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Easy Vegan Cheesecake with Sweet Potatoes

This baked vegan cheesecake is extra creamy, rich, and the most beautiful shade of lavender due to the purple sweet potatoes that add another silky and sweet element to the dish. This creamy interior contrasts perfectly with the salty and crunchy pecan crust that lines the bottom of each slice. It's the perfect dairy free, gluten free, and vegan sweet for your table!

Course Dessert
Keyword dairy free, gluten free, vegan cheesecake
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 12 people
Calories 501 kcal
Author Eva Kosmas Flores

Ingredients

Pecan Crust

  • 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups pecans ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon flake sea salt

Easy Vegan Cheesecake

  • 1 pound 3 ounces purple sweet potatoes
  • 2 cups cashews soaked overnight
  • 5 ounces coconut cream room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegan yogurt room temperature
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 8 ounces vegan cream cheese such as Kite Hill, room temperature
  • 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped pistachios for garnish

Instructions

  1. For the pecan crust, grease a springform pan that's 8 inches in diameter and at least 2-1/2 inches deep with coconut oil. Line the bottom with parchment paper, and cut a 2-1/2 inch wide strip of parchment paper to line the sides of the springform pan with, as well. Set it aside.

  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together the coconut oil and sugar at medium low speed until smooth. Add the pecans, cinnamon, and salt and reduce speed to low, mixing until just combined. Evenly distribute the mixture across the bottom of the springform pan, patting it into place to create a firm and even layer with your fingertips.

  3. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and pierce them all over with a fork. Place them in the oven and roast until tender when poked with a fork, about 50 to 60 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool enough you're able to handle them comfortably, then remove the skin and discard it. Chop the sweet potato into roughly 1-inch cubes and set aside.

  4. Decrease oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Move one of the racks to the lowest rack possible, and fill a medium-sized pot 3-inches deep with water and place it on the bottom rack. This will create a steam bath in the oven and help the cheesecake cook evenly and help prevent cracking.

  5. Drain the soaked cashews and discard the soaking liquid. In a blender or food processor, blend together the cashews and coconut cream until smooth and creamy. Add the cooked peeled sweet potato, vegan cream cheese, vegan yogurt, and maple syrup and puree until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the cinnamon and vanilla extract.
  6. Pour the mixture into the springform pan, tapping the filled pan on the counter gently to help release any air bubbles and to smooth out the surface of the cheesecake. Place the pan in the oven on the middle rack and bake until the sides are set but the center is slightly jiggly, about 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Turn off the oven and leave the oven door open, allowing the cheesecake to cool to room temperature in the oven over a period of two to three hours.
  7. Place the cheesecake in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight. Run a small butter knife between the parchment paper and the sides of the springform pan to loosen any hardened coconut oil. Release the sides of the springform pan and remove it, then peel away the parchment paper from the sides of the cheesecake. Sprinkle the crushed pistachios around the edges of the cheesecake. Slice and serve immediately.

  8. If there are any cracks, feel free to decorate the top with fresh berries or edible flowers to add some extra natural beauty to the cake. It's a win win!
Nutrition Facts
Easy Vegan Cheesecake with Sweet Potatoes
Amount Per Serving
Calories 501 Calories from Fat 360
% Daily Value*
Fat 40g62%
Saturated Fat 16g100%
Sodium 196mg9%
Potassium 395mg11%
Carbohydrates 34g11%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 18g20%
Protein 7g14%
Vitamin A 5370IU107%
Vitamin C 2.8mg3%
Calcium 68mg7%
Iron 2.6mg14%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.