Spiced Orange Cheesecake

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. 2

   Crush the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs and mix with the melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.

3. 3

   In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

4. 4

   Blend in the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and cayenne pepper.

5. 5

   Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next.

6. 6

   Grate the zest of the orange and squeeze its juice, then fold both into the cream cheese mixture.

7. 7

   Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

8. 8

   Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.

9. 9

   Turn off the oven, open the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.

10. 10

    Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before serving.

11. 11

    When ready to serve, release the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving plate. Optionally, garnish with additional orange zest or whipped cream.