Indulgent Dairy Free Cheesecake Recipe: A Creamy Delight to Savor

Don’t you love those holiday gatherings, bustling with family, friends, and laughter? We love to sit around and enjoy delicious food together, so what if we had a stunning dairy free cheesecake recipe that everyone could enjoy—vegan, gluten-free, and even keto-friendly. 

This recipe was born out of a need to create a creamy, delicious traditional dessert that not only looked festive but was packed with whole-food ingredients. As someone who cherishes the tradition of spending time with loved ones in the kitchen during the holidays, the idea of creating a plant-based cheesecake felt like the perfect way to bring everyone together, even those with specific dietary needs. 

What makes raw cheesecakes so unique? It’s the ingredients that don’t just taste amazing—they’re good for you, too. Macadamia nuts and cashews create that creamy, dreamy texture while delivering heart-healthy, plant-based fats. Using raw nuts means you’re getting all the natural goodness—like essential fats, vitamins, and minerals—that get lost and even become inflammatory in roasting. It's got all the classic cheesecake vibes without the dairy, plus a whole lot of nutrients packed into every bite.

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that fits perfectly into a healthy keto diet lifestyle, this vegan cheesecake is the one to share.

What Is Vegan Cheesecake Made Of?

This vegan keto cheesecake recipe keeps it simple but luscious, with whole, nutrient-rich ingredients. For the crust, a combination of hemp seeds, walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts creates a flavorful, nutty base that complements the creamy filling perfectly. 

Macadamia nuts and cashews make up the rich, creamy filling alongside coconut butter, coconut oil, and a splash of lemon for that cheesecake tang. A touch of vanilla stevia and almond extract gives it a flavor boost, while low-glycemic, plant based sweeteners keep it sugar-free and keto-friendly.

How Do You Make Vegan Cheesecake?

Making this gluten free cheesecake is easy, fun, and creative! Start with the keto cheesecake crust: pulse hemp seeds, walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts in a food processor until the mixture begins to form a crumbly, pressable texture—just be careful not to over-process it into a nut butter! Press this mix into a parchment paper-lined springform pan for an easy-to-release crust. 

For the cheesecake filling, blend coconut butter with soaked cashews and macadamia nuts, then add lemon juice, water, and coconut oil until luxuriously smooth. Add vanilla stevia, almond extract, and any additional flavorings you like. Taste and adjust to find your ideal balance of tangy, sweet, and nutty. 

Pour this creamy cheesecake layer over the crust and let it set in the fridge or freezer. Once it’s firm, remove from the pan, and decorate with fresh raspberries and blueberries for a festive touch. Keep it stored in the fridge or freezer tightly wrapped, but let it come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

How Can You Customize This Cheesecake?

One of the best parts of this keto cheesecake is how easily you can make it your own:

Citrus Twist: Add a bit more lemon juice or even a touch of orange, lime, or lemon zest for an extra tangy bite.

Berry Swirl: Blend fresh berries into the cheesecake batter for a marbled effect or layer berries on top before serving. Add fresh blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries to the filling or to decorate.

Almond Flavor: Swap out some of the nuts in the crust for almonds to make an almond crust, you could even use almond flour in a pinch), and add some almond butter to the filling for an extra almond flavored boost.

Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seeds and hemp hearts in the filling for a nut-free alternative that still brings a rich, creamy texture. You could even add a little full fat coconut milk or cream for a sweet flavor and extra creaminess. Just make sure it is full fat, so it will set up.

More flavor: Add in a teaspoon of vanilla extract, maybe some pumpkin pie spice, or top with dairy free, sugar free chocolate chips.

Enjoy this low carb cheesecake with Hawthorn Berries Holiday Harmony Tea. Want to try a different flavor?  How about this Pumpkin Cheesecake?

How Do These Ingredients Support Blood Sugar Balance, Heart Health, and Hormone Health?

Raw cheesecakes are the ultimate guilt-free indulgence. They work for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet who still wants to enjoy a slice of something rich and creamy. The velvety macadamia cashew cheesecake filling is pure decadence, paired with a wholesome, nutty pie crust that adds just the right amount of crunch. Every bite is packed with healthy fats that fuel your body and support your brain and hormones—so it’s not just dessert. Honestly, it’s hard to believe something this good for you can taste like the best cheesecake recipe you’ve ever had!

Macadamia Nuts and Cashews  

These two nuts make the cheesecake ultra-creamy and nutrient-rich. Macadamia nuts are packed with monounsaturated fats—the good kind that helps keep your heart happy and inflammation at bay. They’re also loaded with manganese (58% of the daily value in just one ounce!) which supports brain health and energy.

Raw cashews, on the other hand, bring in a good dose of magnesium, which is fantastic for calming muscles and managing stress. Plus, they’re rich in oleic acid, a healthy fat that’s linked to steady blood sugar levels. So, these two together don’t just add flavor and texture but bring solid benefits for blood sugar balance and calm energy.

And here’s why raw matters: when nuts are roasted, their fats can oxidize which can make them inflammatory. By keeping them raw, we keep the good fats intact and get the most benefit for our blood sugar, metabolism, and appetite.

Hemp Seeds and Walnuts  

These are packed with nutrition. Hemp seeds are a complete protein with all essential amino acids and are a fantastic plant-based source of protein. They’re also packed with important minerals like copper, magnesium, and iron needed to keep our immune system strong and energy levels steady. Then there’s the omega-3 content. Hemp seeds and walnuts shine here, giving us alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 that’s great for reducing inflammation and supporting brain and heart health. 

Walnuts are rich in antioxidants like ellagitannins. These antioxidants convert into urolithins by the gut microbiota, compounds that are known for their anti-inflammatory benefits. The combination of fiber, polyphenols, and healthy fats makes walnuts a powerful food for blood sugar balance and reducing the risk of insulin resistance over time.

Coconut Oil and Coconut Butter  

Both coconut oil and coconut butter add a silky texture and a hint of tropical flavor. They’re rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are unique, because our body uses them almost immediately as energy instead of storing them as fat. This can help stabilize blood sugar and give a nice metabolic boost! Plus, the lauric acid in coconut oil supports beneficial gut bacteria to promote a healthy microbiome.

Lemon Juice  

A splash of lemon juice brightens up the flavor and packs a punch of vitamin C. Vitamin C isn’t just for immune health—it’s also a big player in stress management and supports the adrenal glands and even helps to produce collagen. This antioxidant helps keep skin looking fresh and supports joint health too. 

With each ingredient chosen for both flavor and health benefits, this cheesecake is as nourishing as it is indulgent. You’re getting heart-friendly fats, a metabolism boost, and plenty of gut-loving nutrients in every slice.

Where Can You Find This and Other Nutritious and Delicious Recipes?

This recipe is adapted from Dr. Ritamarie's Holiday Favorites: Nutritious and Delicious Celebration Meals that will Bring Your Loved Ones to the Table found in the Body Freedom Nutrition Lab.

Looking for more nutrient-dense, plant-based recipes like this? Check out Dr. Ritamarie’s Healthy Holiday Traditions , a wealth of plant-based, whole-food recipes that are designed to support your health and delight your taste buds. Explore the many ways to enjoy healthy, holiday-inspired meals that keep your body nourished and your loved ones coming back for seconds!