Get excited, because the creamiest, smoothest, richest vegan chocolate cheesecake is about to happen in your kitchen! This cheesecake has a chocolate cookie crust with a cashew and coconut cream based chocolate filling that tastes like a traditional cheesecake. It’s paleo, gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar free.
Can I just start of this post by telling you I’ve never made a vegan cheesecake SO creamy? I’m obsessed with this vegan chocolate cheesecake, guys. I’m completely crazy about it – and I mean that sincerely, let me tell you!
But let’s backtrack just a bit to what I wanted to accomplish here with this cheesecake. We’re coming up on Valentine’s Day, and for me that is basically just the best excuse in the world to unleash the chocolate beast in me. Since you’re here, I’m guessing you just might share the sentiment.
Anyway, I wanted to make another vegan cheesecake, since, ahem, it’s been awhile. I was inspired by my chocolate chip cookie vanilla cheesecake specifically, which is vegan but not no-bake since it has a baked cookie crust.
For this rich, velvety creamy chocolate version, we start with a chocolate version of that same crust. It bakes for just about 10 minutes, and during that time you’ll prepare the cheesecake layer.
This is where all the magic happens for me. You see, I taste test my recipes while making them as often as possible. This one was no exception. I tweaked the chocolate cheesecake layer until I was satisfied that it tasted like LEGIT chocolate cheesecake (you know, the ones made with cream cheese.)
My Vitamix did an incredible job blending everything up – it was just insanely creamy. I typically use my food processor, but from now on, my Vitamix will do the job!
That being said, if you only have a food processor you will still get an amazing vegan cheesecake – don’t waste a second worrying about it!
After you pour the cheesecake layer over the crust, the cake needs to chill either in the refrigerator or freezer to firm up. I prefer the fridge since it brings it to a thick, creamy texture without having to thaw out at all.
At least 4 hours is ideal – overnight is your best bet. Mainly because it’s easier to avoid sneaking bites of it while you’re sleeping 😉
To top it off, I made an easy homemade coconut whipped cream coconut cream (this is the thick part of a chilled can of coconut milk), maple syrup and a touch of vanilla. I grated a super dark chocolate bar for an extra chocolatey touch.
Since we all know chocolate and fruit make great luuuvaaaas, I also included a quick recipe for a cherry topping if you’re so inclined. It’s just a combination of frozen cherries, maple syrup, and a bit of tapioca to thicken, but DANG, it is soooo yummy!
This paleo + vegan chocolate cheesecake is one that literally every person will love, regardless of whether they follow a paleo or vegan diet or not. Seriously, it’s flipping amazing!
Rich, ridiculously creamy, and absolutely necessary for all you chocoholics out there! I hope you’re ready for cheesecake heaven because it’s about to come to your kitchen – let’s go!
Paleo + Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake with Chocolate Cookie Crust
Paleo + Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake with Chocolate Cookie Crust:
Ingredients
Cookie Crust:
- 1/2 cup smooth almond butter
- 2 Tbsp organic coconut oil refined, melted and cooled to almost room temp
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup blanched almond flour
- 1/2 cup raw cacao powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
Cheesecake Layer:
- 2 cups raw cashews soaked for at least 2 hours
- 1 cup raw cacao powder
- 1 cup coconut cream
- 2/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup organic coconut oil melted and cooled, refined (to avoid coconut flavor)
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
Optional Cherry Topping:
- 1 cup frozen cherries
- 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tsp water
- 1 tsp tapioca flour
Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup coconut cream chilled overnight
- 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
For the Crust:
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. I recommend using an 8” springform pan for this recipe, but a 9” will work as well.
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Mix all ingredients together with a spoon until a thick cookie dough forms. Press into bottom of the springform pan. Bake 10-12 minutes until just set, then remove and cool while you prepare the cheesecake layer.
Cheesecake Layer:
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For the cheesecake, add all ingredients to a high powdered blender (I used a vitamix) or food processor and blend on high speed until creamy.
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Pour into partially cooled crust, then refrigerate at least 4 hours to set. You can also freeze this cake if preferred. I like to chill it overnight in the refrigerator for the best, creamiest results before serving.
