest (or dried grated rind)
• 1 tablespoon flour
• ½ teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

1. Combine crumbs with sugar; mix in melted butter until well moistened.
2. Pat into a 7-inch spring form pan.
3. In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and sugar.
4. Add eggs and yolk and beat for about 3 minutes on medium with a hand-held electric mixer.
5. Beat in orange juice, zest, flour, and vanilla.
6. Beat for another 2 minutes.
7. Pour batter into prepared crust; place on a rack or aluminum foil ring in the crock pot (so it doesn't rest on the bottom of the pot).
8. Cover and cook on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
9. Turn off and leave for 1 to 2 hours, until cool enough to remove.
10. Cool completely and remove the sides of the pan.
11. Chill before serving, and store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Reviews

[2Bleu]

Ok, I need to buy a 7" springform pan, or this can be done in the oven using the waterbath method, but very creamy and exceptionally smooth. I did use almond extract instead of vanilla, it just seemed right with the orange. Being originally from NJ, working in Greek diners for over 6 years, I can attest that this has 'it'. Wonderful job Mirj!