If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to impress your guests or treat yourself, look no further than our Raspberry Lemon Vegan Cheesecake. This cheesecake is everything you could ever want in a dessert: it’s creamy, tart, and absolutely irresistible. We’ve combined the vibrant flavors of fresh raspberries and zesty lemon to create a dessert that’s light, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion.
We came up with this recipe on one of those days when we were craving something sweet and tangy, but also wanted to keep it light and dairy-free. The result? A cheesecake that’s just as decadent as the traditional version, but made with plant-based ingredients to cater to all tastes!
🍓 Why We Love This Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake
✔ Rich & Creamy – Made with cashews and coconut milk for a smooth, velvety texture.
✔ Tart & Sweet – The fresh raspberries and tangy lemon give it the perfect balance.
✔ Dairy-Free – Totally plant-based, so everyone can enjoy a slice!
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a birthday, dinner party, or a weekend treat, this cheesecake steals the show.
We love how the zesty lemon pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart raspberries, and the cashew base gives it that creamy texture we all love about cheesecake. It’s light yet indulgent – a perfect combination.
🍋 Tangy Lemon Filling – A Citrus Burst
The lemon filling is the star of this dessert! We use freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest to bring that bright citrus flavor to the cheesecake. It adds a refreshing tang that perfectly balances out the rich, creamy texture of the cashews and coconut milk.
We also add a touch of maple syrup for sweetness, but don’t worry – the lemon still shines through with its natural tartness. If you’re a lemon lover like us, you’ll appreciate how the lemon flavor really pops in every bite.
🍓 Fresh Raspberry Swirl – Sweet and Tart
What could be better than the flavor of fresh raspberries? The raspberry swirl in this cheesecake is the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, creating a beautiful marbled effect throughout the cheesecake. The raspberry puree gives a pop of color and a burst of juicy flavor that’s just the right complement to the creamy lemon filling.
💡 Tip: You can also use frozen raspberries if fresh ones aren’t in season. Just be sure to thaw them before blending to get that gorgeous, vibrant swirl!
🌱 Cashews – The Secret to Creamy Vegan Cheesecake
If you’ve ever tried making vegan cheesecake, you know that cashews are the key to achieving that creamy, velvety texture. When soaked and blended, they turn into a smooth base that’s perfect for making the cheesecake filling.
It’s almost magical how cashews can mimic the richness of cream cheese, but in a healthier, plant-based form. They’re also full of healthy fats, which makes this dessert feel indulgent without the guilt!
🥄 The Crust – Crunchy and Nutty
No cheesecake is complete without a delicious crust! We keep it simple with a graham cracker crust, which adds a crunchy contrast to the creamy filling. The sweetness of the graham crackers and the richness of the coconut oil complement the tangy lemon and raspberry filling perfectly.
You can also experiment with different crusts, like a pecan crust or oat-based crust for a slightly different texture. We love how the crust holds up beautifully in the fridge, keeping its crunch while providing a satisfying bite.
🍰 How to Serve and Enjoy
We recommend serving this Raspberry Lemon Vegan Cheesecake chilled for the best texture. It’s cool and creamy, and it holds up beautifully, making it perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or just a fun weekend treat. We love topping it with a few extra raspberries, a sprig of mint, or a drizzle of raspberry coulis for that extra touch of elegance.
This dessert is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a birthday, a casual family dinner, or even as a showstopper at a dinner party. Its beautiful colors and delightful flavor will have everyone coming back for a second slice.
💡 Pro Tip: Make It Ahead!
One of the best things about this cheesecake is that it can be made ahead of time. In fact, it’s even better when it has time to set in the fridge overnight! Just make it the day before and let it chill, so the flavors have time to develop and the texture becomes even creamier.
🧁 A Sweet Ending to Your Day
Our Raspberry Lemon Vegan Cheesecake is the perfect dessert to end any meal. It’s light yet indulgent, tangy yet sweet, and it’s sure to impress both your friends and family. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just looking for a lighter dessert option, this cheesecake is a delicious treat that everyone will love.
Let us know if you give this vegan cheesecake a try! We’d love to hear how it turns out and if you make any delicious variations of your own! 🍋🍓
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups vegan graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
For the Filling:
- 2 cups raw cashews soaked overnight
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 1/3 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Raspberry Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 2-3 tbsp maple syrup to taste
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Topping:
- Fresh raspberries
- Lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the vegan graham cracker crumbs, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan to form an even crust.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Filling: Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
- In a high-speed blender, combine the cashews, coconut cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Pour the filling over the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Place the cheesecake in the freezer to set for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Prepare the Raspberry Layer: In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, chia seeds, maple syrup, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake filling is set, spread the cooled raspberry mixture evenly over the top.
- Return the cheesecake to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer to a serving plate.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Raspberry Lemon Vegan Cheesecake
🍓 Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Raspberries for the Topping?
Both fresh and frozen raspberries work great! If you’re using frozen raspberries, make sure to thaw them before using them for the topping to avoid excess moisture in the cheesecake.
🍋 Can I Adjust the Lemon Flavor in the Cheesecake?
Yes! If you love a stronger lemon flavor, you can add extra lemon juice or zest to the filling. Start with a teaspoon at a time and taste test to find the perfect balance for your preference.
🥜 Can I Add Nuts to the Crust?
Absolutely! A handful of chopped almonds or walnuts mixed into the crust can add an extra layer of flavor and crunch. Just be sure to pulse them finely in a food processor.
🌱 Is This Cheesecake Fully Vegan?
Yes, this cheesecake is 100% vegan! The base is made with plant-based ingredients, and the creamy filling uses cashews, coconut milk, and other dairy-free components to create a rich, cheesecake-like texture.
🍯 What Sweeteners Can I Use for the Filling and Crust?
Maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar are excellent sweeteners for both the crust and filling. Just adjust the quantity based on your sweetness preference.
🌡️ How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. To keep the cheesecake fresh and firm, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month.
We hope these tips help you make the perfect Raspberry Lemon Vegan Cheesecake! Enjoy! 🍋🍓🍰
Refreshing and indulgent!
Simply irresistible!