Does it get any better than combining several nutritious ingredients that come together to make a sweet treat you can feel good about indulging in? These no-bake, plant-based “cheesecake” bars certainly hit the spot and require very little prep. Enjoy a walnut-macadamia crust filled with a creamy coconut-cashew “cheesecake” blend topped with fresh strawberries glazed with a touch of coconut sugar. Patiently wait six hours while they freeze (quite possibly the hardest part!) until these beauties are ready to serve!
No-Bake Strawberries & Cream “Cheesecake” Bars
Prep Time 20 minutes
Setting Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 285 kcal
Ingredients
Walnut macadamia crust
- 1 cup walnuts
- ½ cup macadamia nuts
- 1 cup pitted dates roughly chopped
- ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp. salt
Cheesecake filling
- 1 ½ cups cashews soaked overnight & drained
- 2/3 cup full-fat coconut milk
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp. salt
Strawberry topping
- 1 ½ cup sliced strawberries
- 1 Tbsp. coconut sugar
Instructions
Walnut macadamia crust
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Line an 8x8-in. baking dish with parchment paper.
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In food processor fitted with an “S” blade, add walnuts, macadamia nuts, dates, cinnamon, vanilla and salt. Process until a coarse dough forms. (The mixture should hold together when squeezed between your thumb and index finger.)
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Press dough evenly onto the bottom of the lined baking dish. Set aside.
Cheesecake filling
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In high-speed blender, add cashews, coconut milk, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract and salt. Blend on high until completely smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
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Pour filling over prepared crust and use rubber spatula to smooth/even out the surface. Cover tightly and freeze for 6-8 hours, or until filling has completely set.
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When ready to serve, remove cheesecake from freezer and defrost at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
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While defrosting (and just before serving), prepare strawberry topping.
Strawberry topping
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In medium bowl, toss sliced strawberries with coconut sugar and let sit for 15 minutes. Arrange strawberry slices atop the cheesecake bars and cut into 12 squares. Serve immediately. Refreeze any remaining bars.
Recipe Notes
Order the ingredients you need to make this recipe (plus lots of other health and wellness goodies) at Vitacost.com!
Nutrition Facts
No-Bake Strawberries & Cream “Cheesecake” Bars
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 285
Calories from Fat 180
% Daily Value*
Fat 20g31%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6g
Monounsaturated Fat 8g
Sodium 67mg3%
Potassium 325mg9%
Carbohydrates 24g8%
Fiber 3g12%
Sugar 15g17%
Protein 6g12%
Vitamin A 6IU0%
Vitamin C 11mg13%
Calcium 40mg4%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.