Create a show-stopping dessert for the Christmas table with this indulgent, creamy Baked Vegan Orange Cheesecake!
Yum
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When I was younger, my family had a ritual every holiday season: baking rich, creamy cheesecakes that filled our home with warmth and the sweet aroma of citrus and vanilla. And cheesecake has always been one of my favorite desserts, especially around the holidays. When I started eating more plant-based, I was worried I’d have to give up that creamy, rich texture and the bright flavors I loved. But I quickly realized that making a cheesecake without dairy is just as delicious—maybe even better!
Move over traditional desserts as my Baked Vegan Orange Cheesecake with Chocolate is here to steal the show! With vibrant citrus zest, a rich chocolatey twist, and a luscious, creamy texture, this plant-based cheesecake is the perfect dessert to impress your family and friends
This baked vegan orange cheesecake is:
Nutrient-Rich Crust: The nut-based crust not only adds a delicious crunchy nutty flavor but also brings in essential nutrients, making this dessert a healthier option
Creamy Filling: The combination of tofu and coconut milk provides a creamy and smooth texture, imitating the traditional cheesecake experience.
Natural Sweeteners: Dates and xylitol contribute sweetness without the need for refined sugars, aligning with a healthier lifestyle.
Zesty Citrus Twist: The addition of orange juice and zest not only enhances the flavor profile but also adds a refreshing twist to the dessert.
Decadent Chocolate Topping: Melted dark chocolate crowning the cheesecake brings a luxurious touch, satisfying your chocolate cravings
Why you will love this Vegan cheesecake:
This baked vegan orange cheesecake is a game-changer for dessert lovers—plant-based or otherwise. It’s proof that you don’t have to compromise on flavor or texture to enjoy a treat that fits your lifestyle. The creamy filling, made with tofu and coconut milk, is perfectly balanced by the natural sweetness of dates and xylitol. Add the bright, citrusy notes of orange and a velvety chocolate topping, and you have a dessert that feels indulgent yet light enough to enjoy anytime.
What makes this Baked Vegan Orange Cheesecake special is how it brings together everyday ingredients to create something truly impressive. You’ll love how the zesty orange flavor shines through, pairing beautifully with the richness of the dark chocolate. It’s the kind of dessert that feels luxurious yet doable, perfect for celebrations like Christmas or just because you deserve a little something sweet.
Possible Supplies Needed:
Food processor
Baking tin
Baking paper
Blender
Bowls for mixing and melting chocolate
What you will need to make this Vegan Orange Cheesecake:
Nuts – I used peanuts here and I haven’t tried it with any other nuts but I can’t see why it would not work if you swap them.
Dates – Medjool dates are your best option here! They are big fat juicy jewels 😁.
Tofu – Use firm tofu not a silken version.
Coconut milk – thanks to its high-fat content, it adds creaminess to the recipe and gives it a light, velvety taste. It is not worth replacing it with other milk, unless you add extra fat, for example in the form of a few tablespoons of coconut oil or peanut butter. Important – it is coconut milk like canned, fatty, not coconut drink with cartons.
Xylitol – is used here instead of sugar. I did not try it with any other sweetener than xylitol but if you did I would be happy to hear your experience.
Orange – If you don’t like orange flavor swap it for lime or lemon.
Potato starch – Potato starch has raising and thickening properties.
Cacao and dark chocolate – if you don’t like the taste of chocolate you can omit the topping and you can omit the addition of the cacao powder to the bottom.
Candied peel – optional
Helpful tips to create the perfect dairy-free cheesecake:
Thorough blending: the mass for the cheesecake must be as velvety as thick cream or mascarpone. No lumps can remain, as they significantly affect the taste and texture of the finished cake. Therefore, for blending, it is best to use a high-speed blender or spend a few minutes blending with a hand blender in a tall, narrow vessel. It’s really worth the effort.
Coconut milk – Ensure the coconut milk is well chilled for a thicker consistency in the filling.
Variations, Flavor Enhancers, Topping:
Variations: Experiment with different nut combinations for the crust, such as cashews or pecans
Flavor Enhancers: Add a drop of vanilla extract to the filling for extra flavor depth.
Topping: Instead of candied peel, try fresh fruit slices or a drizzle of white chocolate!
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
Can I use a different sweetener in place of xylitol?
Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar can be substituted for xylitol. Adjust the quantity by reducing the coconut milk in the filling by 1,5 tablespoons.
Is this cheesecake gluten-free?
Yes, this cheesecake is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any gluten-based ingredients. Enjoy without worry!
How long does it take for the cheesecake to cool?
Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before refrigerating for at least 2 hours for best results.
Why bake instead of making a no-bake cheesecake?
Baking enhances the depth of flavors and gives the cheesecake a firmer, more classic texture.
Storage:
Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Other recipes you might like:
Lentil loaf with a delicious glaze
If you try this recipe for Baked Vegan orange cheesecake feel free to leave me a comment and a star rating. And if you share a photo of your healthy and delicious soup on Instagram please tag me at @_pronounced_and use hashtag #pronounced as I LOVE seeing your remakes! HAPPY COOKING 🍽️!
