Vegan Cheesecake (No tofu or nuts) Recipe

Magic: Nut-Free Vegan Cheesecake Recipe

Vegan cheesecake refines dairy-free desserts into creamy, indulgent experiences that challenge traditional expectations.

Rich, silky textures emerge from unexpected plant-based ingredients, creating magic in every slice.

Sophisticated palates and casual sweet lovers alike find themselves enchanted by this innovative treat.

Decadent yet lighter than classic versions, this dessert promises remarkable smoothness without compromising flavor complexity.

Subtle nuances of sweetness dance across the palate, revealing layers of culinary creativity.

Surprising techniques replace conventional dairy elements, resulting in a delectable masterpiece that delights even skeptical taste buds.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce an extraordinary outcome that feels both luxurious and wholesome.

Vegan Cheesecake Without Tofu or Nuts

  • Whip Up Dairy-Free Delight: This vegan cheesecake breaks traditional dessert boundaries by creating a creamy, luscious treat without using tofu or nuts, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Simplify Baking Magic: The recipe offers an effortless method with basic ingredients and straightforward steps, allowing even novice bakers to create a professional-looking dessert with minimal kitchen skills.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Designed for versatility, this cheesecake can be a show-stopping finale for dinner parties, a comforting weekend treat, or a make-ahead dessert that saves time and reduces stress during meal preparation.

Ingredients for Vegan Cheesecake

Base Ingredients:
  • Graham Crackers: Classic base with buttery crunch, choose whole wheat or gluten-free options for variety.
  • Vegan Butter: Provides rich binding for crust, select a high-quality brand with good melting properties.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Vegan Cream Cheese: Creamy base for cheesecake, pick a smooth, tangy variety for authentic flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with texture, white or organic options work well.
  • Cornstarch: Creates smooth, thick consistency and helps set the filling.
  • Plant-Based Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend ingredients, choose unsweetened version.
  • Lemon Juice: Provides bright, tangy note and helps balance sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic profile.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Optional Toppings: Fresh berries, vegan whipped cream, or fruit compote for decoration and extra flavor.

How to Prepare Vegan Cheesecake

Step 1: Create The Dreamy Crust

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix with melted coconut oil and press firmly into pan. Create an even layer covering bottom and sides. Refrigerate while preparing filling.

Step 2: Whip Up The Creamy Filling

Blend ingredients in mixing bowl:
  • Vegan cream cheese
  • Maple syrup
  • Cornstarch
  • Plant-based milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Lemon juice

Beat ingredients until silky smooth with no lumps. Scrape sides of bowl periodically.

Step 3: Pour And Smooth Filling

Gently transfer filling into chilled crust. Use spatula to spread evenly. Tap pan on counter to release any air bubbles.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Place cheesecake in preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 45-50 minutes until center is slightly jiggly but set. Surface should look pale golden.

Step 5: Cool And Chill

Remove from oven. Let cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for minimum 6 hours or overnight. This helps filling set perfectly.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Carefully remove from springform pan. Slice with clean knife. Optional: Garnish with fresh berries or coconut whipped cream.

Tips for Creamy Vegan Cheesecake

  • Smooth Cream Cheese Trick: Ensure vegan cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature for a ultra-creamy, lump-free texture.
  • Cornstarch Precision: Sift cornstarch before adding to prevent clumping and create a silky, consistent cheesecake base.
  • Baking Temperature Watch: Cover the edges with aluminum foil if browning too quickly to maintain an even, golden surface.
  • Cooling Technique: Allow cheesecake to cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent cracking and maintain a perfect smooth top.
  • Overnight Magic: Letting the cheesecake rest in the refrigerator for a full night intensifies flavors and sets the texture beautifully.

Storing Vegan Cheesecake

  • Refrigerate: Store your leftover vegan cheesecake in an airtight container, covering the top with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and absorption of other refrigerator odors.
  • Preservation: Keep the cheesecake in the coldest part of your refrigerator, maintaining a temperature below 4°C (40°F), and consume within 4-5 days for optimal taste and texture.
  • Reheating: Gently warm individual slices at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, avoiding microwave heating to preserve the creamy consistency and prevent potential texture breakdown.

