Vegan Cheesecake Recipe: A Delicious and Dairy-Free Dessert

Vegan cheesecake is a delicious dessert that is perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike. It is a dessert that is both creamy and decadent, yet free from dairy and eggs. This dessert is made with plant-based ingredients that are healthy and nutritious.

There are many different vegan cheesecake recipes available, each with its own unique twist. Some recipes use cashews as the base, while others use tofu or coconut cream. The crust can be made from graham crackers, nuts, or even dates. With so many options available, it is easy to find a vegan cheesecake recipe that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients

When it comes to making a delicious vegan cheesecake, the right ingredients are key. Below, we’ll go over the essential components of a vegan cheesecake recipe, including the crust and filling.

Crust

The crust is the foundation of any good cheesecake, and it’s no different for vegan cheesecake. Here are some common ingredients you’ll find in a vegan cheesecake crust:

• Pitted dates
• Raw walnuts
• Quick-cooking oats
• Almonds
• Unsweetened coconut flakes
• Maple syrup
• Kosher salt

Depending on the recipe, you may also find other ingredients like graham cracker crumbs or vegan butter. The crust is typically made by blending the ingredients in a food processor until they form a sticky dough, which is then pressed into the bottom of a springform pan.

Filling

The filling is where the magic happens in a vegan cheesecake. Here are some common ingredients you’ll find in a vegan cheesecake filling:

• Vegan cream cheese
• Firm tofu
• Raw cashews
• Coconut oil
• Full-fat coconut milk
• Agave nectar or maple syrup
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract

Depending on the recipe, you may also find other ingredients like cornstarch or apple cider vinegar. The filling is typically made by blending the ingredients in a food processor until they form a smooth, creamy mixture, which is then poured over the crust and baked in the oven.

Overall, the key to a delicious vegan cheesecake is using high-quality ingredients and following the recipe closely. With the right ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a mouthwatering vegan dessert that everyone will love.

Crust

The crust of a vegan cheesecake is an essential component that provides a sturdy base for the creamy filling. A good crust should be flavorful, crunchy, and complement the filling. In this section, we will discuss the ingredients and instructions for making a delicious vegan cheesecake crust.

Ingredients

The following ingredients are needed to make a vegan cheesecake crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup vegan butter
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, vegan butter, and cinnamon. Mix well until combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to an 8-inch pie plate. Use a flat-bottomed glass to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate.
4. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the filling.

Alternatively, you can use other ingredients to make the crust, such as raw nuts, dates, or coconut flakes. The key is to find a combination that works well with the filling and provides the desired texture.

In conclusion, the crust is an essential part of a vegan cheesecake, and making a good crust requires attention to detail and the right ingredients. With the instructions and ingredients provided above, you can make a delicious crust that complements your vegan cheesecake filling.

Filling

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups raw cashews (quick-soaked*)
• 1 large lemon (juiced // 1 lemon yields ~scant 1/4 cup or 50 ml)
• 1/3 cup coconut oil (melted)
• 2/3 scant cup full-fat coconut milk (see instructions for note)
• 1/2 cup agave nectar or maple syrup (or honey if not vegan)
• Optional: 2 Tbsp salted natural peanut butter

Instructions

1. Quick soak the cashews: Cover the cashews in boiling water and let them soak for 1 hour. If you have a high-powered blender, you can skip this step.
2. Prepare the crust and press it into a springform pan.
3. Add the soaked cashews, lemon juice, melted coconut oil, coconut milk, and agave nectar or maple syrup to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
4. If you want to add peanut butter or any other flavorings, add them now and blend again until smooth.
5. Pour the filling into the crust and smooth it out with a spatula.
6. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or until it is firm.

The filling is the heart of any cheesecake recipe, and this vegan version is no exception. The key ingredient is raw cashews, which are soaked to make them soft and easy to blend. Coconut oil and full-fat coconut milk give the filling its rich, creamy texture, while lemon juice adds a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the agave nectar or maple syrup.

To make the filling, start by quick-soaking the cashews in boiling water for 1 hour. If you have a high-powered blender, you can skip this step. Then, blend the cashews, lemon juice, melted coconut oil, coconut milk, and sweetener until smooth. If you want to add any flavorings, such as peanut butter, you can do so at this point.

Once the filling is blended, pour it into the crust and smooth it out with a spatula. Then, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or until it is firm. When you’re ready to serve, slice the cheesecake into wedges and enjoy!

Baking

Preparation

Before you begin baking your vegan cheesecake, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here is a list of what you will need:

• Raw cashews
• Lemon juice
• Coconut oil
• Full-fat coconut milk
• Agave nectar or maple syrup
• Graham crackers
• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Vanilla extract
• Electric hand mixer
• 7″ or 8″ cake pan
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Once you have gathered everything, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease and parchment line your cake pan. For the crust, crush the graham crackers and mix them with vegan butter until combined. Press the mixture into the prepared pan and place it in the fridge while making the filling.

Baking Instructions

To make the filling, soak the cashews in water for a few hours or quick-soak them by boiling them for 10-15 minutes. Drain and rinse the cashews and blend them with lemon juice, melted coconut oil, coconut milk, and sweetener until smooth. Add any flavor add-ins, like peanut butter, if desired.

Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 10-15 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.

Once the cheesecake is cool, chill it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving. You can top it with fresh fruit, vegan whipped cream, or any other toppings you like. Enjoy your delicious vegan cheesecake!

Toppings

If you want to take your vegan cheesecake to the next level, adding toppings can be a great way to do it. Here are some ideas for delicious toppings that will complement your cheesecake perfectly.

Ingredients

• Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
• Chocolate chips or shavings
• Caramel sauce
• Crushed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)
• Coconut whipped cream
• Fresh mint leaves

Instructions

1. Fresh berries: Rinse and dry your berries, then arrange them on top of your cheesecake in a decorative pattern. You can use one type of berry or a combination of different ones.

2. Chocolate chips or shavings: Melt some vegan chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave, then drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of your cheesecake. You can also sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top for added texture.

3. Caramel sauce: Warm up some vegan caramel sauce in a small saucepan, then drizzle it over the top of your cheesecake. You can also add some crushed nuts on top for a delicious crunch.

4. Crushed nuts: Toast some nuts in a dry skillet until fragrant, then chop them up and sprinkle them over the top of your cheesecake. You can also mix the nuts with some melted vegan butter and brown sugar to make a delicious crumble.

5. Coconut whipped cream: Whip up some coconut cream with a hand mixer until it forms stiff peaks, then spoon it over the top of your cheesecake. You can also add some fresh berries or crushed nuts on top for added flavor.

6. Fresh mint leaves: Rinse and dry some fresh mint leaves, then arrange them on top of your cheesecake for a beautiful and refreshing garnish.

With these simple and delicious toppings, you can take your vegan cheesecake to the next level and impress your guests with your culinary skills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, vegan cheesecake is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional cheesecake. With a variety of recipes available, anyone can enjoy a slice of this creamy dessert without any guilt.

One of the best things about vegan cheesecake is that it can be made with simple and natural ingredients, such as nuts, coconut cream, and tofu. This means that it can be a great option for those who are looking to follow a plant-based diet or who have dietary restrictions such as lactose intolerance.

When making vegan cheesecake, it’s important to choose the right ingredients and follow the recipe carefully. Some recipes may require soaking nuts or using specific brands of vegan cream cheese to achieve the desired texture and flavor.

Overall, vegan cheesecake is a great dessert option that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their dietary preferences. It’s a healthier and more sustainable alternative to traditional cheesecake, and it’s also a great way to experiment with new flavors and ingredients. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious and satisfying vegan cheesecake can be?