Cherry Topped Cheesecake
A deliciously creamy raw vegan cheesecake with a cherry topping. Gluten-free, refined sugar-free, oil-free, no-bake recipe.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4" cake
- Category: Cake
- Method: Raw, No-Bake
- Cuisine: Vegan, Dessert
Ingredients
Crust:
- 6 tbsp almond flour
- 4 soft medjool dates, pitted
- 1 tbsp dark maple syrup
- 1 tbsp raw cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
- ½ tsp almond extract
Cheesecake Filling:
- ½ cup raw cashews, pre-soaked and strained*
- ⅓ cup coconut cream**
- 2 tbsp coconut water***
- 2 tbsp dark maple syrup
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ⅜ tsp salt
Cherry Topping:
- ¼ cup cherry jam****
Instructions
1. Process all crust ingredients into a fine sticky crumble in a food processor. Transfer into a 4″ springform pan and press down into a flat crust along the base. Freeze while working on the next step.
2. Blend all cheesecake filling ingredients together into a completely smooth consistency in a power blender. Transfer this mixture into the prepared cake pan over the crust. Tap the pan down on the counter to smooth out the top, and even it out further with the back of a spoon as needed.
3. Freeze for 2 hours (or until the top is somewhat firm to the touch). Carefully spoon the cherry jam over the cake and spread it out a bit with the back of a spoon. Return the cake to the freezer and freeze a further 3-4 hours (or overnight) to set completely.
4. Once set, remove from the springform ring. Thaw out lightly on the counter (5-10 minutes) and enjoy!*****
Notes
*To pre-soak nuts: place in a glass bowl, cover with water, and leave to soak for 4 hours (or overnight in the fridge). Then strain and discard the water. For a quick pre-soak, cover with boiled water and soak for 15 mins, then strain and discard water. (Note: this technique doesn’t preserve the nutrition of the recipe as well as the traditional soaking technique above). Additional Note: the purpose of soaking the nuts is to re-hydrate them and plump them up for blending into a smooth, cheesecake-like consistency. Proper soaking techniques also maximize nutrition and digestibility. If you’re interested in learning more about nut soaking and other dessert prep tips and tricks, I delve into these subjects in detail in my book Unconventional Treats.
**Only the firm white stuff from the top of a chilled can of full fat coconut milk (needs to be chilled overnight for best results). I used one 160 ml / 5.4 oz can of the Thai Kitchen brand for this. It should be this thick when you scoop it out:
***For the coconut water, use some of the remaining water in the can here. Discard the rest (or use in a smoothie or another recipe if you prefer).
****For the cherry jam, feel free to use a chunky/thicker cherry jam of your choice (St. Dalfour jam works well here) or can make your own using this recipe.
*****Storage notes: treat this cake like ice cream. Keep it frozen at all times until ready to eat, and freeze any leftovers. If left too long at room temperature it will begin to melt back into the consistency it was in the blender.
