What happens when you’re highly allergic to the typical cheesecake ingredients?
You come up with your own allergy-friendly recipe. Cream cheese and cashews (with the exception of this recipe I made for my husband) are two ingredients you’ll never see me work with, as I have allergies to both. So what’s a cheesecake-lovin’ girl to do? Make this…
Anyone who knows me well, knows that I’m not the kind of person to overstate myself. ‘The best’, ‘the most’, ‘the greatest’….these aren’t typically phrases that pass my lips. I say this now so you know that when I say ‘this is one of the best desserts I’ve made’, you know I’m not blowing smoke…anywhere.
Chocolate Cheesecake Squares
Ingredients
- Bottom Layer:
- 6 T. oats measured than ground into flour (if paleo, use almond meal)
- 1/4 c. pecans about 12 whole pecans
- 2 T. cocoa powder
- 1/8 t. sea salt
- 1/4 c. raisins packed
- 2 t. coconut oil melted
- Top Layer:
- 2 small avocados
- 4 T. maple syrup
- 4 T. cocoa powder
- 1 T. lemon juice
- 1 t. vanilla
- 2 T. coconut oil melted
- 1/8 t. salt
- 12 drops liquid stevia
Instructions
- For the bottom layer, process the ground oats with the other ingredients until well combined.
- Press into a glass dish (I used a 7 x 5 inch Pyrex dish).
- Place in the freezer to harden a bit while you make the top layer.
- Process all the ingredients for the top layer until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the mixture atop the bottom layer, using a spatula to smooth it out.
- Place the dessert into the freezer for about 30 minutes until solid to the touch.
- Cut, serve, and enjoy!
- Store in the refrigerator for best taste.
Notes
Nutrition
The small amount of lemon juice adds just the right ‘tang’ to the mix that gives it a cheesecake-like taste. I also used raisins instead of dates in the crust, as I think they pair better with cocoa (think Raisinets)!
Thick, rich, and creamy…we all enjoyed these immensely, and I hope you do too!
What’s your favorite cheesecake memory?
As a kid, my family and I would go to a buffet where the dessert bar provided endless pieces of cheesecake of which to partake….and partake I did! 😀
Shared with: Natural Living Monday, Slightly Indulgent Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, Allergy-Free Wednesday, Gluten-Free Wednesday, Real Food Wednesday, Whole Foods Wednesday, Healthy 2day, The Pennywise Platter, Wheat-Free Wednesday, Healthy Vegan Friday, Raw Foods Thursday
carla says
hi, when you say process, does it mean with a food processor? this is a great recipe and would like to try it some time. more power to your blog!!
Lauren says
Hi Carla,
Yes, I’m referring to using a food processor (sorry if that was unclear). I hope you like the recipe if you try it! 🙂
Stephanie says
I don’t use stevia or have maple syrup. Can I use honey instead?
Lauren says
Hi Stephanie,
I think honey would be fine. I’d use another tablespoon or so in place of the stevia. 🙂
Heather Graffam says
These are 100% insane looking. So glad you shared them at Raw Foods Thursdays!!!
Heather @Gluten-Free Cat says
Lauren, I’m going to feature these delightful squares at Raw Foods Thursdays tomorrow. Thanks again for the recipe and for participating!!
Heather
Lauren says
Thank you Heather! 😀
Collette Gish says
Can I use raisinettes? I am going to try this, it just sounds delicious, even if I can have the traditional cheesecake. I was thinking you made it with tofu, I have done a chocolate pie with tofu and it was stupendous, really surprised me.
Lauren says
Raisinettes in place of the raisins? You probably could, but it would definitely detract from the healthiness of the recipe. I too have used tofu with good results, but I don’t tolerate soy well anymore. 🙁
Mark Murray says
Yum. Yum. Looking at the pics make my mouth water. I’m so trying your recipe.
Jeanne G. says
I love this! I am also allergic to cashews, and they are such a popular ingredient in real food desserts! I will have to try this recipe very soon.
Laura @ Gluten Free Pantry says
These chocolate treats look incredible! I am featuring these squares this week on AFW 🙂
Lauren says
Thanks Laura! 😀 They are one of my favorite desserts so far!
Janine says
Add some orange essential orange to that, and heaven!
Janine@mylampisfull
Linda says
Lauren, these look amazing! I’d love to try it with almond meal.
Gabby @ the veggie nook says
I love using avocados in desserts! And this looks amazing 🙂
amber says
Okay, well, once again you’ve inspired me lovely lady! I will be making these very soon! They do look amazing…so creamy and rich. Wow!
xo,
–Amber
Lauren says
Thanks sweet girl! I hope the cocoa crispies turned out ok for you! 😀
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
Interesting add in with the avocados!
Anna @ Your Healthy Place says
Yum avocados! So inventive! My friend Chris actually hosts a Blog Carnival on his blog each month where he encourages people to link up recipes using his featured ingredient each month – May’s is avocados so link it up before the deadline: http://www.inspiralcoaching.com/p/healthy-recipes-blog-carnival.html!
Lauren says
Cool, thanks for the link girl! 😀
Amy says
What an amazing recipe!!! it looks perfect! Many thanks for sharing 🙂
Alex Shabo says
What a cool recipe, and no bake? awesome
Lauren says
Thanks girl! 😀
Mary Frances @ The Sweet Tooth Life says
I am a huge fan of using avocados and chocolate and together in a cheesecake is brilliant! Some ate out off by avocados, but I can’t get enough if them!