Orange Cheesecake (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 2 cups graham crumbs.
02 - ½ cup melted butter.
03 - 3 packs (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened.
04 - 1 cup granulated sugar.
05 - 3 large eggs.
06 - 1 tsp vanilla extract.
07 - 1 cup sour cream.
08 - ¼ cup all-purpose flour.
09 - ½ cup orange juice.
10 - 2 tbsp orange zest.
11 - Orange food coloring (optional).
12 - Orange slice (for garnish).

Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a springform pan.
02 - In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the pan to form the crust. Set aside.
03 - In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
04 - Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour until just combined.
05 - Divide the batter into two portions. To one half, add orange juice, zest, and food coloring, mixing well.
06 - Alternately pour the plain and orange batters into the prepared crust. Use a knife to swirl the layers, creating a marbled effect.
07 - Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the center is nearly set but still has a slight jiggle.
08 - Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for one hour.
09 - Remove from the oven and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
10 - Garnish with an orange slice before serving.

Notes:

01 - Optional: Use food coloring to enhance the orange swirl's vibrancy.
02 - Allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven prevents cracking.