vegan dark-chocolate + salted caramel cheesecake

Deception is a funny thing. Generally speaking, I’m not a fan, especially when at my own expense, and surely I speak for the majority of the human race here. However, deception is most welcome in one particular instance: dessert. Deceive me all you like. Tell me that dessert is going to be flowing with caramel, studded with crunchy, chocolatey pieces. Brag about its creamy texture and how it can wash my tears away. Tell me its deceptively wholesome – two harmoniously, co-existing words. I’m a big fan.

Deception describes this very recipe which I’m passing onto you, one that will seem naughty, indulgent, decadent, and believe me, it is, but for all the right reasons. You’ve got cashews and coconut cream lending to the filling’s creamy texture; there’s unrefined rapadura in the silky caramel topping. Oh, and that crunchy base? Heart-healthy nuts and magnesium-rich cocoa. You can’t go wrong. This rich little number is so silky, so smooth, so filling that you’ll only need a little piece to make the world a better place. All the while, you’ll be deceiving yourself.

vegan dark-chocolate + salted caramel cheesecake – gluten free, vegan + almost raw (caramel topping is cooked) – makes 1×7″ cheesecake – loosely adapted from Deliciously Raw and Bojon Gourmet

you’ll need…

for the caramel topping:

• 3/4 cup coconut cream (what’s remaining of a 270ml Ayam-brand can after removing 1/4 cup for the filling below)
• 1/2 cup rapadura sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• cocoa nibs and sea salt flakes, for presentation

for the base – adapted from Deliciously Raw:

• 1/2 cup macadamias
• 1/4 cup almonds
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1.5 tsp dark cocoa (increase to 3 or so tsp if using regular/raw cocoa)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla powder (or 1/2 tsp vanilla extract)
• 3 Medjool dates, pitted
• pinch of salt

for the filling – adapted from Bojon Gourmet:

• 300g cashews, soaked for 8 hours or overnight, drained
• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp vanilla powder (or 1 tsp vanilla bean paste/vanilla extract)
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 4 tblsp dark cocoa (increase to 6 is using regular/raw cocoa)
• 1/4 cup coconut cream (I use Ayam brand – the remainder is used in the caramel above)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup melted cocoa butter

here’s what you do…

1. Begin the caramel by combining all ingredients in a small saucepan and bringing to the boil. Turn down to a simmer and stir occasionally for 20 or so minutes until the caramel has reduced and thickened, then set aside to cool.
2. While the caramel is cooking, prepare the base. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blitz until mixture is finely chopped and begins to come together. You want the mix to stick together when pressed between your fingers – add another date or two if this does not happen. Press the mix into the bottom of a lined 7-inch springform tin and freeze for now.
3. For the filling, combine all ingredients except the cocoa butter and blend until smooth. Quickly add the cocoa butter and continue to blend until no more lumps remain (you may need a tamp to keep the mixture moving). Pour the mixture over the base and refrigerate until set (4 hours) or place into the freezer to hasten the process. Keep in the fridge once set.
4. Spread the cooled caramel over the set cheesecake and sprinkle with cocoa nibs and sea salt upon serving. Lasts 4 or so days in the fridge – if you can keep it that long!