One sweet I used to love as a kid was cheesecake. I rarely had it, but when I did, I'd constantly go back for more and feel guilty about it. But it was just too delicious. During my weight-loss journey, this delightful treat became one of my biggest fears, not only because it is so sugary or fatty, but because I knew I had no self-control when it came to it. Thus, it has been years since I last ate cheesecake. However, lately I have been seeing an incredible amount of healthy cheesecake recipes and vegan cheesecakes on Instagram. I scanned through various of these until I came up with my own. This is it.
This "cheese"cake is so incredibly delicious with a heavenly texture that melts perfectly in your mouth. It sure is one of my favorite recipes thus far, and that’s saying a lot for a dessert that does not have chocolate!
This cheese cake is vegan, gluten-free, made only of healthy and biological ingredients, and has nearly no added sugar (in the form of maple-syrup). It is packed with protein, fiber, vitamin E, magnesium, and other minerals.
The crust is made of a nothing but pecans and a couple of dates and the topping is made of a heavenly, healthy cherry and strawberry jam (click the link to my sugar-free, quick and easy jam recipe), although you can switch this with any other jam you'd prefer. Now, the part I was most sceptical about was the "cheese" layer, which is made of cashews, when I detest cashews. HOWEVER, to all of you fellow-cashew-haters, the other ingredients I incorporated in this spread help disguise the taste and nauseating feeling of cashews (not that you cashew-lovers won't like it - just cut down on the lemon). You can hardly tell that the yummy, soft, white stuff's main ingredient is a nut.
So incredibly yummy, it's hard to believe it's guilt-free! I have been helping myself to a slice every morning and my mother enjoys one for dinner. We store it in the freezer as it melts pretty quickly in this heat, but if you know it won't last long in your house before being eaten, it can perfectly last in the fridge.
Let's get to it!
Nutritional Notes
Chia
Chia seeds are high in protein, which is necessary for muscle building and recovery. It is also high in fiber, which contributes to a healthy gut, important for our digesting health, promoting regular bowel movements. Its rich levels of calcium and magnesium also helps protect and maintain bones.
Strawberries
Strawberries are packed with Vitamin C, which is crucial for the growth and repair of body tissues. It is also used to form an important protein used to make skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Strawberries also contribute towards a healthy skin, reduce the duration and severity of colds, and promote a good mood.
Cherries
Cherries are packed with benefits, thus being considered a superfood. They promote good vision, while they're also important for growth and the immune system. Cherries have also been shown to help with arthritis and inflammations due to their abundant supply of antioxidants. Due to their antioxidants, they also help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. They also provide cardiovascular health benefits, helping lower risks of heart disease by regulating fat and glucose levels. Cherries have also been attributed to other health benefits such as lowering the risk of colon cancer, improving memory, promoting a good night's sleep, and insuring healthy sexual organs.
Cashews
Cashews have high levels of protein, iron, zinc, phosphorus, and manganese. Additionally, it is very rich in magnesium which protects against high blood pressure and supports healthy muscles and bones, and in copper which assists in energy production and provides flexibility in blood vessels, bones and joints. Its monounsaturated fatty acids promote healthy levels of good cholesterol or "HDL". It also reduces triglyceride levels, which aides in better glucose management for people with Diabetes. Cashew nuts have a lower fat content and a higher protein and carbohydrate content than most other nuts, which helps protect against heart disease and cancer.
Pecans
Pecans are rich in fiber, which promotes healthy bowel movements for a healthy digestive system and boosts the health of your heart by reducing the risk of coronary heart disease and some types of cancer. Its monounsaturated fats also promote a healthy heart, which also helps prevent the risk of coronary heart disease and strokes.They are also associated with weight loss since they enhance satiety and increase the metabolism. Pecans also have high levels of phosphorus, which promotes bone and teeth health, while also assists in the growth and repair of cells and tissues as well as preventing muscle pain after exercising. These nuts are also rich in magnesium, thus having anti-inflammatory benefits and lowers blood pressure. Its manganese contents provide antioxidants crucial for boosting immunity, and are vital for brain function. Pecans also have numerous skin health benefits, maintaining clear skin complexion by eliminating toxins and waste.
Dates
These are also rich in antioxidants, they're good for balancing blood sugar levels benefiting people with type-2 diabetes as they have a low glycemic impact. Dates can also help reduce blood pressure due to its contents of magnesium, which helps dilate blood vessels. They also benefit in brain boosting due to Vitamin B, as well as maintaining bone mass due to its potassium.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1/4 cup pecans
- 3 Medjool dates
For the filling:
- 1cup cashews (soaked for about 4 hours)
- 1 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp water
- Fresh lemon juice (about 1/3 lemon) / or half a lime's juice
- 1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Topping:
- Cherry and Strawberry chia jam (click for recipe) or any other jam you'd prefer.
Directions
1. Line a springform pan with parchment paper. (If you don't have a springform pan, a round silicone mould works too)
2. In a food processor, combine the pecans and dates until they form a dough.
3. Flatten the dough onto the bottom of the mould. (It's easier if you use your hands)
4. Process all filling ingredients in the food processor until smooth. Taste and add more lemon juice to your liking
5. Pour filling on top of the crust and flatten with the back of a spoon to form a smooth and even layer.
6. Top with the jam and spread with a clean spoon until smooth and even.
7. Place the cake in the freezer for at least 5 hours, but preferably overnight. The cake should be quite hard, but it softens rather quickly in room-temperature. You can top with a drizzle of melted chocolate or simply serve it as is.
Pretty easy for a cheesecake, huh? Enjoy!
ความคิดเห็น