This easy, crustless Sumo tangerine cheesecake is a snap to make and is bursting with fresh tangerine flavor. It makes a wonderful gluten free dessert that's perfect for a weeknight and individual portions make it ideal for entertaining.
What is a Sumo Tangerine?
Sumo what??? Yes, you read that right - Sumo tangerines!!! So what exactly is a Sumo tangerine? Well, it is one of the newest varieties of tangerines to hit the market.. and I was lucky enough to get an "up close and personal" introduction to them on my citrus tour with Melissa's Produce!
We started off our tour with a brief introduction. The Sumo tangerine (also know as dekopon) is a cross between an orange and a mandarin. It was developed in the 1970' s by a Japanese citrus grower and took many years of trial and error to perfect - and is now one of the most prized fruits in Japan and Korea. A few years ago, some of the citrus growers in the Central Valley of California decided to take a chance and try growing them. It required patience and dedication since Sumo's need completely different growing, pruning and thinning techniques than those used with other citrus ... not to mention that Sumo's must be harvested by hand.
So why the name Sumo? Well, these are perhaps the biggest tangerines you've ever seen - in fact some of them are larger than a navel orange! Like a navel, they are seedless and because of the cute little top kno , they are incredibly easy to peel! "Some" people have referred to them as "cosmetically challenged" - but I disagree... I think they are absolutely adorable! But enough about that... let's get on to the important stuff - how do they taste?
In a word, delicious! They have a wonderful honey sweetness with just a hint of tartness at the end - and despite being incredibly juicy they aren't messy (if you know what I mean). The only downside is that their popularity isn't limited to Japan and Korea - which means, you guessed it, you have to act fast if you want some! You can find them in some specialty grocers and, since Melissa's Produce is the exclusive foodservice distributor, you may also find them at your local sporting stadium... and get this...they were even served at the Grammys !
Although Sumo's are delicious all on their own, I simply couldn't resist cooking with them. On the way home from the tour, my mind spun with all the possibilities!! Although these Sumo's would be a terrific Valentine's Day treat all on their own , I just couldn't resist making a sweet little dessert - Sumo Tangerine Cheesecake!
This crustless, baked Sumo Tangerine Cheesecake is really a perfect midweek dessert and is terrific for entertaining. Since they are crustless, this cheesecake recipe is a snap to put together - you just whomp everything together in the food processor, pour the batter into ramekins and pop these baked cheesecakes into the oven! A little lighter than a traditional cheesecake - which is good so nothing detracts from the incredible punch of tangerine flavor you get in every bite! I garnished these baked cheesecakes with some fresh Sumo tangerine slices and drizzled them with a little honey - but you could also add a little freshly whipped cream if you are so inclined!
Looking for more tangerine recipes? You might like this Pixie Tangerine Mojo or this Aperol and Tangerine Spritz!
📖Recipe
Sumo Tangerine Cheesecake
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup sugar
- zest from 2 Sumo tangerines
- 1 cup Sumo tangerine juice
- 16 oz. cream cheese
- 1 cup ricotta
- 2 tsp. Cointreau optional
- 2 eggs
- 2 Sumo oranges supremed
- 2 Tbsp. orange blossom honey
Instructions
- Pre heat the oven to 425 degrees. Combine the sugar and the tangerine zest in a small bowl. Mix together until the sugar is moist and the zest is evenly distributed. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a food processor combine the ricotta and cream cheese. Mix until thoroughly combined. Add the sugar, tangerine juice and cointreau. Mix. Add the eggs and mix until the mixture is smooth and all the ingredients are combined.
- Grease 6 - ½ cup ramekins. Divide the batter evenly between the ramekins, filling them ¾ full. Place ramekins on a sheet pan and bake for 16 - 18 minutes or until the cheesecakes are lightly browned and just set. Remove cheesecakes from the oven and let cool. Garnish with the tangerine sections and honey.
Nutrition
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
I've had Sumo's before and loved them. I'll have to make sure to pick some up before the season is over.
Nancy says
They are amazing, aren't they?? I honestly think I could eat one every day!
Judy @Savoring Today says
I'm a big fan of citrus desserts so this is right up my alley -- bright, tangy flavors make for a light end to a meal. YUM!
Nancy says
Me too Judy! I love chocolate but sometimes it's just too much after a big meal. But citrus... anytime!
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says
Wow, Nancy, you're killing me with all the citrus! In a good way, of course. Wish I could get some of these Sumos around here. I'd love to try them.
Nancy says
Hi Lana!! I know, I've kinda gone off the deep end here with the citrus but it is all SO good I really can't help myself! Just an FYI you can always check with Meissa's to see who is carrying them in your area - right now the distribution is limited due to the supply but I think over the next few years that will change. They are so good and so easy to eat I think the growers will expand their groves which means... more tangerines for you and me!!
susan says
what gorgeous looking Sumo's. And this cheesecake - what a great way to share to love!
Nancy says
Thanks Susan!! Have to admit I kept sneaking bites of these cheesecakes... I just can't get enough of that tangerine flavor!!
Steve Kinsley says
I love Cointreau!!
Nancy says
I will NEVER look at a bottle of Cointreau in quite the same way again Steve!!!
Ben George says
Great Article Nancy, I just finished eating a Sumo, haha!
John Galt says
Nancy. Whole Foods have been carrying these the last couple of years and I can't buy enough. They are the best. I look forward to the next season as soon as they run out.
Nancy says
They really are amazing! When we were at the ranch one of the growers picked on off the tree, peeled it and said... "ah, this is about a 7" - I took a bite and thought, "if this is a 7 a 10 has gotta be off the charts".. and oh, my it was!!!
HeatherChristo says
Beautiful Dessert Nancy- I just saw these by the box load at the stores and now I know what to do with them!!
Nancy says
Oooh... snatch some of them up Heather because they truly are delicious!!!
Julia says
The fact that this cheesecake is in-season gives me even more of a reason to make it! I've never had a citrusy cheesecake and it sounds superb! Those sumo tangerines look juicy and delicious!
Nancy says
Thanks Julia! The tangerine flavor really comes through in these cheesecakes! Definitely "muddling" the sugar with the zest helps!!!
Amanda says
What a beautiful place and even more beautiful dessert!! 🙂
aida mollenkamp says
I adore ricotta cheesecakes - it sounds like a perfect place to showcase these tangerines!
Valentina says
Nancy, I had my first Sumo today -- WOW! Love them! And your cheesecake looks amazing!
Nancy says
SO glad you found them... they are incredible, aren't they!
classic•casual•home says
Looks delicious...I'm featuring your Orange Blossom cocktail on my blog today....thanks for the inspiration. Hope you are doing well.
Nancy says
Awww.... thanks Mary Ann! Life is good - crazy busy with my Veg Nutrition class!!