Vegan Cheesecake Recipe

Cheesecake has and will always be a family favorite. However, half my family is vegan, myself included. And so making plant-based alternatives to our favorite treats is a challenge because we have to please both those who are familiar with plant-based alternatives, and those who prefer the original recipes. Today that was accomplished in this tofu-cheesecake recipe! It was super easy and fun to make, and everyone in the family was enjoyed the finished treat, even though they were very skeptical of a tofu dessert.

This is the recipe I used, but I encourage you to be playful with your own! Choose the ingredients that works best with your nutrition plan, it's hard to go wrong. :)

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Cool time: 10 minutes

Supplies

Mixing bowl

Food processor

Muffin tin or cake dish

Optional: Muffin liners

Ingredients

Tofu
Honey
Coconut sugar
Dates
Vanilla
Coconut oil
Gram crackers
Lemon juice
Salt
Strawberries
Blueberries

Steps

Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit.

2. Crush up 2 packages of gram crackers and combine with 1/2 cup of melted coconut oil and 1/4 cup of honey. The honey acts as a binder for the crust to be less crumby when it's finished. Because there is oil in the crust, oiling the pan isn't necessary, but placing down muffin liners will help keep the shape of the cheesecake. I didn't have any liners on hand today and the treats still turned out well and easy to remove from the pan. Press the crust into the bottom of the muffin tins or dish or your choosing. (Please ignore the old grease stains on my muffin tin. It happens.)

3. Combine 12 ounces of firm, organic tofu, 1/4 cup of coconut sugar, 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of dates (as is or softened in the microwave in a bowl of water), 1/4 cup of coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the food processor and blend until smooth.

4. The filling can then be dolloped on top of the crust in the muffin tins, and apply the toppings! I added strawberries, blueberries, and extra gram cracker crumble sprinkled on top.

5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, allow to cool on the counter or in the fridge, and enjoy! Treats can be preserved in the freezer or the fridge depending on how quickly you expect to finish them.