No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Raw!

This was a request: “Make something blueberry”.  Requests from friends are great because they not only give me an idea what people like but gives me a reason to create something I might not have normally thought of.  This delicious blueberry cheesecake is not only dairy-free/vegan but happens to be gluten-free and raw as well.

Blueberries are one of the most accessible and well-known superfoods, and eating them in raw form in a dessert like this is a great excuse to eat more of them!  Featuring a date and nut crust, the entire dessert is entirely no-bake.

Ingredients

Crust Group

• 1/2 c pecan halves
• 1/2 c raw sunflower seeds
• 1 TBS cacao powder
• 3/4 c packed dates

Filling Group

• 1 1/2 c cashew pieces
• 1 c almond milk
• 1/2 c virgin coconut oil
• 2 TBS agave nectar
• 2 TBS ground up flax seeds
• 1/2 tsp almond flavoring
• 1 TBS lemon juice

Top Layer Group

• 3 c blueberries
• 2 TBS chia seeds
• 2 TBS agave
• 1 TBS water

Instructions

• In a food processor, combine all of the ingredients in the crust group.  Pulse until the pieces are very small and start to stick together.
• Press the crust group mix into the sides and bottom of a 9″ round pie pan.  The pieces should stick together nicely; pat down firmly to create the crust.  Set aside.
• If your coconut oil is rock hard, gently warm it slightly until it is soft or liquidy.
• Now, in a blender, combine all of the ingredients in the filling group.  Blend VERY thoroughly – this mixture must be very smooth.  Pour the mixture gently on top of the crust mixture.
• While the cheesecake is chilling, prepare the top layer: Combine all of the ingredients in the top layer group in a blender, blend until smooth.
• Take a few spoonfuls of the top layer mixture and drop them into the cheesecake.  Gently swirl them into the cheesecake with a knife to incorporate a touch of blueberry into the creamy layer.
• Put the cheesecake into the freezer for about 20 minutes, or until firm.
• Pour the remaining blueberry top layer on top of the cheesecake, and top as desired!
• Some great topping ideas include:
  • White chocolate chips
  • More blueberries
  • Shredded coconut
  • Cashew pieces

What’s your favorite topping for this blueberry cashew cheesecake?  What kind of event would YOU want to bring this to?