Classic Vegan Cheesecake with Cashew Cream and Berry Compote
Michelle Davis
This no-bake cheesecake gets its rich, creamy filling from blended cashews and coconut milk, set over an almond-date crust and topped with a fresh berry compote. It's gluten-free and refined sugar-free, making it a solid choice for guests with dietary restrictions. Allow a few hours of chilling time before serving.
1.5cupsMedjool datespitted and softened in warm water for 10 minutes
1tbspcoconut oilmelted
Filling
2cupsraw cashewssoaked in water for 4 hours or overnight, then drained
1cupfull-fat canned coconut milkshake well before use
⅓cupmaple syruppure, grade A
¼cuplemon juicefreshly squeezed
2tspvanilla extractpure
⅛tspsea salt
Berry Compote (Topping)
1.5cupsmixed berriesblueberries, raspberries, strawberries (fresh or frozen)
2tbspmaple syrup
1tsplemon zest
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Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a food processor, pulse the almonds until finely ground. Add dates and coconut oil, and process until sticky and crumbly. Press evenly into the pan to form a crust about 1/4-inch thick. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, coconut milk, maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed. This should take about 2–3 minutes.
Pour the filling over the prepared crust, tapping the pan gently to remove air bubbles. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the center has a slight jiggle. Remove and let cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour.
While the cheesecake cools, prepare the berry compote. In a small saucepan, combine berries, maple syrup, and lemon zest. Simmer over medium heat for 5–8 minutes, stirring until the berries release their juices and slightly thicken. Remove from heat and let cool.
Once the cheesecake is completely cooled, pour the compote on top. Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to set completely before slicing.
Notes
You can prepare the crust and filling up to 2 days ahead and assemble with compote just before serving.
For a nut-free version, use sunflower seeds and coconut yogurt as substitutions.
Add 1 tbsp of arrowroot starch to the filling for added firmness if desired.