Vegan No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe
This Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake is a rich, creamy, and indulgent dessert that requires no baking. Made with a crunchy Oreo cookie crust and a luscious vegan cream cheese filling combined with dark chocolate, this cheesecake is perfect for those seeking a dairy-free treat. Topped with a silky chocolate ganache and fresh berries, it’s an impressive yet easy-to-make dessert that sets in the refrigerator for a smooth and delicious finish.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegan
Crust
- 30 Oreo cookies (~270g or 2 packs)
- 1/3 cup (75g) vegan butter, melted and cooled
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 cup (225g) dairy free whipping cream, chilled
- 16 ounces (450g) vegan cream cheese, room temperature (2 x regular tubs)
- 8 ounces (225g) semi-sweet dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar / icing sugar (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Ganache and Decoration
- 4 ounces (115g) semi-sweet dark chocolate or chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup (170g) dairy free whipping cream (plus more to decorate)
- Fresh berries (as desired)
- Prepare the Pan: Line the bottom of an 8-inch (20 cm) springform pan or loose-bottom cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal.
- Make the Crust: Place the Oreo cookies in a food processor and pulse until they form fine crumbs. Add the melted vegan butter and pulse again until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and about 1 inch (2.5 cm) up the sides. Refrigerate to set.
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the chilled dairy free whipping cream until it reaches firm peaks. Keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
- Melt the Chocolate: Gently melt the 8 ounces (225g) semi-sweet dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring intermittently to avoid burning.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the vegan cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the melted chocolate, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, instant espresso powder (if using), and salt. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine with Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful to fold rather than stir vigorously to maintain the whipped cream’s airiness and volume.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Spoon the cheesecake filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to set.
- Make the Ganache: Place the 4 ounces (115g) of chocolate into a heatproof bowl. Heat the 3/4 cup (170g) of dairy free whipping cream until it’s lightly steaming, either in the microwave or on the stovetop. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for about 5 minutes to melt the chocolate. Stir gently until smooth and let cool slightly until it thickens.
- Decorate the Cheesecake: Pour the cooled ganache evenly over the chilled cheesecake. Ensure the ganache is not too hot to avoid melting the cheesecake surface. Refrigerate for another 20 minutes to let the ganache set.
- Final Touches: Top the cheesecake with additional whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and fresh berries as desired for an elegant presentation.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Note 1: If Oreo cookies are not available or you prefer, you can use any vegan chocolate cookie or gluten free cookie for the crust.
- Note 2: Recommended brands for vegan cream cheese include Tofutti, Violife, or any plant-based cream cheese available locally.
- Note 3: Adjust powdered sugar to your preferred level of sweetness; start with less and add more if necessary.
- Note 4: Folding in the whipped cream gently is essential to keep the cheesecake light and airy rather than dense.
- Note 5: Fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries work well as toppings; feel free to get creative with your favorite fresh fruit or vegan chocolate decorations.
Keywords: vegan chocolate cheesecake, no bake cheesecake, dairy-free dessert, vegan dessert, chocolate cheesecake, Oreo crust, plant-based cheesecake