Raw cheesecakes trump any tofu or soy cream cheese version. This one combines the tang and flavor of both lemon and lime juice, and has a tropical twist with coconut in the crust and a fresh mango sauce for serving. The recipe makes a fairly large batch of mango sauce. You can halve the batch or save the extra to top other foods, such as yogurt or waffles.
Course Dessert
Servings 8
Ingredients
Crust:
1cupraw almondssoaked preferably, this is about ¾ cup raw, unsoaked almonds, see note
1cuppecanssoaking not necessary
¾cuppitted medjool dates
¼cupunsweetened shredded coconut
1tsppure vanilla extract
1/8tspsea salt
Filling:
3 1/4cupssoaked raw cashewssoak first, then measure – this is about 2 ½ cups unsoaked
¼cupfreshly squeezed lemon juice
¼cupfreshly squeezed lime juice
1tsplemon zest
¼tspsea salt
½cup + 1 tbspraw agave nectarlittle generous; can substitute maple syrup but the cheesecake will be darker in color
1vanilla beanseeds scraped out
1/2cupcoconut butterpacked (I use Artisana)
Mango Sauce: (see note)
1 1/2cupsfrozen mango chunks
1/2cupwater
2tbspfreshly squeezed orange juice
¼cupraw agave nectaror pure maple syrup
½tsporange zest
Pinchsea salt
Instructions
Wipe the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan to lightly oil (can use coconut butter or oil). Prepare the crust: Place the almonds and pecans in a food processor. Pulse until very crumbly, then add the remaining ingredients and process until the mixture will hold together when pressed. Transfer the mixture to the prepared springform pan. To prepare the filling, place all the filling ingredients in a high-powered blender (see note). Puree until very, very smooth and lightened in color. Pour the mixture over the crust and tip the pan back and forth to distribute evenly. Cover the pan with foil and pop into the freezer to set (you can freeze overnight, if you like, but freeze at least 3 to 4 hours so it can become firmer). Serves 6-8.
To prepare the mango sauce: Combine all the sauce ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth; refrigerate in a covered container until ready to serve. To serve, remove the cake from the freezer for 30 minutes to 1 hour to soften slightly before slicing. Serve with the sauce.
Notes
If This Apron Could Talk: It’s helpful to make the crust a day ahead if you have the time; it spreads out the preparation work and makes for easier cleanup!