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2.10.19

Paleo + Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake with Chocolate Cookie Crust

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Vegan Egg Free

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 😉

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.

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!

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.

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

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. 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.

Paleo + Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake with Chocolate Cookie Crust:

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.
Author: Michele Rosen
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Baking/Dessert
Cuisine: Paleo, Vegan
Servings: 12 servings
Print this Recipe
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review
4.77 from 21 votes

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:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. I recommend using an 8” springform pan for this recipe, but a 9” will work as well.
  2. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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:

  1. 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:

  1. 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

Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 59mg
Potassium: 509mg
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 18g
Vitamin C: 1.7mg
Calcium: 94mg
Iron: 3.9mg

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @PaleoRunningMomma on Instagram and hashtag it #PaleoRunningMomma

Shop Products and Ingredients:

Want More Vegan Cheesecake Recipes?  Try One of These 

Chocolate Chip Cookie Vanilla Cheesecake

Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake 

Key Lime Cheesecake Tart

Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake 

Note: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Paleo Running Momma!

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About Michele

More than a little into running and paleo recipes (yoga now too!) but I'm not here to rain on your grains (or anything else) so come along for the ride! I do a little too much of everything (except cleaning), and I enjoy laughing at myself. As long as I'm the one making the jokes, that is. Just kidding. So bring me your angst, your appetite and your frying pan and climb aboard!

Reader Interactions

Reader Reviews & Comments

  1. Mary Liz Rhoad says

    February 10, 2019 at 12:31 pm

    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?

    Reply
  2. Camille Reerslev says

    February 10, 2019 at 6:32 pm

    Do you drain the cashews for this recipe?

    Reply
    • Wendy Nickelsen says

      February 13, 2019 at 10:32 pm

      Can you please answer whether or not you drain the water off the cashews?

      Reply
      • Ellen says

        February 14, 2020 at 4:15 pm

        Yes you do drain the cashews! I just made this recipe today for Valentine’s Day. ?

        Reply
  3. Katie says

    February 10, 2019 at 9:10 pm

    We’re not huge almond butter fans- will smooth peanut butter work?

    Reply
  4. Natalie says

    February 11, 2019 at 9:22 am

    5 stars
    WOW this cake looks gorgeous! I love that rich texture ♥

    Reply
  5. Addison says

    February 11, 2019 at 2:41 pm

    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!

    Reply
  6. Rebecca says

    February 24, 2019 at 8:17 am

    5 stars
    The cheesecake I made turned out INCREDIBLE. I can’t wait to make it again and try out different variations.

    Reply
    • Michele says

      February 24, 2019 at 5:58 pm

      Definitely one of my faves! Love freezing it and having pieces whenever I crave one 🙂

      Reply
  7. Jane says

    March 3, 2019 at 2:23 pm

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
  8. Diane Velez says

    April 16, 2019 at 4:08 pm

    5 stars
    This was easy as so delicious!!

    Reply
  9. Jenna | Peaches & Prayer says

    May 3, 2019 at 10:25 pm

    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

    Reply
  10. Patti says

    May 10, 2019 at 1:30 am

    Is there a good substitute for cashews?

    Reply
  11. Sue says

    July 30, 2019 at 6:53 pm

    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?

    Reply
  12. Debby H. says

    October 6, 2019 at 7:30 am

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
  13. Anna says

    October 25, 2019 at 4:36 am

    Hi! Could i use vegan white or dark melted choc in this instead of the cocoa or would it change the consistency

    Reply
  14. Marsha Cooper says

    January 28, 2020 at 1:05 am

    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!

    Reply
  15. Vanessa says

    October 12, 2020 at 5:46 pm

    5 stars
    Voted BEST DESSERT EVER by kids

    Reply
  16. Elisha Thompson says

    October 25, 2020 at 11:16 pm

    Can I substitute honey for maple syrup I’m this recipe? My stomach can’t process maple syrup.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      January 20, 2021 at 12:30 pm

      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.

      Reply
  17. Valerie says

    February 8, 2021 at 10:48 pm

    I so want to try this. Seeing I can sub. Can I use ghee instead of coconut oil?

    Reply

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Hi! I’m so happy you stopped by! My name is Michele and I’m a Paleo eater and recipe creator, runner, mom of 3, and the gal behind Paleo Running Momma! Over here you’ll find real-food, clean eating family favorites that you’ll be excited to share with your loved ones. I hope you stay awhile, eat, savor, and enjoy!

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