GOOD SAINT
  • CLASSES
  • BLOG
    • HEALTH
    • LIFESTYLE
    • TRAVEL
  • PODCAST
  • SERVICES
  • RECIPES
    • BREAKFAST
    • APPS + SNACKS
    • MAIN DISHES
    • SALADS
    • SOUPS
    • BREADS + SCONES
    • SWEETS + TREATS
    • DIPS + SPREADS
    • DRINK UP
  • RESOURCES
    • BRAND PARTNERS
    • SHOP

Orange Chocolate Cheesecake

2/13/2013

39 Comments

 

Orange Chocolate Cheesecake

Picture
Valentine's Day is tomorrow, can you believe it?!
It snuck up on me this year. I've been busy; a full-time job, spring cleaning, writing recipes, and training for my half marathon in May...I rarely even know what day of the week it is. 
But tomorrow is Valentine's Day.
And I love my Valentine.
And he loves cheesecake.
Picture
When we first started dating, before either of us had gone vegan, cheesecake was one of his favorite desserts. Now that we're vegan, we have long learned the wonders of raw cashews. Cheese, milk, cream- all easily substituted by cashews. So when we make cheesecakes, we usually just follow one of our other recipes for lemon lavender cheesecake or chocolate chip cheesecake. But this is our fourth Valentine's Day, and I really wanted to make him something extra-specially delicious. 
So I started raiding the cabinets.
I came out with a half bottle of orange extract and lot of cocoa powder. So I got to work.
And when it was done? I was so proud of myself. It was creamy, rich, decadent...a perfect sweet treat for my handsome valentine.
Picture
Ingredients:
for the crust:
1/2 cup pitted dates
1 1/2 cups raw almonds
3 tablespoons melted coconut oil 
(use double boiler method to keep it raw)

for the cheesecake:
3 cups soaked cashews
3/4 cup orange juice
2/3 cup agave
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon orange extract
3/4 cup melted coconut oil

1/4 cup grated dark chocolate as garnish, optional
Picture
Instructions:
for the crust:
Blend all ingredients together in a food processor or strong blender. I use my Vitamix and it works like a charm everytime. You want the nuts and dates to the consistency of a sort of chunky, less malleable cookie dough.

Scoop mixture into a 9" springform pan (the easiest way) or line a cake  or pie tin with waxed paper (less easy) and scoop it into that.
Press the mixture into the sides and bottom of pan.
Freeze to set, at least one hour or more.

Picture
for the cheesecake:
After your cashews have soaked for at least an hour, throw them in your Vitamix, other blender or food processor. Add the freshly squeezed orange juice, agave, cocoa powder, salt, orange extract and coconut oil. Blend on high for about a minute, more if your machine needs it. The consistency will be that of a thick pudding, whipped and mostly pourable. 
Remove the crust from the freezer and pour cheesecake filling on top, tapping the pan several times on the counter to level the filling completely flat.
Place  the assembled cheesecake back in the freezer or in the refrigerator, at least 3 hours to set completely. Placing it in the freezer will result in a firmer, more ice cream like texture. Placing it in the fridge will leave it much softer and more like a custard.

Once the cheesecake has set, remove it from the fridge/ freezer and top around outer edge (or anywhere you like really) with grated chocolate.

Slice, serve & enjoy.
Happy Valentine's Day!
print recipe
Picture
39 Comments
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan link
2/21/2013 05:23:53 am

Oh my, this looks divine! From the crust to the filling, perfection!

Reply
Amber link
2/23/2013 05:44:06 am

Thanks!!

Reply
Faye link
3/21/2013 08:35:32 pm

This chocolate cheesecake looks fabulous!

Reply
Morgan
3/29/2013 06:24:19 am

Wow - I made this last night and it tastes so good!
I'm scared to try it again though because the batter overheated my vitamix to an auto shut off. Do you run the blender continuously or do you turn it on and off?
Thanks!

Reply
Amber link
3/29/2013 01:08:22 pm

Thanks Morgan! We've never had a problem when making this with our vitamix overheating- we usually use the tamper and actively help move things around in there once its already on. If you don't have one, I'd recommend shutting it off every 45 seconds or so and giving it a good stir, so that all of the thick cashews get blended up.Hope this fixes the problem- let me know!

