Raspberry Vegan Cheesecake
Serves 8 to 10
This vegan cheesecake recipe requires each layer to be frozen before adding the next, so it's best to prep this at least one day before you would like to serve it.
Ingredients
Walnut Crust
- 1 cup walnuts
- 3 soft Medjool dates, pitted
- ½ tablespoon coconut oil
- Heaping ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Cheesecake Option 1: with cashews* (see note)
- 1½ cups raw cashews, soaked 4 hours, then drained
- ½ cup full-fat coconut milk
- ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Cheesecake option 2: with Daiya cream cheese
- 1 (8-ounce) package plain vegan cream cheese
- ½ cup full-fat coconut milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Raspberry Layer
- 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen raspberries, mostly thawed
- ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
Instructions
- Make the crust: In a food processor, pulse the walnuts, dates, coconut oil and salt together until crumbly. Line an 8x4” loaf pan with parchment paper allowing 1 inch of overhang on each side. Press the crust into the bottom of the pan. Freeze for at least 15 minutes, or as long as it takes to get the next layer ready.
- Make the cheesecake layer: In a high-powered blender, blend the cashews, coconut milk, maple syrup, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, and salt until completely creamy (about 1 minute). Pour the filling over the crust and smooth until even. Freeze until this layer is completely firm, at least 2 hours. (Alternatively, use a regular blender and blend the ingredients from Cheesecake Option 2, above.)
- In the blender, combine the raspberries, lemon juice, maple syrup, and chia seeds. Blend until smooth. Pour the raspberry mixture on top of the frozen cheesecake layer and smooth until even. Freeze for 4 hours or overnight.
- When ready to serve, remove the cake from the freezer and let it thaw for at least 20 minutes. Using the sides of the parchment paper, carefully lift the cheesecake out of the pan. Use a sharp chef’s knife to slice it into 8 to 10 slices. Let the individual slices thaw for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until fully thawed so that the middle layer is creamy and the raspberry layer is less icy. Re-freeze any remaining slices.
Notes
*A high powered blender, such as a Vitamix, is recommended for this option in order for the cashews to get really creamy.