Pairings for Vegan Cheesecake

  • Pair with Berry Bliss: Serve a vibrant mixed berry compote alongside the vegan cheesecake. The tartness of fresh raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries will complement the creamy, smooth texture of the cheesecake, adding a burst of fruity freshness.
  • Sip Sweet Harmony: Enjoy a chilled glass of lavender lemonade or a light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio. These drinks will enhance the delicate vanilla and lemon notes in the cheesecake, creating a refreshing and balanced taste experience.
  • Crunch with Contrast: Top the cheesecake with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or crushed graham crackers. This will introduce a delightful textural element, providing a satisfying crunch against the silky smooth cheesecake base.
  • Cool Complementary Garnish: Garnish with a small mint leaf or a light dusting of powdered sugar. These subtle additions will elevate the visual appeal and add a gentle, sophisticated touch to the dessert.

Vegan Cheesecake Variations

  • Berry Blast Cheesecake: Swirl fresh mixed berry compote into the cheesecake batter before baking, creating vibrant marbled patterns and adding natural fruity sweetness.
  • Chocolate Marble Vegan Cheesecake: Fold melted dark chocolate into half the cheesecake mixture, then gently swirl through the pan for beautiful chocolate ribbons.
  • Caramel Coconut Drizzle Cheesecake: Top the chilled cheesecake with homemade coconut caramel sauce, sprinkled with toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch and tropical flavor.
  • Lavender Lemon Infusion: Add dried culinary lavender and extra lemon zest to the batter, creating a sophisticated floral and citrusy profile that elevates the classic cheesecake.
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Vegan Cheesecake (No tofu or nuts) Recipe

Vegan Cheesecake (No tofu or nuts!) Recipe


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4.5 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Silky smooth vegan cheesecake delivers pure dessert magic without tofu or nuts. Cashew-free and plant-based magic awaits when creamy coconut and tangy lemon unite in this irresistible slice of bliss you’ll want to savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Base:

  • 1 8-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Main Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) vegan cream cheese, room temperature
  • ⅔ cup (133 grams) sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or tapioca starch or arrowroot starch)

Liquid and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons milk of choice (such as almond milk)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Meticulously line an 8-inch circular baking vessel with prepared pie crust, ensuring smooth and even coverage.
  2. Calibrate the oven temperature precisely to 180°C (350°F) for optimal baking conditions.
  3. Combine softened vegan cream cheese with granulated sweetener in a spacious mixing vessel, gently whipping until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  4. Gradually incorporate cornstarch, plant-based milk, citrus essence, and aromatic vanilla extract while maintaining a gentle mixing tempo.
  5. Elevate the mixing speed, thoroughly blending the ingredients until the mixture transforms into a luxuriously smooth and homogeneous texture.
  6. Delicately transfer the creamy cheesecake mixture into the prepared crust, distributing it evenly across the surface with gentle, calculated movements.
  7. Position the unbaked cheesecake in the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 40-45 minutes until the surface develops a subtle golden hue and maintains a gentle wobble.
  8. Extract the baked dessert from the oven and permit complete temperature reduction at ambient conditions.
  9. Once thoroughly cooled, nestle the cheesecake in the refrigeration unit for a minimum of four hours, ideally allowing it to rest overnight for enhanced flavor development and structural integrity.

Notes

  • Dairy-Free Delight: This vegan cheesecake delivers creamy, rich texture without traditional dairy ingredients, making it perfect for plant-based dessert lovers.
  • Simple Ingredient Swap: Using vegan cream cheese creates a luxurious, smooth base that mimics classic cheesecake without compromising taste or texture.
  • Baking Precision: Maintain a consistent oven temperature and bake for exactly 40-45 minutes to achieve the ideal firm yet creamy consistency.
  • Chilling is Crucial: Refrigerating for minimum 4 hours or overnight allows the cheesecake to set properly and develop a deeper, more refined flavor profile.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This dessert can be prepared a day in advance, making it excellent for dinner parties or special occasions with minimal last-minute preparation.
  • Versatile Topping Options: Enhance the cheesecake with fresh berries, fruit compote, or a drizzle of vegan chocolate sauce to personalize your dessert experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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