Tofu Cheesecake Recipe

By
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
An internationally recognized culinary authority, Kristina Vanni is well-known for her recipe development, food photography, and experience as a TV show host.
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Updated on 06/2/22
Tofu Cheesecake

 Kristina Vanni
Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 50 mins
Soak Time: 60 mins
Total: 2 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 8 slices
Yield: 1 cake
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
646 Calories
37g Fat
72g Carbs
11g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 646
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 37g 48%
Saturated Fat 19g 93%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 238mg 10%
Total Carbohydrate 72g 26%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 54g
Protein 11g
Vitamin C 8mg 39%
Calcium 88mg 7%
Iron 3mg 17%
Potassium 410mg 9%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This rich and luscious vegan cheesecake is prepared without any dairy or eggs and instead is made with tofu, coconut cream, and cashews. The crunchy and flavorful crust is made with rolled oats, almonds, and coconut oil, then pressed into a springform pan. No one will miss the butter! The crust and the filling are both sweetened with coconut sugar, which is a low-glycemic alternative to refined sugar.

The entire recipe is easy to prepare since both the crust and the filling are made quick and easy in the food processor. This is a recipe that both vegans and non-vegans alike will enjoy come dessert time.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats

  • 1 cup raw almonds

  • 3 tablespoons coconut sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

  • 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted

For the Filling:

  • 1 1/2 cups raw cashews

  • 8 ounces silken tofu

  • 1 cup heavy coconut cream

  • 3/4 cup coconut sugar

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

For the Topping:

  • Fresh strawberries

  • Heavy coconut cream

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Tofu Cheesecake
     Kristina Vanni

  2. Prepare the cashews for the filling. Place the cashews in a large bowl and cover with boiling water by 1 inch. Soak for 1 hour.

    Tofu Cheesecake
     Kristina Vanni

  3. Meanwhile prepare the crust. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Coat a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Wrap the springform pan with heavy duty foil to prevent any leaks while baking. 

    Tofu Cheesecake
     Kristina Vanni

  4. Place the rolled oats, almonds, coconut sugar, and sea salt in a food processor or high-speed blender until a fine meal is achieved. 

    Tofu Cheesecake
     Kristina Vanni

  5. In a medium bowl combine the fine meal with the melted coconut oil.

    Tofu Cheesecake
     Kristina Vanni

  6. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake the crust until set but not browned, about 15 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes.

    Tofu Cheesecake
     Kristina Vanni

  7. Once 1 hour has passed, drain the cashews. 

    Tofu Cheesecake
     Kristina Vanni

  8. In a high-speed blender or food processor, place the cashews, tofu, heavy coconut cream, coconut sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice and salt. Blend until very smooth. (If desired, reserve the remaining heavy coconut cream from the can to whip before serving.)

    Tofu Cheesecake
     Kristina Vanni

  9. Pour into the prepared crust. Bake until the edges are lightly golden in color and the cheesecake is set, but the center still jiggles slightly, about 50 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour, the refrigerate uncovered overnight.

    Tofu Cheesecake
     Kristina Vanni

  10. Run a knife along the edge to loosen, then release the springform pan and remove. Whip the remaining heavy coconut cream from the can or serve with prepared vegan whipped cream. Top with fresh strawberries and serve.

    Tofu Cheesecake
     Kristina Vanni

  11. Slice and enjoy!

Tip

  • People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should use rolled oats and other oat products that are labeled "gluten-free" as oats are often cross-contaminated with wheat and barley.