For the Cherry Topping:
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Add Cherries and maple syrup to a saucepan and heat over medium, stirring. Whisk together the water and tapioca in a small bowl. Once cherries begin to boil, add tapioca mixture and stir. Continue to cook another 2 minutes or so until the mixture is thick and syrupy.
For the Whipped Cream:
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In a mixing bowl, beat the chilled whipped cream with an electric hand mixer until creamy. Add in the syrup and vanilla and beat on low to incorporate. Top cheesecake right away, or refrigerate immediately to use later. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
* Prep time does not include the time needed to soak the cashews.
**Nutrition is calculated without the cherries and whipped cream
Nutrition
Shop Products and Ingredients:
Want More Vegan Cheesecake Recipes? Try One of These
Chocolate Chip Cookie Vanilla Cheesecake
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I’m deathly allergic to cashews, and allergic to all other nuts, accept almonds. Go figure. Can I substitute almonds for the filling? What do you think?
Do you drain the cashews for this recipe?
Can you please answer whether or not you drain the water off the cashews?
Yes you do drain the cashews! I just made this recipe today for Valentine’s Day. ?
We’re not huge almond butter fans- will smooth peanut butter work?
WOW this cake looks gorgeous! I love that rich texture ♥
This looks absolutely amazing and oh so delicious! Cheesecake is one of my very favorite desserts but it’s so hard to eat on Paleo. Can’t wait to give this a try!
The cheesecake I made turned out INCREDIBLE. I can’t wait to make it again and try out different variations.
Definitely one of my faves! Love freezing it and having pieces whenever I crave one 🙂
This is the tastiest dessert I’ve ever made! So rich and delicious- make sure to get a nice cacao powder- the quality matters a lot!
This was easy as so delicious!!
Your creativity with paleo food blows me away! I just love seeing what you’re up to. I can’t wait to try this. My kids will be so excited. So very talented <3
Is there a good substitute for cashews?
It was delicious! I’d like to double the recipe for the crust to make it thicker. It was like a fudgy chocolate brownie and I wanted more of it. If I double the recipe for the crust, how long would you recommend that it be baked?
So rich with flavor! I can’t believe there is no cream sugar or eggs. It is truly clean eating AND a big plus- it gave me energy! This is the first recipe I have tried from this site and I will absolutely try more!
Hi! Could i use vegan white or dark melted choc in this instead of the cocoa or would it change the consistency
Oh my goodness! What an AMAZING recipe! I was sceptical, but went with the recipe and LOVE it! I made it for my husbands birthday cake although the GF/ no refined sugar was for my benefit! I didn’t use quite as much maple syrup in either the main cheesecake or the coconut cream topping. But still super tasty and chocolatey!
Voted BEST DESSERT EVER by kids
Can I substitute honey for maple syrup I’m this recipe? My stomach can’t process maple syrup.
I think honey would work, but you might want to try with half the honey first and then work your way up. Also, honey will make the cheesecake taste different.
Dates would work perfectly, though. They would mimic the maple syrup flavour. You could use the exact amount of dates as maple syrup. Just, process them first: Get dried dates and put them in a food processor. Mix until they form a “ball of dough” (you’ll know what I mean when you do it). Then, measure out how much you need. Now, put the rest of the ingredients with the dates back in the food processor and mix until smooth.
Keep the date mixture in the fridge for the next time you sub in a recipe.
I so want to try this. Seeing I can sub. Can I use ghee instead of coconut oil?
I made this yesterday and it was AMAZING. And super easy.
Hello! I was wondering if I halved the recipe what size pan I should use? (my husband doesn’t like cheesecake- crazy, I know!)
Thank you so much for your recipes, they have changed my life!
WOW WOW WOW I did not know such goodness existed in the world – my aunts allergic to coconut so I used avocado oil cashew milk instead – I halved the amount of cashew milk so it would still be thick and creamy. Turned out great!
I make this ALL the time. Everyone who tries it absolutely loves it, vegan and non-vegan. It has become a holiday/birthday/celebration favorite. How long would this last in the freezer? How long in the fridge?
Michele
Could you use Almonds instead of Cashews as my family has to stay away from Cashews.