Reply
Anna
10/28/2014 05:29:33 am

I once overheated my Vitamix. It just quit. I raced to Costco to buy another and found the Vitamix demo guy there. He told me there's no way it was broken...that it protects itself by shutting off when it's overheated. And, if it WERE broken, Vitamix will replace it within seven years of purchase. Sure enough, when I got home with my new Vitamix, the old one was sitting there waiting for me to finish making whatever was in it. Returned the new one the next day. This machine is a workhorse.

Reply
Emma
6/24/2013 05:51:46 pm

A triumph, thank you for this, it was amazing, smooth and chocolately and full of flavour. I made extra base just for snacking potential!

Reply
Amber link
6/26/2013 01:56:15 am

So happy to hear you enjoyed it!!

Reply
laura link
7/12/2013 04:54:51 pm

This recipe is wonderful and loved by all.

Reply
Heaven on earth!!!!!!!!!!!! It's not chilled yet, but... delicious :)
9/21/2013 12:46:34 am

Reply
agata
10/17/2013 07:44:14 pm

hi! one thing i am not able to figure out: in what should cashews be soaked? in orange juice or just in water? thx!

Reply
Amber link
10/21/2013 05:18:49 am

Hi Agata! Sorry for the confusion. The cashews should be soaked in WARM water for at least 30 minutes prior to using. Enjoy!

Reply
Andreea
11/21/2013 10:41:20 am

Hi, how easy can be removed from the bottom of the springform? Will it slide from the springform or should I put some waxpaper? Thanks!

Reply
Amber link
11/21/2013 11:08:28 am

Hi! It usually comes off pretty easily with a little help from a metal spatula, but for simple, easy removal---> waxed paper all the way! Enjoy!!

Reply
Andreea
11/26/2013 06:03:32 am

Amber, can I substitute the agave with maple syrup? If yes, would it be the same measurements? Thanks!

Reply
Amber link
11/26/2013 06:24:32 am

Hi! You may absolutely use maple syrup. I've made this substitution before and it was really good! Use the same measurement. Enjoy!

Reply
kate
3/27/2014 12:21:07 pm

I made this and found it to be good, however, the recipe didn't make as thick a crust as you show here with my basic pie pan, and I ended up with too much filing-- but I'm not complaining!

Reply
Morgan
6/2/2014 01:02:42 pm

Hi, looking forward to giving this a whirl for a family night treat! Just wondering if anyone tried it with raw cacao instead of cocoa powder. Trying to get my family to enjoy yummy healthy foods instead of sweets filled with refined sugars!

Reply
Anna
10/28/2014 05:31:04 am

I use raw cacao in every recipe calling for cocoa and have never had a problem.

Reply
Francesca
8/21/2014 06:53:04 pm

Love this cake!!!

just a question...Can I use sunflower oil instead of coconut oil?

Reply
Bethany Birch
12/27/2014 11:35:47 pm

Just made this cheese cake and I'm in love! Thanks for your wonderful recipe, was so simple to follow too and incredibly delicious!

Reply
Caroline Acker
3/4/2015 04:56:46 pm

I made this last week & it was a hit with all my face book friends, having to share the recipe over & over again. I too made a thicker base by adding an extra half cup of dates & almonds & extra 3 tablespoons of coconut oil to get the consistancy just right. With the leftovers I cut it up into small serving portions & stored it in the freezer so that when the urge came for something sweet I would take a piece out & have that, Wella!! It done the trick..The urge to hit the bickie tin or snack on that bar of chocolate had vanished.. It's a win win :)

Reply
Jill
3/17/2015 05:29:31 am

I am just about to make this for the second time in a week. That says it all!

Reply
cristina
3/28/2015 03:42:06 am

if you use roasted cashews, does it still work? (have trouble finding raw cashwes locally, have to order or travel further). Tx!

Reply
Monica
6/17/2015 12:01:21 am

Hi this looks delicious and I can't wait to try it but I also can't find raw cashews amywhere. Is there anything I can sub for the cashews?

Reply
Amber link
6/17/2015 01:50:12 am

Hi Monica! I've never tried subbing in other nut for cashews but perhaps almonds would work? Cashews will make it creamiest though- so consider ordering online. VeganEssentials.com + Vitacost.com usually have some good deals!

