You know around the holidays, when you start seeing those little round chunks of chocolate that resemble oranges? Okay if you haven’t tried them you need to.. because they are SO good. The perfect combination of citrusy sweet and in cheesecake form.. it’s to die for! This chocolate orange cheesecake is raw, vegan, but INCREDIBLY easy to make and is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
If you’re looking for a special, healthier treat to bring to a group get-together, or just want a fun summery treat, look no further. This is absolutely delicious, even if you aren’t a big citrus person. It’s also free of refined sugar and gluten.
What do you need to make Chocolate Orange Cheesecake:
Cashews: Raw cashews make up the base of the cheesecake filling. It makes the creamiest, cheesecake-like texture! (Use danishealthyeats for a discount!)
Maple syrup: Maple gives this recipe the perfect sweetness, however any sticky sweetener will work!
Cacao powder: Cacao powder is a great source of antioxidants, while also offering that rich chocolate flavor! (danishealthyeats for a discount)
Coconut oil: This is the stabilizer in the recipe. It’s what allows the cheesecake to firm up in the freezer and hold it’s form. You can sub cacao butter if you’d rather (this will also give it a more white chocolate flavor which is delish!)
Oranges: Any of your favorite orange variety will work!
Walnuts: Walnuts are little nutritional powerhouses and taste great in brownies, so they work perfectly for the brownie base of this recipe. However, any neutral tasting nut will work!
Coconut Flakes: These also make up the base of the recipe. If you’re not a coconut fan, don’t fret – it doesn’t taste like coconut! But if you really don’t want to use it, you can sub more nuts or seeds or oats.
Chocolate: Hu Kitchen is my fave! “Danishealthyeats” for a discount at checkout!
How to make the cheesecake:
- Create the base by adding everything together until a sticky dough forms.
- Press into a pan.
- Blend the chocolate layers and pour over the base.
- Blend the orange layer and pour over the chocolate base.
- Melt the chocolate and pour over the top.
- Freeze for at least two hours until firm, before removing from the freezer and cutting into bars.
How to store the cheesecake:
Store the cheesecake in an air-tight container in the freezer. Allow the bars to thaw for 10 minutes before eating for best texture!
Chocolate Orange Cheesecakes
Ingredients
Brownie Crust
- 2/3 cup walnuts
- 1/3 cup coconut flakes
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- water or milk as needed
Chocolate Cheesecake Layer
- 1 1/2 cups soaked cashews
- 1/2 cup cacao powder
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
Orange Filling
- 1 1/2 cups soaked cashews
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup canned coconut milk Solid part from top of can
- 1 tsp vanilla
- zest & juice from 2 medium oranges
Topping
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Base
- Blend all ingredients in food processor until sticky dough forms. If the mixture is having trouble sticking together, add a tbsp of water at a time until a sticky dough forms.
- Once it holds together nicely, press into desired pan and place in freezer while you make the filling.
Chocolate Filling
- Blend all ingredients in blender or processor until completely smooth. Taste and adjust as you'd like. Spread over the crust and place back in freezer.
Orange Filling
- Add all ingredients to the blender, blending until completely smooth. Taste & adjust as you'd like. Pour over the chocolate layer, gently smoothing it out evenly.
- Melt the chocolate until smooth. Pour over the filling, tilting the pan to make sure it spread evenly.
- Place in the freezer for at least two hours, before removing and cutting into bars.