Creamy, tangy, and lusciously smooth, this vegan baked raspberry cheesecake features a buttery graham crust, rich cashew–coconut filling, and a vibrant raspberry swirl.
2cupgraham cracker crumbsabout 18 full sheets, finely crushed
0.5cupvegan butter, melted
0.25cuporganic cane sugarfor crust
1.5cupraw cashewssoak in hot water 20 minutes, then drain
16ozvegan cream cheesetwo 8 oz tubs
0.75cupcoconut creamuse only the thick portion from a chilled can
0.75cupgranulated sugarfor filling
0.25cupmaple syrup
0.25cuplemon juicefreshly squeezed
1tsplemon zest
2tspvanilla extract
0.25cupcornstarchfor filling
0.25tspfine sea salt
2cupraspberriesfresh or frozen, for sauce
0.25cupgranulated sugarfor sauce
1tbsplemon juicefor sauce
1tbspcornstarchfor sauce slurry
1tbspwaterfor sauce slurry
1cupfresh raspberriesfor garnish
4sprigsfresh mintoptional garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
Soak cashews in very hot water for 20 minutes, then drain well.
Preheat oven to 325°F. Line the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan with parchment and lightly grease the sides. Wrap the outside with two layers of foil to prevent leaks.
Make the crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted vegan butter, and cane sugar until the mixture resembles damp sand.
Press the crust firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
Cook the raspberry sauce: In a small saucepan, add raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. In a cup, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir into the berries. Simmer over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until thick and jammy. Set aside to cool.
Blend the filling: In a high speed blender, combine drained cashews, vegan cream cheese, coconut cream, sugar, maple syrup, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, cornstarch, and salt. Blend until completely smooth and silky, scraping down as needed.
Pour the filling over the crust. Dollop spoonfuls of raspberry sauce over the top and gently swirl with a skewer or butter knife, avoiding the edges.
Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to help prevent cracks.
Remove, cool to room temperature, then cover and chill for at least 6 hours or overnight until fully set.
Release the springform ring. Top with fresh raspberries and mint. Slice with a warm, dry knife and serve.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers. If you prefer a stronger raspberry presence, reserve extra sauce for serving. Cheesecake keeps refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen (well wrapped) for up to 2 months.