Ingredients
Toasted Oat Crust
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup soft Medjool dates
- ¼ cup cacao powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ to ⅓ cup non-dairy milk or water
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 cups raw cashews, soaked for at least 4 hours and drained
- ¾ cup full fat coconut milk
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons cacao powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 5 oz (140 grams) oat milk baking chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a food processor, pulse rolled oats until finely ground. Add soft Medjool dates, cacao powder, sea salt, and non-dairy milk or water. Process until the mixture sticks together, forming a dough.
- Press the crust: Transfer the crust mixture into a springform pan or similar, pressing evenly to form a firm base. Place in the refrigerator to set while preparing the filling.
- Soak cashews: Soak raw cashews in water for at least 4 hours, then drain and rinse well to ensure a creamy, smooth filling texture.
- Blend the filling: In a high-speed blender, combine soaked cashews, full-fat coconut milk, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cacao powder, and sea salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Melt the chocolate: Gently melt the oat milk baking chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Combine chocolate and filling: Pour the melted chocolate into the blender and blend again until fully incorporated.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up properly.
- Serve: Remove from the refrigerator, carefully release the springform pan, slice, and serve chilled. Optionally, garnish with additional orange zest or chocolate shavings.
Notes
- Soaking cashews adequately is essential for a smooth, creamy filling.
- This cheesecake is best served chilled and will keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days.
- For firmer texture, you can freeze the cheesecake and thaw slightly before serving.
- Use soft Medjool dates to ensure the crust binds well; if too dry, add a bit more non-dairy milk.
- Adjust sweetness by varying maple syrup according to taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 4 hours soaking cashews)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan