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Creamy, naturally-sweetened chocolate cheesecake made with cashews, dates and almonds!

Chocolate Cashew Cheesecake (Vegan, No-Bake)

Creamy, naturally-sweetened chocolate cheesecake made with cashews, dates and almonds!
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Makes: 8 " cheesecake

Ingredients
  

  • <b>For the crust</b>
  • 1 cup pitted dates tightly packed
  • 1 and 1/2 cups almonds
  • 3 tbsps cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt<br></br>
  • <b>For the filling</b>
  • 200 gms dark chocolate*
  • 1 and 1/2 cups cashews
  • 2 tsps lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil*
  • 400 ml coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup if vegan
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract<br></br>
  • <b>For the topping</b>
  • 200 ml coconut milk chilled for at least 48 hours
  • 2 tbsps honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Fresh strawberries sliced

Instructions

  • First, make the crust. In a food processor fitted with a sharp blade, blitz the dates until chopped, and they begin to form a ball. Remove and set aside.<br></br>
  • Now add the almonds, cocoa and salt to the processor and blitz till finely crumbed. Add the dates back in and let the processor run till the mixture comes together (it will be a little loose) and clumps together when pressed between your fingers. If it feels too dry, add a few more dates. <br></br>
  • Press the mixture into the base of an 8" springform tin, pressing it up against the sides and making sure the bottom is even. You do not need to grease the tin. Place in the fridge for 1 hour.<br></br>
  • In the meantime, melt the chocolate in a double boiler and set aside to cool. Pour boiling water over the cashews, cover and let soak for 1 hour. Drain and set aside for the filling. <br></br>
  • When ready to make the filling, wipe out any large crumbs from the food processor and pour in the lemon juice, coconut oil, coconut milk and honey. Add the softened cashews, vanilla and cinnamon and blend till creamy. Pour in the melted chocolate and blend again till smooth and completely combined.<br></br>
  • Pour the filling over the chilled crust and refrigerate, preferably overnight but at least 6 hours. You can also freeze it for about 2 hours if you'd like to speed up the process.<br></br>
  • When ready to make the topping, chill a mixing bowl and beaters for 15 minutes, then pour in the chilled coconut milk, honey and vanilla. Beat till thickened and fluffy (it won't thicken as much as regular dairy whipped cream) then spoon over the chilled cheesecake. Top with the strawberries and use a sharp knife to slice. Store in the refrigerator or in the freezer if you want to enjoy it for a couple of weeks :) Happy eating!

Notes

*If you want to be sure this cheesecake contains no refined sugar, make sure the brand you use is unsweetened or naturally sweetened.
*I prefer coconut oil to olive oil here for a milder flavour, but you can use either.