Raw Vegan Holiday Recipes: Organic Double Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Recipe

by Kristen Suzanne

With the holidays just around the corner, I’ve been receiving so many emails for this recipe. So! Here it is! It’s so impressive (sure to please everyone) and easy to make. Enjoy as you enter chocolate ecstasy heaven…ohh-la-la!

Crust:

1 ¾ cups nuts (I used raw almonds)
½ cup raw cacao nibs
1/8 teaspoon Himalayan crystal salt
¾ teaspoon cherry extract
1 tablespoon raw chocolate powder
¾ cup raisins

Filling:

3 cups cashews, soaked 1-2 hours, drained
1/3 cup raw agave
6 dates, pitted
½ cup fresh lemon juice
¼ cup water
2 teaspoons cherry extract
1 cup coconut oil
¾ cup raw chocolate powder

Coulis:

1 bag frozen berries (cherries would be optimal but any will do!)
¼ cup raw agave
dash fresh lemon juice
pinch cinnamon

Preparation

For the Crust: Grind the nuts, cacao nibs and salt in a food processor, fitted with the “S” blade, until coarsely ground. Add the cherry extract and chocolate powder and pulse to thoroughly combine. Add the raisins and process until the mixture sticks together when gently pressed between your fingers. Press into the bottom of an 8 or 9-inch round spring form pan. Place in the freezer while you make the filling.

For the Filling: Using a food processor, fitted with the “S” blade, process the cashews, agave, dates, lemon juice, and water until it’s creamy. This could take 3-5 minutes. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides a couple of times. Add the cherry extract, coconut oil, and chocolate powder and process until creamy. Pour the filling into the spring form pan and freeze the cheesecake so it sets. Let thaw for up to an hour or more before eating.

For the Coulis: Blend all of the ingredients together.

Yield one 9-inch cake

About Kristen Suzanne

Kristen Suzanne, owner of KristensRaw.com, is an accomplished raw / vegan chef and author, she has been helping people of all ages and backgrounds succeed with the raw food diet. As a former competitive bodybuilder, she has been studying nutrition, fitness and food preparation for nearly 2 decades. She is the author of 12 raw vegan recipe and lifestyle books, and maintains her popular blog, kristensraw.com/blog. She lives in Scottsdale, AZ with her husband, Greg, and their beautiful baby girl.

About Joanna Steven

Joanna Steven is the director of the Raw Mom Club. She’s also the author of Well-Rounded:The Ultimate Guide to a Healthy Raw Food Pregnancy.

To learn more about Joanna, access our free online community of thousands of raw food enthusiasts doing their best to raise healthy families and help their kids enjoy a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also interact with Joanna at the Raw Mom Facebook Page!