Dreamy Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

Dreamy Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Delight

Decadent desserts don’t always require dairy, and this vegan strawberry cheesecake recipe proves just how delightful plant-based treats can be.

Creamy, luscious textures blend seamlessly with vibrant strawberry flavors in this show-stopping dessert.

Each silky slice promises a luxurious experience that will surprise even the most skeptical sweet tooth.

The rich, cashew-based filling melts effortlessly on your palate, delivering pure indulgence without any animal products.

A buttery graham cracker crust provides the perfect crunch, complementing the smooth, fruity filling.

Delicate strawberry swirls add a gorgeous pop of color and fresh brightness to every bite.

Whether you’re a committed vegan or simply looking to explore new culinary horizons, this cheesecake will become an instant favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes (including chilling time)

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 9

What’s in Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake?

For Crust Base:
  • Graham Crackers: Provides a crisp, buttery foundation that adds delightful texture and classic cookie crunch.
  • Vegan Butter: Binds the crumbs together, creating a solid and cohesive crust that holds the cheesecake's shape.
For Cheesecake Filling:
  • Vegan Cream Cheese: Delivers creamy, smooth base mimicking traditional cheesecake texture with plant-based goodness.
  • Coconut Oil: Adds richness and helps set the filling with its natural solidifying properties.
  • Sugar: Balances flavors and enhances overall sweetness of the dessert.
  • Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Brings bright, tangy notes that cut through the richness and elevate the flavor profile.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, comforting undertones that complement the fruity elements.
For Strawberry Components:
  • Fresh Strawberries: Provides natural sweetness, vibrant color, and authentic fruity essence throughout the dessert.
  • Coconut Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture and adds subtle tropical undertone.
  • Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to stabilize and set the strawberry reduction.
  • Beetroot Powder (Optional): Offers natural, soft pink coloration without altering flavor.

Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Prep List

  • Food Processor: Essential for grinding cookies and blending smooth cheesecake filling.
  • Springform Pan (8-inch): Crucial for creating and removing the cheesecake without breaking.
  • Blender: Alternative to food processor for mixing cream cheese filling.
  • Parchment Paper: Helps easily remove cheesecake from pan without sticking.
  • Medium Pot: Used for cooking strawberry reduction and compote.
  • Measuring Cups/Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Fork or Stick Blender: Helps mash strawberries for topping.
  • Whisk: Perfect for combining cornstarch and cream in strawberry mixture.
  • Spatula: Helps smooth cheesecake filling and scrape processor/blender sides.

Simple Steps to Build Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake

  • Crust Foundation

Gather graham-like cookies and blend them into fine sandy texture. Press the crumbly mixture firmly into a lined cake pan, creating a solid base for the dreamy dessert.

  • Creamy Heart

Blend vegan cream cheese with sweet natural ingredients until silky smooth. Combine with a luscious strawberry reduction that transforms into a vibrant, rich filling.

  • Strawberry Magic

Simmer fresh strawberries into a thick, glossy sauce. Cook until the mixture reduces and develops an intense, concentrated flavor that will make taste buds dance.

  • Cooling Transformation

Pour the velvety mixture into the prepared pan. Refrigerate the cheesecake, allowing it to set and develop its luxurious texture over several hours.

  • Final Flourish

Top the chilled cheesecake with a glistening strawberry compote. Scatter fresh strawberry pieces across the surface for a beautiful, appetizing presentation that promises pure deliciousness.

  • Serving Suggestion

Keep the cheesecake chilled until ready to serve. Enjoy within five days for maximum freshness and flavor explosion.

Tips for a Perfect Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake

  • Swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookies, digestive biscuits, or even almond flour for a unique crust texture and flavor profile.
  • Experiment with different plant-based cream cheese brands or mix cashew cream for a richer, more luxurious cheesecake filling that enhances the overall taste.
  • Adjust sugar levels by using maple syrup, agave nectar, or monk fruit sweetener to suit personal preferences and dietary requirements without compromising the dessert's creamy consistency.
  • Enhance the fruit flavor by adding a splash of strawberry extract or incorporating freeze-dried strawberry powder into the filling for a more concentrated berry essence.
  • Garnish the cheesecake with fresh mint leaves, toasted coconut flakes, or a drizzle of vegan white chocolate to create a visually stunning and deliciously complex dessert presentation.

