Inspired by: @pbsofia
Looking for a delightful, guilt-free dessert that requires absolutely no baking? This Easy No-Bake Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake is your perfect match! Crafted by the talented abillion user @pbsofia, this recipe offers a refreshingly light and lusciously creamy treat that's ideal for holidays, special occasions, or simply a healthy indulgence. As one happy cook commented, "Oooh, no baking even! Looks delicious and doesn't sounds too hard to replicate." It's truly "so much easier than other cheesecake recipes out there!"
Forget complicated steps and hours in the kitchen. This plant-based strawberry cheesecake boasts a simple, wholesome date and almond crust, topped with a rich, silky cashew-based cream. It's a fantastic dairy-free and egg-free option, naturally sweetened and packed with vibrant strawberry flavor. Many users have praised its bakery-worthy appearance, noting, "It seems like it just came out of a bakery!" Get ready to impress your friends and family with this stunning, yet surprisingly simple, dessert.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 250gr date paste
- 100gr almonds
For the Filling
- 2 cups raw cashews
- 1 cup (canned) Light coconut milk
- 1 lime
- 1/3 cup plant milk (such as Alpro coconut milk)
- 3 Tbsp (full) agave syrup (or your preferred syrup, but agave is recommended for taste and health benefits)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (Condi brand was highlighted for affordability and availability)
- 1 Tbsp Psyllium Husk powder
- Strawberry Jam (use one with natural fruit sugars for a healthier touch)
- Fresh strawberries (for decoration)
Equipment
- Food processor or kitchen robot
- Blender
- Pie plate (approx. 9-inch)
Method
- Prepare Cashews: Soak raw cashews in boiling water for 1 hour. This is crucial for achieving that incredibly silky, smooth cheesecake filling.
- Activate Psyllium Husk: In a separate bowl, soak 1 tablespoon of psyllium husks in 200ml of water. Whisk well and let it sit for 1 hour until it forms a jelly-like texture. This ingredient is key to improving the consistency and texture of your cheesecake!
- Make the Base: In a food processor or kitchen robot, lightly grind the almonds. Add the date paste and continue grinding until the mixture forms a moldable paste.
- Form the Crust: Press the date and almond paste evenly into the bottom of your pie plate. Use your hands or a moist spoon to help create a firm, smooth base.
- Chill the Base: Place the crust in the fridge to cool while you prepare the filling.
- Create the Filling: In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, coconut cream, fresh lime juice, plant milk, agave syrup, vanilla extract, and the prepared psyllium jelly. Blend until completely smooth and silky.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the creamy filling over the chilled crust.
- Set the Cheesecake: Refrigerate the cheesecake for approximately 7 hours to allow it to fully set.
- Decorate: Once set, cover the cheesecake generously with strawberry jam and arrange fresh strawberries on top as desired. The fresh strawberries truly "give it another glow!"
- Final Chill: Refrigerate for an additional hour, or place in the freezer for 30 minutes for a quicker firm-up before serving.
Tips & Hacks
- Achieving Ultra-Smooth Cream: Don't rush the blending process for the filling. Continue blending until there are absolutely no cashew bits visible and the mixture is incredibly smooth and creamy. A high-speed blender works best.
- Perfecting the Crust: If your date and almond mixture is too dry, add a tiny bit of water (1/2 teaspoon at a time) to help it come together. If it's too sticky, add a few more almonds.
- Psyllium Husk is Key: The addition of psyllium husk powder, as suggested by the original author, is a brilliant hack for optimal consistency and texture without using gelatin or other common thickeners. It ensures a stable, sliceable cheesecake.
- Seasonal Strawberries: For the best flavor, use fresh, in-season strawberries for decorating. As one commenter pointed out, waiting for "local strawberries available!" makes all the difference.
Variations & Adaptations
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Ensure your date paste and any packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free if strict adherence is required.
- Other Berry Flavors: Swap out the strawberry jam and fresh strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or a mixed berry blend.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle with melted vegan chocolate or chocolate sauce before serving for an extra decadent touch.
- Nut-Free Crust: For a nut-free option, use a blend of sunflower seeds and oats for the crust instead of almonds.
- Different Sweeteners: While agave syrup is preferred, you can experiment with maple syrup or date syrup. Adjust quantities to taste.
Related Articles
Looking for more delicious and easy plant-based recipes? Explore these popular articles on abillion:
- Craving another no-bake wonder? Check out our Decadent & Easy Vegan Biscoff No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe (Dairy-Free)
- For another chocolatey no-bake treat, try our Easy No-Bake Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake
- Discover more delightful desserts with our 11 Easy Christmas Desserts Anyone Can Make!
Don't miss out on creating this delightful dessert! Give this easy no-bake vegan strawberry cheesecake a try and share your delicious results on abillion! We'd love to see your creations and hear what you think.