
Introduction
What if you could enjoy a creamy, dreamy cheesecake—without dairy, without baking, and with a nostalgic strawberry crunch topping? That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Easy Vegan No Bake Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Recipe.
This no-bake dessert combines a buttery cookie crust, silky vegan cheesecake filling, and a strawberry shortcake-inspired crunchy topping. According to food trend reports, searches for no-bake vegan desserts have grown by over 60% in the past three years, showing the rise in plant-based and convenience-driven sweets. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving a refreshing treat, this recipe delivers indulgence with wholesome, plant-based ingredients.
Ingredients List
For the Crust
- 2 cups vegan graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil or vegan butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 2 cups raw cashews, soaked for 4–6 hours
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup coconut cream (thick part from chilled can)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup (or agave nectar)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Crunch Topping
- 1 1/2 cups freeze-dried strawberries
- 1 cup vegan vanilla sandwich cookies (like Oreos or similar)
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
Substitution Tips:
- Swap cashews with silken tofu for a lighter filling.
- Use almond flour crust for a gluten-free option.
- Replace maple syrup with dates blended into the filling for natural sweetness.
Timing
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Soaking Time: 4–6 hours (for cashews)
- Chilling Time: 6 hours or overnight
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (mostly inactive)
Insight: Unlike traditional baked cheesecakes, this no-bake version eliminates oven time, reducing active cooking by 50% while retaining that rich, indulgent texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup until crumbly and sticky.
- Press firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Place in the fridge to set while preparing filling.
Step 2: Blend the Cheesecake Filling
- Drain soaked cashews.
- Blend cashews, coconut milk, coconut cream, maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Pour and Chill
- Pour filling over the prepared crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm.
Step 4: Prepare Strawberry Crunch Topping
- Pulse freeze-dried strawberries and vegan cookies in a food processor until crumbly.
- Mix with melted coconut oil until combined.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Once cheesecake is set, sprinkle strawberry crunch mixture evenly over the top.
- Slice, serve chilled, and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, 12 Servings)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 16g
Insight: This dessert is nutrient-rich thanks to cashews (healthy fats, plant protein, magnesium) and strawberries (antioxidants, vitamin C)—making it indulgent yet nourishing.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Swap cookies in the topping with oats and almonds for a cleaner crunch.
- Use reduced-fat coconut milk to cut calories.
- Replace maple syrup with monk fruit or stevia for a lower-sugar version.
- Add chia seeds to the filling for an omega-3 boost.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with extra fresh strawberries and mint leaves for a refreshing garnish.
- Drizzle with vegan white chocolate for added decadence.
- Pair with iced matcha latte or cold brew coffee for a café-style dessert.
- Slice into bars instead of wedges for an easy grab-and-go option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not soaking cashews long enough: Leads to grainy filling; soak at least 4 hours.
- Overblending topping: Keep it slightly crumbly for texture.
- Skipping chill time: Cheesecake won’t set properly—overnight chilling is best.
- Using low-fat coconut milk: Reduces creaminess of the filling.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze individual slices wrapped in parchment for up to 2 months.
- For best texture, thaw frozen cheesecake in the fridge overnight.
- Prepare crust and filling a day ahead; add topping just before serving.
Conclusion
This Easy Vegan No Bake Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Recipe is the ultimate plant-based dessert—creamy, crunchy, and bursting with strawberry flavor. With no baking required and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for entertaining or guilt-free indulgence. Try it today, share your feedback in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more vegan dessert recipes!
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this cheesecake nut-free?
A1: Yes, swap cashews with silken tofu or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative.
Q2: Do I have to use freeze-dried strawberries?
A2: They give the crunch topping its classic flavor and texture, but you can use dried strawberries or strawberry powder as substitutes.
Q3: How long does this cheesecake need to chill?
A3: At least 6 hours, but overnight is best for a firm set.
Q4: Can I make mini cheesecakes instead?
A4: Absolutely! Use muffin tins lined with cupcake liners for perfect portion sizes.
Q5: Is this cheesecake gluten-free?
A5: Yes, if you use gluten-free cookies or oats in the crust and topping.
Easy Vegan No Bake Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Recipe 🍓✨
4
servings30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
Crust:
2 cups vegan strawberry or vanilla sandwich cookies (crushed)
½ cup vegan butter, melted
Filling:
2 cups raw cashews (soaked overnight, then drained)
1 cup coconut cream
½ cup maple syrup (or agave)
ÂĽ cup melted coconut oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
Strawberry Crunch Topping:
1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
1 cup vegan sandwich cookies, crushed
ÂĽ cup melted vegan butter
Directions
- Crust:
- Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter until sandy in texture.
- Press firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Chill while preparing filling.
- Filling:
- In a high-speed blender, combine cashews, coconut cream, maple syrup, coconut oil, lemon juice, and vanilla. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in chopped strawberries.
- Pour filling over crust and smooth the top.
- Topping:
- Mix freeze-dried strawberries, crushed cookies, and melted butter.
- Sprinkle evenly over cheesecake filling, pressing lightly so it sticks.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or until set.
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