Reply
NICOLE
1/4/2016 07:12:27 am

I cant find orange extract in the local market, is there anything i can substitute it for?

Reply
Rod
1/17/2016 01:45:22 pm

Just made this for my girlfriend and worked out perfectly. Thank you.

Reply
Saba
4/23/2016 05:39:35 am

This cake is amazing! I'll definitely try it.
Just one question, I don't have orange extract, can I swap it for something else?

Reply
Saba
4/23/2016 05:39:41 am

This cake is amazing! I'll definitely try it.
Just one question, I don't have orange extract, can I swap it for something else?

Reply
Saba link
4/23/2016 05:39:48 am

This cake is amazing! I'll definitely try it.
Just one question, I don't have orange extract, can I swap it for something else?

Reply
Amber link
4/24/2016 09:37:45 am

Hi Saba! The orange extract here is just used for the concentrated orange flavor, but I think you could probably just sub in a tablespoon of next instead! Enjoy :)

Reply
Laura link
7/12/2016 05:29:57 am

Hi Amber, I love this recipe and can't wait to try it out. I'm looking to make something like this for a birthday party in September. Do you have an alternative for the cashew nuts? I want to be careful in case there are guests with Nut allergies.

Reply
Amber link
7/13/2016 04:28:28 pm

Hi Laura! Thanks so much! I think its smart to be wary of nut allergies - good for you girl! I'm guessing you're excluding coconuts too but in case you're NOT - try using coconut cream or fresh coconut flesh! If you ARE avoiding, try silken tofu, hemp seeds or coconut butter as a replacement! I hope whichever version you choose works - if it does I'd love feedback so I can try it for myself! :)

Reply
Tamar Carmit
9/23/2016 09:07:31 am

best cake ever just awesome amazing taste
העוגה הכי שווה בעולם ממש מומלץ אין דברים כאלו
i used orange peel instead of extract in the bottom too.
and for the topping grinded almonds and drops of melted dark chocolate

Carmit
9/23/2016 09:05:04 am

best cake ever just awesome amazing taste
העוגה הכי שווה בעולם ממש מומלץ אין דברים כאלו
i used orange peel instead of extract in the bottom too.
and for the topping grinded almonds and drops of melted dark chocolate

Reply
bert link
4/18/2017 07:48:54 am

how many calories on average per cake/slice?
thanks

Reply
Anonymous
10/15/2017 10:40:32 am

I'd like to know that as well. Seems like it would be a lot.

Reply
Anonymous2.0
10/15/2017 10:57:20 am

Seems like the entire cake contains more than 5000 kcal (i.e. more than 400% of the RDI of the average woman) and way too much saturated fat due to the coconut oil. I'd stick to just eating this on very special occasions. Though, on the bright side: it seems to contain a whole lot of protein, B vitamins and minerals.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    tags

