Silky Vegan Cheesecake Recipe

Dreamy Vegan Cheesecake Recipe: Silky Smooth & Guilt-Free Joy

Decadent and smooth, this vegan cheesecake recipe delivers a silky vegan cheesecake that melts on your tongue with pure creamy bliss.

Rich cashew cream creates an incredibly luxurious base that rivals traditional dairy desserts.

Each forkful promises a heavenly experience without compromising taste or texture.

The plant-based ingredients combine magically to craft a dessert that feels absolutely indulgent.

Forget complicated baking techniques – this simple method ensures success for even novice bakers.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this cheesecake a game-changing treat anyone can master.

Prepare to wow your taste buds with a dessert that proves vegan can be seriously delicious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 9

Everything You Need For Vegan Cheesecake Recipe

For Crust Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic cookie base that provides a delightful crumbly texture and sweet foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Coconut Oil: Melted binding agent that helps the crust hold together and adds a subtle tropical hint.
  • Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that enhances flavor and helps ingredients stick, creating a cohesive crust.
For Creamy Filling:
  • Cashews: Powerful dairy-free ingredient that creates smooth, rich texture when blended thoroughly.
  • Coconut Cream: Luxurious base that provides velvety consistency and authentic cheesecake-like mouthfeel.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright acidic component that balances richness and adds tangy cheesecake authenticity.
  • Vanilla Extract: Warm aromatic flavor enhancer that deepens overall dessert complexity.
  • Refined Coconut Oil: Helps set filling and provides structural stability when chilled.
For Topping and Garnish:
  • Fresh Berries: Vibrant natural decoration that adds color and refreshing contrast to creamy base.
  • Maple Syrup: Optional drizzle for extra sweetness and glistening presentation.

Tools To Make Vegan Cheesecake Recipe

  • Springform pan: 8-inch round pan with removable sides for easy cheesecake release.
  • Mixing bowl: Medium-sized bowl for combining graham cracker crust ingredients.
  • Spoon: Useful for pressing and flattening the crust evenly in the pan.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring graham cracker crumbs, coconut oil, and maple syrup.
  • Freezer: Temporary storage for setting the crust while preparing the filling.

Instructions For Vegan Cheesecake Recipe

  • Create Crust Foundation

Crush graham crackers and blend with melted coconut oil and sweet maple goodness. Mix until the texture feels like perfect sand that will hold together beautifully.

  • Shape Crust Base

Press the crumbly mixture firmly into your springform pan, using the back of a spoon to create an even, smooth surface. Make sure every corner gets packed tight for a solid foundation.

  • Chill Crust

Pop the pan into the freezer while you craft the dreamy filling, allowing the crust to set and become wonderfully firm.

Smart Swaps For Vegan Cheesecake Recipe

  • Chill-Factor Crust Tip: Freeze the crust for at least 15 minutes before adding filling to help it set firmly and prevent crumbling when slicing the cheesecake.
  • Texture Transformation: Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed nuts for a grain-free version that's equally delicious and crunchy.
  • Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different spices in the crust like cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg to add depth and complexity to the base's taste profile.
  • Healthy Swap Strategy: Replace coconut oil with almond butter or cashew butter for a different nutty undertone and added protein content in the crust mixture.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the crust in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before completing the final cheesecake assembly, which helps save time during preparation.

Ways To Serve Vegan Cheesecake Recipe

  • Creamy Fruit Paradise: Top the cheesecake with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a burst of color and natural sweetness.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Drizzle melted dark vegan chocolate over the chilled cheesecake and sprinkle with chopped nuts for added crunch and richness.
  • Caramel Swirl Delight: Create a homemade vegan caramel sauce using coconut milk and brown sugar, then pour it elegantly over each slice for a decadent finish.
  • Seasonal Garnish Elegance: Decorate with edible flowers, mint leaves, or seasonal fruit compote to elevate the visual appeal and add a sophisticated touch to your dessert.

Storage Tips For Vegan Cheesecake Recipe

  • Chill and Set Strategy: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the filling to firm up completely and develop rich, creamy texture.
  • Smart Storage Solution: Keep the cheesecake covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its delicious flavor and smooth consistency.
  • Freezing Friendly Option: Slice the cheesecake into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months for quick dessert access.
  • Serving Temperature Trick: Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly, which enhances its creamy texture and allows the flavors to bloom.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Silky Vegan Cheesecake Recipe

Silky Vegan Cheesecake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Silky vegan cheesecake delights with cashew-based creaminess and graham cracker crust. Pure plant-based indulgence rewards dessert seekers with rich, smooth pleasure you’ll savor completely.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480g) raw cashews, soaked for 46 hrs (or in hot water for 1 hr)
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits
  • ½ cup (120 ml or 4 fl oz) coconut cream (or full-fat coconut milk, thick part only)
  • ½ cup (120 ml or 4 fl oz) maple syrup or agave syrup
  • ¼ cup (60 g or 2 oz) coconut oil (melted) or vegan butter
  • ¼ cup (60 ml or 2 fl oz) lemon juice (for tanginess)
  • 2 tbsps maple syrup (or agave syrup)
  • 2 tbsps coconut oil (for firmness)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Fresh berries
  • Fruit compote
  • Shaved dark chocolate
  • Vegan caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers into a fine, uniform consistency, eliminating any substantial fragments for a seamless texture.
  2. Binding the Base: Infuse the crumb mixture with melted coconut oil and maple syrup, blending meticulously until the ingredients harmonize into a slightly moistened, cohesive mass.
  3. Crust Forming: Gently transfer the crumb amalgamation into a springform pan, applying measured pressure to construct an even, compact foundational layer that will anchor the cheesecake’s structure.
  4. Crust Stabilization: Utilize a spoon’s posterior or a precision-leveled measuring implement to compress and smooth the crust, ensuring a robust and uniform base that will provide optimal support for the forthcoming filling.
  5. Chilling Phase: Suspend the prepared pan in the freezer, allowing the crust to solidify and set while simultaneously preparing the subsequent cheesecake components, thereby establishing a crisp and stable platform for the dessert’s delicate layers.

Notes

  • Crumb Consistency Matters: Ensure graham crackers are crushed into fine, uniform particles without large chunks for a smooth, professional-looking crust base.
  • Pack Firmly: Use consistent, gentle pressure when pressing crust mixture into pan to create a compact, stable foundation that won’t crumble when serving.
  • Chill for Structure: Freezing the crust helps solidify its shape and prevents potential moisture absorption, maintaining a crisp texture and clean presentation.
  • Alternative Crust Options: Experiment with gluten-free graham crackers or swap with nuts like almonds for diverse dietary needs and exciting flavor variations.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star