Characteristics
This recipe provides an optimally healthy alternative to traditional dairy and refined sugar based cheesecakes. It is rich in nutrient dense calories and offers an abundance of micronutrients. It is naturally low in sodium and cholesterol free. It offers an excellent amount of fiber, as well as healthy carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Its refreshing taste and excellent nutrition benefits will make for a treat the whole family can feel good about eating.
TYPE: Dessert, Snack
PREP TIME: < 15 mins (+ time for pre-soaking and chilling)
SERVINGS: makes 1 cake (9-inch/23cm dish) for 8 slices
- Whole food
- Plant food (Vegan)
- Raw food
- Gluten-free
- Wheat-free
- Soy-free
- Corn-free
- Peanut-free
- Refined Sugar-free
Goodies Needed*
This recipe is adapted from Koko of Koko’s Kitchen.
INGREDIENTS:
Crust:
- 1.5 cups of Macadamia Nuts (organic, raw)
- 6-8 Medjool Dates (organic, raw)
- Optional - finely shredded coconut or nuts (organic, raw)
Filling:
- 1.5 cups Organic Raw Cashew Nuts
- 2 - 4 tbsp Organic Coconut Butter
- 1/4 cup Organic Maple Syrup
- 1/4 cup Organic Lime Juice
- 1/4 - 1/2 cup Filtered Water
- 1 tsp Organic Pure Vanilla Extract
- Organic Lime Slices — optional for garnish
TOOLS:
- Food Processor
- 9-inch Glass Pie Dish
- Spatula
Preparation Steps
- Soak the macadamia and cashew nuts in separate bowls for about 4 hours.
- After the 4 hours, drain and rinse the nuts, and keep in separate bowls.
- Place the macadamia nuts into your food processor.
- Take out the pits from the Medjool dates and place the 6 to 8 Medjool dates into the food processor.
- Process the nuts and dates until nuts are crushed and the ingredients clump together.
- Scrape out all of the mix using a spatula and place the processed ingredients into your round pan. Before you place your crust in, you may wish to sprinkle the bottom of the pan with the finely shredded coconut or nuts for easier removal of cake slices.
- Using your clean fingers, work the “dough” into a crust – evenly along the bottom, and up along the sides of the pan. Set aside.
- Place the cashews, coconut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, water and lime juice into your food processor and process until mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Using a spatula, scrape the filling from the food processor and into the pan with the crust, and smooth out on top.
- Cover the pan with a cover or plastic wrap and place in freezer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Remove from the freezer, cut and serve. Cake should be softly firm, not runny or frozen. Alternatively you can place it into the fridge and serve the next day. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Optional: garnish the cheesecake with fresh lime slices. Enjoy.
Meal Nutritional Benefits
Macadamia Nuts:
- good source of (in descending order): manganese, vitamin B1, copper, fiber, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, potassium, zinc, calcium and selenium
- provide a rich source of energy, healthy fats, protein and a wide array of vitamins and minerals
- have been linked to enhancing good heart health, lowering cholesterol and protecting against cardiovascular disease
- rich in antioxidants and various other phytochemicals and thus enhance overall good health and decrease chances of various cancers
- for more information, visit the macadamia nut overview from NutritionData.com
Medjool Dates
- provide healthy carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and are virtually fat-free
- provide phytonutrients and antioxidants
- have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties
- provide vitamins, especially the B vitamins
- provide minerals, especially potassium, copper, manganese, magnesium, calcium, and iron
- support optimal health, energy, weight, healing, and prevention
- support digestive, immune, and cardiovascular health
Cashews
- provide healthy fats, protein, some carbohydrates, and fiber
- provide phytonutrients, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory benefits
- provide vitamins, especially vitamin K and some of the B vitamins
- provide minerals, especially potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, and selenium
- support optimal health, weight, healing, and prevention
- support healthy blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels
- protect against cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes type 2, and other diseases
Coconut (fresh and dry)
- provides healthy fats, protein, some carbohydrates, and fiber
- provides antioxidants, phytonutrients, and anti-inflammatory benefits
- provides vitamins, like vitamin C and some B vitamins, including folate and choline
- provides minerals, especially potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, and copper
- supports optimal health, weight, healing, and prevention
- supports healthy blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and iron levels
- can support proper bone health and protects against osteoporosis
- can protect against cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes type 2, and other diseases
- Health Tip: Avoid dry coconut that has been sweetened, sulfured, highly processed, or found to contain other additives or preservatives.
Maple Syrup
- provides mostly simple carbohydrates (sugars) and about 20% fewer calories than honey
- provides antioxidants and phytonutrients
- provides trace amounts of B vitamins
- provides minerals, especially manganese, zinc, calcium, iron, potassium, copper, and magnesium
- serves as a good, natural sweetener option, which provides some nutrition and health benefits
Vanilla
- provides antioxidants and phytonutrients, like vanilloids, and has anti-inflammatory benefits
- provides some B vitamins
- provides some minerals, especially manganese, potassium, copper, and magnesium
- supports healing, prevention, and overall health
- supports cardiovascular and nervous system health Tips: Use the vanilla bean directly or choose pure, natural, and organic vanilla extracts. Avoid synthetic vanilla and similar artificial vanilla products.
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