Patriotic Vegan Cheesecake
July 4th means cookouts, picnics, parades, fireworks…and lots of food!
We usually head over to Aunt Mary Ann’s house by the water. It’s always fun (and embarrassing to the kids) when the aunts sing “God Bless America” at the top of their lungs. But this year, we are hosting. I get to see my sister, bro-in-law, cute little niece and their new puppy (my kids are going to love this!).
I’m making the menu and shopping list now. Woo hoo! I’m a bit of a nerd that way; when it comes to food and entertaining, I live for it!
To save time, I made a red, white, and blue dessert and put it in the fridge today. We’ll have it after watching fireworks. Can I tell you I couldn’t stop licking the spoon?
In fact, after a few hours, Kate dug it out of the fridge, and well, let’s just say we couldn’t wait until Thursday after all.
Aunt Mary Ann makes a special American flag cheesecakes so I made one, too. Mine is a healthy twist to the traditional cake with nuts, tofu, and shredded coconut.
Patriotic Vegan Cheesecake
Crust
Ingredients:
• 1 cup nuts (I used a mix of walnuts, brazil nuts, almond slices, and pecans)
• 12 medjool dates, pitted and soaked
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 cup shredded coconut
Directions:
Soak dates in water for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, blend nuts, cinnamon, and coconut together. Add in the dates and blend thoroughly. The mixture will become sticky. Press into a 8×8 square pie dish and put aside.
Cake
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cups cashews, soaked for 1 hour
• 8 oz. extra firm tofu
• 12 oz . vegan cream cheese (Follow Your Heart brand)
• 2/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
Sliced strawberries and blueberries to make the flag.
Directions:
Drain cashews and add them to the blender with the rest of the ingredients.
Pulse until everything is smoothly pureed.
Then pour into the pie crust. Spread it evenly, making a nice swirl with the spatula.
Bake for 40 minutes at 250 degrees F. Remove from oven and let cool.
Add blueberries and sliced strawberries to make the flag.
Isn’t it a beauty!
Keep it stored in the fridge until ready to serve. It is safe for about 3-4 days, and make sure to cover to keep in the freshness.
Makes 12 slices.
I like making healthier, cleaner versions of desserts and wowing everyone. Yeah, I’m a bit “want to be the center of attention” that way. :)
Your turn. How do you work the red, white, and blue for the 4th?
10 Responses to Patriotic Vegan Cheesecake
I am making to make red, white, blue popsicles. 3 layers – pureed raspberries (maybe add a little honey or maple syrup), coconut milk, pureed blueberries. Have to freeze in stages but should be delicious and the kids will love them!
Natasha! Now these seem amazing! I’m stealing this idea…I’ll add it to my menu for this year. The kids will love them! Thanks, my dear! xx
I am totally making this because, well, me too!! Scary, I have almost all of the ingredients on hand. You have changed my life, Lisa! Love it! Miss you and love seeing Miss. K in your posts. Love that girl!!!
Jen! I just LOVE you! And Miss Kate does too…she misses her coach. She told me the other day she is going to have a GOTR inspired wedding cake. Not sure why we are talking weddings at the age of 10, but she is thinking the color scheme of greens and pinks. Ha! You need to make this…it’s sweet but light and I sure hope I don’t eat it all before Thursday. We need a get together soon. Hugs!
Oh Lisa! You have the BEST recipes and tips everrrr. I loved this post! I cannot wait to try it. Thank you so much for all you do to inspire us to stay healthy!
xo
Robin
Thank you so much for your kinds words, lovely lady. I hope you make this for realz…in fact, it’s sitting in the fridge now calling my name. I have a feeling my guests won’t have any to taste on Thursday! Hugs to you!
Oh and how could I miss not saying what awesome pictures you used! Loved meeting your sweet daughter 🙂
The good ole iPhone does the trick! Thanks, love! AND Kate is such a sweetie, oh yes. Maybe one day you’ll meet in person. I would love it! xo
My goodness but your daughter sure is getting pretty. You will have your hands full in just a few years LOL
She is a sweetie, Sharon. Hope you try this cheesecake! Happy 4th!