Easy Baked Vegan Orange Cheesecake
Ingredients
bottom
- 2 cups nuts blitzed into flour
- 2 tblsp cacao
- ½ cup dates soaked
cheescake
- 500 gram tofu
- 400 gram coconut milk
- ½ cup xylitol
- 4 tblsp orange juice and zest
- 2 tblsp potato starch
topping
- 100 gram dark chocolate
- ½ cup candid peel (optional)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- The night before put your coconut milk in the fridge.
- Soak your dates ahead of the time to soften.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C.
- In a food processor blitz until the nuts and dates resembles crumble.
- Put the ready mass into a baking tin lined with baking paper (only the bottom), align it and press it firmly to the bottom.
- Combine the solid part of the cooled coconut milk with the remaining ingredients in a blender. If the mass is too thick, add a little liquid part of the milk.
- Put the cheesecake batter on top of your nut and dates mix. Make sure you even out the top.
- Bake in the oven at 180°C for around 35 min. You want nice brown top.
- In a meantime melt your chocolate in a bowl over another bowl full of hot water.
- When ready take it out of the oven and cool it down slightly. Pour your chocolate on top and sprinkle the candied peel.
- Transfer to the fridge and serve when ready!
- ENJOY!
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Wow, this looks delicious. Checking it out! Thanks for the recipe.
Author
thank you x enjoy!
I love the flavour combination of chocolate and orange and this cheesecake looks so beautifully creamy! I’d love to try it.
Author
Thank you! Let me know when you do 🙂
Looks so good – I’m still to try making a vegan cheesecake and this looks like a great place to start
Author
thank you! It was my first time trying and it was good!
This looks amazing! You would never know it was vegan looking at it and the flavours sounds divine. But you are right… Christmas needs cheesecake and you’ve nailed it!
Thanks for sharing #CookBlogShare
Author
Ah thank you for stopping by! Love your blog btw x You are a huge inspiration!
Thank you. That’s so kind of you x
I love baked cheesecake and this looks so delicious.
Author
thank you!
Wow, what a stunning cheesecake and one that i can actually eat too being intolerant to egg and dairy.
Author
Yay! Let me know if you try it!
Wow this looks yummy ❤❤
Author
Thank you! It really was 🙂
I passed the recipe to my wife!
Author
oh how interesting! thanks! Let me know if she will give it a go 😉
I love a baked cheesecake and this looks delicious, a great combination of flavours.
Author
thank you! It was a great flavour… chocolate and orange, right? 🙂
This looks amazing!! Definitely going to have to work out a tofu alternative so we can make a version for us!
Author
thank you 🙂
You’re right, what’s not to love about the Chocolate/Orange combination? Very festive, indeed!
Author
Indeed! 🙂
This looks amazing! I am having some issues with dairy since my transplant. So I might this a try (with a different crust — I’m weird. Not a fan of dates or peanuts)
Thank you!
Author
I hope you are ok after the operation. HUUUGGEEE fan of dates here
This recipe looks delicious Hanna!
Author
Thank you 🙂
I am going to make this.
Need to find some xylitol. I’ve not baked with that before.
I love these flavors, but generally avoid sweet stuff because of the sugar. I also cook vegan, but didn’t want to figure out a recipe with so many substitutions. Thank you so much!
Saving this recipe!!
Blessings!
Laurie
Ridge Haven Homestead
Sunday Sunshine Blog Hop
Author
you can use stevia too. And thank you xxx
Orange with chocolate cheesecake, what a delicious combination!
Author
right? It was a huge hit in my house this Christmas!
Well, Christmas has come and gone, but this recipe seems cool….
I’ll try it soon.
Author
Save it! 😉
Hanna, this looks delicious! I just bought xylitol but haven’t tried it yet. This will be a perfect first recipe. I’ve got almond flour so will probably use that instead of the ground nuts.
Author
it was a huge hot in my house. Meat eaters did not believe that it was plant-based!
This is absolutely the best dairy-free cheesecake I ever made so far. So creamy and the orange and chocolate combo was terrific!
Author
Ah thanks Camile! I am so happy you have tried the recipe 🙂
I tried adding a drop of vanilla extract to the filling of what I’ve made, and it came out really good! And I really like the fluffy texture the most. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Author
Ah great idea to add vanilla 🙂 And thank you for trying the recipe
I’ve never had such a delicious vegan cheesecake. I’m honestly shocked at how tasty this was. And easy, too! Thanks so much. My son is going to love this!
Author
Ah love the fact YOU loved it! Thank you for trying tthe recipe.
Cheesecake if a staple dessert in our household. And I’m happy I found this dairy-free version. It’s surprisingly easy to make and the texture and hint of citrus are just so yum!
Cheesecake is a staple dessert in our household. And I’m happy I found this dairy-free version. It’s surprisingly easy to make and the texture and hint of citrus is just so yum!
Author
Ah thanks 🙂 It’s one of my favourite things to cook.
it’s a game-changer! the fact that it’s dairy-free makes it a guilt-free delight. Such pure bliss on a plate!
Author
Ah thanks Cams 🙂 I make it regulary in my house as everyone loves it 🙂