This stunning cheesecake is super easy to make and assemble. The pretty blue pea swirl is utterly unique. Just remember to soak raw cashews before using in the filling to create this sublimely creamy dessert.
Blue Pea Swirl Cheesecake
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) raw almonds or cashews
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) coconut flour
- 3 Medjool dates, pitted
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) coconut oil, softened
- 3/4 cup (180 mL) raw cashews, soaked in water for 4 hours and drained
- 3 Tbsp (45 mL) maple syrup or agave syrup
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp (5 mL) almond extract
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) sea salt
- 2 - 8 oz (125 g) containers nondairy cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 tsp (5 mL) finely grated lemon zest
- 2 tsp (10 mL) blue pea flower powder
- Garnishes: edible spring flowers such as pansies and fresh frozen fruits (optional)
Nutrition
Per serving:
- calories262
- protein5g
- fat19g
- saturated fat10g
- trans fat0g
- carbohydrates20g
- sugars9g
- fibre3g
- sodium221mg
Directions
01
Line bottom of 6 in (15 cm) springform pan with parchment. Generously oil bottom and sides. Set aside.
In food processor, pulse together almonds, coconut flour, and dates until almonds are coarsely ground. Add coconut oil, processing until mixture is well combined and holds together when pinched with your fingertips. Transfer to prepared springform pan and press into even layer to cover base. Refrigerate while making filling.
To make filling, in blender, mix together soaked cashews, syrup, lemon juice, almond extract, and salt. Scrape down sides of blender, as needed, until mixture is very creamy and smooth. Remove 1/4 cup (60 mL) mixture to small bowl and set aside.
Transfer remaining cashew mixture to large bowl along with cream cheese-style spread and lemon zest. Using whisk or hand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, whisk mixture until well combined. Scrape into springform pan over crust and smooth top.
Stir blue pea flower powder into 1/4 cup (60 mL) reserved cashew mixture until evenly blended. Add teaspoons of this mix onto top of main cheesecake mixture. With knife, lightly swirl into cake.
Refrigerate cheesecake for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight.
About 1 hour before serving cheesecake, remove sides from pan, transfer to serving plate and discard parchment paper from bottom of cake. Garnish top of cake and serve.
TIP: If blue pea flower powder is not available, substitute with matcha powder.
Irene McGuinness is a writer, recipe developer, food stylist for numerous magazines and corporations, and alumna of the Writer’s Studio at Simon Fraser University