Serving Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Right

  • Berry Bliss Presentation: Arrange fresh strawberry slices in a circular pattern on top of the cheesecake, creating a stunning visual masterpiece that highlights the vibrant red color and natural beauty of the fruit.
  • Summer Gathering Centerpiece: Serve this vegan strawberry cheesecake as a show-stopping dessert at outdoor parties, picnics, or weekend brunch gatherings where guests can appreciate its elegant and refreshing profile.
  • Elegant Plating Options: Dust the edges with powdered sugar, add a sprig of fresh mint, or drizzle extra strawberry compote around the slice for a restaurant-style presentation that elevates the dessert's gourmet appeal.
  • Complementary Beverage Pairing: Accompany the cheesecake with chilled rosé wine, sparkling elderflower water, or a light herbal tea to enhance the strawberry's delicate flavor and create a harmonious taste experience.

Saving Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake

  • Fridge-Friendly Storage: Keep your delightful vegan strawberry cheesecake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. The cold environment helps maintain the creamy texture and prevents spoilage for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer Magic: Slice the cheesecake into individual portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cheesecake can last up to 3 months, ready for spontaneous sweet cravings.
  • Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the entire dessert 1-2 days before your event. This advance preparation allows flavors to meld and develop a richer taste profile, making your cheesecake even more delicious.
  • Topping Tip: Keep the strawberry compote separate from the cheesecake until serving time. Store the compote in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator, which helps maintain its vibrant color and fresh flavor for up to a week.
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Dreamy Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

Dreamy Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Silky vegan strawberry cheesecake delivers creamy indulgence without dairy, blending cashew base with fresh berries. Dessert lovers will savor rich, smooth layers celebrating plant-based innovation.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (480g) vegan cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240g) / 8 oz thick scoopable canned coconut cream
  • 3 cups (360g) / 24 oz fresh or frozen strawberries
  • 1 cup (120g) / 8 oz fresh strawberries
  • 2 cups (200g) plain sweet cookies, gluten-free if needed
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup (75g) vegan butter, margarine, or coconut oil, melted
  • ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
  • 3 tbsps (45g) lemon juice and zest
  • 3 tbsps (45g) melted coconut oil or cacao butter
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp beetroot powder or pink food coloring

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Pulse cookies in a food processor until finely ground, then blend with melted vegan butter. Press the mixture evenly and firmly into the parchment-lined springform pan’s base, creating a solid foundation.
  2. Filling Creation: Blend vegan cream cheese, sugar, coconut oil, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract in a food processor until achieving a luxuriously smooth consistency. Simultaneously, prepare strawberry reduction by simmering fresh strawberries, mashing and concentrating them into a thick sauce.
  3. Sauce Integration: Whisk coconut cream and cornstarch into the strawberry reduction, allowing it to gently boil and thicken. Combine this vibrant sauce with the cream cheese mixture, processing until completely uniform. Optional: enhance color with beetroot powder and adjust flavor with additional lemon juice or vanilla.
  4. Chilling and Setting: Pour the cheesecake filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the surface meticulously. Refrigerate for 4 hours to ensure complete solidification and optimal texture.
  5. Finishing Touches: Craft a glossy strawberry compote by cooking mashed strawberries with cornstarch until thickened. Once cooled, generously adorn the chilled cheesecake with the compote and fresh strawberry pieces, creating a visually stunning and delectable topping. Refrigerate any remaining cheesecake, consuming within 5 days to maintain peak freshness.

Notes

  • Crust Tip: Use graham crackers or vegan cookies for a consistent, crumbly base that holds together perfectly when pressed.
  • Texture Hack: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve a smoother, more uniform cheesecake filling.
  • Color Enhancement: Add a small amount of beetroot powder to boost the natural strawberry color without altering the flavor profile.
  • Chilling Strategy: Allow the cheesecake to set completely for minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight, to develop optimal firmness and flavor melding.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 305
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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