Creamsicle Vegan Cheesecake Bars
User Reviews
5
Creamsicle Vegan Cheesecake Bars
Description
The recipe starts with a crust made by processing raw cashew nuts and dates into a crumbly mix that binds together with a small amount of water, then pressed into a pan lined with parchment paper. The filling is crafted by soaking cashews overnight to achieve a creamy, smooth consistency once processed with almond milk, orange juice, honey, vanilla bean flavoring, and a pinch of salt. This mixture is poured over the crust to set. The distinctive orange sauce is prepared by zesting and thinly slicing a large orange, then simmering these slices in a honey and water syrup until translucent but retaining their shape. This syrupy orange topping not only adds a tangy sweetness but also a pleasant jewel-like decoration on the cheesecake bars. The combination delivers a refreshing citrus flavor balanced by the creamy nut base, mimicking the classic creamsicle taste in a vegan form.
The bars can be served chilled as a dessert or snack with their bright citrus appeal providing a contrast to richer sweet treats. Their no-bake nature makes them suitable for warm weather or as a make-ahead item for gatherings.
Ingredients
For the oranges:
- 1 orange large
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup water
For the crust:
- 2/3 cup cashew nuts 93g, raw
- 1/2 cup dates 70g, loosely packed
- 1/2 teaspoon water
For the filling:
- 2 cups cashew nuts soaked in water overnight (280g, raw
- 1/4 cup almond milk unsweetened vanilla
- 1/4 cup orange juice (not from concentrate)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean flavoring 19g, Amoretti natural artisan
- salt pinch
Instructions
Make the orange sauce:
- Zest the orange and set it aside for later (you should have about 2 teaspoons, packed). Slice about 1 inch off the end of each orange, and then VERY THINLY slice the remaining piece width-wise. Make sure it stays together, but slice it as thin as possible
- Combine the honey and water in a large pot on high heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the oranges, making sure they are covered in the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the oranges are translucent but still hold their shape, about 35-40 minutes.
Make the crust:
- Line the bottom of an 8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to use as a handle later.
- In a large food processor, process the cashews until crumbly. Add in the dates and continue to process until crumbly and mixed. With the food processor running, stream in the water and process until the mixture starts to come together.
- Transfer the crust into the prepared pan and press out firmly and evenly. I find it helps to hold a piece of parchment paper to press out, if the crust sticks to your fingers. Place into the freezer while you make the filling.
To make the filling:
- Add all the filling ingredients, along with the orange zest, into a high-powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as necessary. Pour into the chilled crust and smooth out evenly.
- By this point, your oranges should be done. Using a slotted spoon, VERY carefully remove them one at a time from the pot. Place them on top of the cashew cream. Try not to overlap too much (a little overlap is OK).
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the cooking liquid over top of the orange slices (try not to get too much of it onto the actual exposed cream) and discard the rest.
- Place into the freezer until hard, at least 5 hours and up to overnight.
- To serve, let stand at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16Bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 185 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 185kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 19.5g | 7% |
| Protein | 5.1g | 10% |
| Fat | 10.8g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Sodium | 2.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 51.8mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1.5g | 6% |
| Sugar | 13.8g | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 25IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 6.2mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 13mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.1mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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