Raw "Cheese"cake

The idea of eating a raw diet is to eliminate anything processed... no colours, no preservatives, etc etc. So in theory this cheesecake should be pretty good for you... But a cheesecake without cheese? Say whaaat? Let me show you.

FYI - this got the approval of fellow vegans, and a lot of omnis! Even my vegie b/f couldn't stay away from it!

What you will need:

Crust
2 cups raw macadamia nuts
1/2 cup dates, pitted 

1/4 cup dried coconut

"Cheese"
3 cups chopped cashews, soaked for about an hour, well drained
3/4 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup golden syrup
3/4 cup coconut oil, gently warmed
 A dash of vanilla

Raspberry sauce:
250g bag frozen raspberries
1/2 cup dates

Directions: 

1) To make the crust, process the macadamia nuts and dates in a food processor. 

2) Sprinkle the coconut onto the bottom of your pan. Press crust onto the coconut (this prevents it from sticking!)

"Cheese"

3) To make the cheese, blend the cashews, lemon, golden syrup, coconut oil and vanilla. Blend until smooth.

4) Pour the mixture onto the crust. Remove any air bubbles by tapping the side of the pan. 

5) Place in the freezer until firm. Once set, leave out of the freezer for 5mins to slightly defrost (this will making cutting easier).

Raspberry Sauce

6) Process raspberries and dates in a food processor until well blended. (Don't use a blender for this or the raspberry seeds will become like sand.) 

Serve with a dollop of vanilla ice cream and a generous serving of raspberry sauce.

I found this recipe to be quite sweet - very coconutty. You may choose to only use 1/2 cup of coconut oil or up the lemon. I also want to try adding chocolate instead of lemon.... of course that will no longer make the recipe raw - but it'd be damn tasty!!