    All
    Acai
    Alcohol
    Almond Cream
    Almonds
    Apple
    Aquafaba
    Artichoke
    Arugula
    Avocado
    Bacon
    Baked
    Balls
    Balsamic
    Banana
    Bars
    Basil
    Bbq
    Beans
    Beets
    Berries
    Biscuits
    Blondies
    Blood Orange
    Blueberries
    Bok Choy
    Bowls
    Bread
    Breakfast
    Broccoli
    Broccoli Slaw
    Brownies
    Bruschetta
    Brussels Sprouts
    Buffalo
    Burger
    Burrito
    Buttercream
    Butternut Squash
    Cabbage
    Cacao
    Cajun
    Cajun Spice
    Cake
    Candy
    Caprese
    Cardamom
    Carob
    Carrot
    Cashew Creme
    Cashews
    Cauliflower
    CBD
    Celeriac
    Celery
    Cereal
    Champagne
    Charcoal
    Cheese
    Cheesecake
    Cheesesteak
    Cheeze
    Cherimoya
    Cherries
    Chia Pudding
    Chia Seeds
    Chicken
    Chickpeas
    Chili
    Chips
    Chocolate
    Cider
    Cilantro
    Cinnamon
    Clafoutis
    Coconut
    Coconut Milk
    Coconut Water
    Coffee Cake
    Cookie Bars
    Cookie Butter
    Cookie Cake
    Cookies
    Cooking Tips
    Crackers
    Cranberries
    Cream Cheese
    Crumble
    Cucumber
    Cupcakes
    Dates
    Dill
    Dinner
    Dip
    Donuts
    Dough
    Dressing
    Drinks
    Easter Eggs
    Falafel
    Faux Cheese
    Faux Meat
    Figs
    Flatbread
    Flax
    Fluff
    Fondant
    French Toast
    Fried
    Fries
    Frosting
    Fruit
    Fudge
    Galette
    Garam Masala
    Garlic
    Ginger
    Gingersnaps
    Glaze
    Gluten Free
    Goji Berries
    Golden Berries
    Golden Milk
    Grain Free
    Gratin
    Gravy
    Green Tea
    Grinder
    Guacamole
    Halloween
    Hazlenuts
    Hearts Of Palm
    Hemp Milk
    Hemp Seeds
    Hemp-seeds
    Holidays
    Homemade
    Honey
    Hormone-balancing
    Hot Sauce
    Hummus
    Ice-cream
    Jackfruit
    Jalapenos
    Jam
    Jicama
    Juice
    Kale
    Kettle Corn
    Kimchi
    Kung Pao
    Lasagna
    Latte
    Lavender
    Leeks
    Leftovers
    Lemon
    Lettuce Wraps
    Lime
    Low Sugar
    Macadamia Nuts
    Mango
    Maple
    Maple Syrup
    Marshmallow
    Masa Harina
    Matcha
    Mayo
    Meals
    Mediterranean
    Milkshake
    Mint
    Miso
    Molasses
    Monk Fruit Sweetener
    Muffins
    Mushrooms
    Nachos
    Noodles
    Not Vegan
    Nut Butter
    Nutmeg
    Nutritional Yeast
    Oatmeal
    Oats
    Olives
    Onions
    Orange
    Pancakes
    Panini
    Parsley
    Pasta
    Peaches
    Peanut Butter
    Pears
    Peas
    Pecan
    Pepitas
    Peppermint
    Peppers
    Persimmon
    Pesto
    Phyllo
    Pickled
    Pie
    Pilaf
    Pineapple
    Pine Nuts
    Pita
    Pizza
    Polenta
    Pomegranate
    Popcorn
    Potatoes
    Protein
    Pudding
    Pumpkin
    Queso
    Quinoa
    Radish
    Rasins
    Raspberries
    Raw
    Red Bean
    Rhubarb
    Rice
    Ricotta
    Rightrice
    Roasted
    Rolls
    Romanesco
    Rosemary
    Sage
    Salad
    Sandwich
    Sangria
    Sauce
    Savory
    Scones
    Seitan
    Sesame
    Shallot
    Shoshito Peppers
    Side Dish
    Slaw
    Sliders
    Smoky
    Smoothies
    S'mores
    Snacks
    Soba
    Soup
    Spicy
    Spinach
    Spread
    Squares
    Squash
    Sriracha
    Stevia
    Stone-fruit
    Strawberry
    Streusel
    Strudel
    Stuffed Peppers
    Stuffing
    Sugar Cookies
    Sugar Free
    Sunbutter
    Sweet Potato
    Sweets
    Tacos
    Tahini
    Tart
    Tea
    Tempeh
    Thumbprint
    Thyme
    Tigernuts
    Tofu
    Tomato
    Tomatoes
    Tortillas
    Turmeric
    Vanilla
    Veganized
    Vegetarian
    Vegg- The Vegan Egg Yolk
    Vinaigrette
    Vinegar
    Waffles
    Walnuts
    Wheat Berries
    Whiskey
    White Chocolate
    Wrap
    Yeast
    Yogurt
    Zucchini

    RSS Feed

G O O D  S A I N T

© 2019, Good Saint, All Rights Reserved.

    S T A Y  F R E S H  +  S U B S C R I B E

Subscribe
  • CLASSES
  • BLOG
    • HEALTH
    • LIFESTYLE
    • TRAVEL
  • PODCAST
  • SERVICES
  • RECIPES
    • BREAKFAST
    • APPS + SNACKS
    • MAIN DISHES
    • SALADS
    • SOUPS
    • BREADS + SCONES
    • SWEETS + TREATS
    • DIPS + SPREADS
    • DRINK UP
  • RESOURCES
    • BRAND PARTNERS
    • SHOP