Try this easy vegan cherry cheesecake lush—rich, creamy, and entirely plant-based. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or a special treat.
🍒 Vegan Cherry Cheesecake Lush Recipe
Ingredients
Crust Layer
- 1 ½ cups vegan graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
Cheesecake Layer
- 1 ½ cups raw cashews (soaked 4–6 hours)
- ½ cup coconut cream
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cherry Topping
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
Meanwhile, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup in a bowl. Then, press the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish to form the crust.
Next, prepare the cheesecake layer by blending soaked cashews, coconut cream, maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. After that, pour the mixture over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Meanwhile, prepare the cherry topping by heating cherries and maple syrup in a small saucepan. Then, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened. After that, allow it to cool slightly before pouring over the cheesecake layer.
Finally, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or until firm. Once set, slice into squares and serve chilled.
💡 Tips for Perfect Vegan Cherry Cheesecake Lush
- First of all, soak cashews for 4–6 hours to achieve a smooth, creamy filling.
- Additionally, press the crust firmly to prevent it from crumbling when slicing.
- Moreover, use fresh or frozen cherries based on availability.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to the cherry topping.
- Lastly, refrigerate thoroughly before slicing for clean, firm pieces.
🔄 Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Lush: Add melted vegan chocolate to the cheesecake layer. As a result, the dessert becomes richer and indulgent.
- Berry Medley Lush: Replace cherries with mixed berries. Consequently, you get a colorful, tangy twist.
- Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seeds instead of cashews for the cheesecake layer. Therefore, it’s safe for nut allergies.
- Coconut Cherry Cheesecake Lush: Add shredded coconut to the crust and topping. Then, you get extra flavor and texture.
- Mini Cheesecake Cups: Prepare in muffin tins for individual servings. In this way, they’re perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
🌱 Health Benefits
- Cashews provide plant-based protein and healthy fats.
- Cherries are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C.
- Coconut cream adds creaminess without dairy.
- Completely vegan and egg-free, reducing cholesterol intake.
- Overall, this dessert is a guilt-free indulgence compared to traditional cheesecake.
🧒 Kid-Friendly Version
- Reduce or skip maple syrup slightly for younger kids.
- Serve in small portions or mini cups for easy handling.
- Keep toppings simple, using just sweetened cherries without added spices.
- Consequently, kids enjoy a creamy, sweet, and fun dessert safely.
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
(Values may vary depending on ingredients used)
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled with fresh mint leaves for garnish.
- Pair with vegan whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Perfect for birthdays, parties, or festive occasions.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days for optimal texture.
