There are lots of things you miss when you go dairy free but for me, cheesecake was definitely one of them. That creamy, luxurious texture and crisp, crunchy base is just perfect for a summer dessert or dinner party. But when you are dairy free and egg free you can’t just walk into a supermarket and pick one up, so I’ve made my own. This easy vegan vanilla cheesecake doesn’t take much preparation and can easily be topped with fruit, chocolate or your favourite topping.
This recipe uses Tofu which I had never used before I started experimenting with vegan recipes. It may seem like a strange ingredient for a cheesecake but it is the best way to add that thick, creamy texture yet doesn’t come with as trong taste. We have used Pure as a butter alternative since we stopped using dairy and it is by far my favourite and tastes good in baking or on toast. You can use your favourite dairy free cheese spread in this recipe, athough we usually use Violife as I am never a great fan of soya based ones.
Easy vegan vanilla cheesecake
Ingredients
12 digestive biscuits
50g Pure dairy free spread
200g dairy free cream cheese
350g silken tofu
75g caster sugar
1tsp vanilla essence
Method
Whizz the digestives in a food processor until in crumbs or for a chunkier base – and some free therapy! – put them in a plastic bag and bash with a rolling pin.
Melt dairy free spread and stir in biscuit crumbs. Press tightly into the base of 24cm springform tin and leave in fridge for 1 hour.
Beat tofu and cream cheese together until light and fluffy. Stir in sugar and vanilla.
Pour onto biscuit base and smooth. Bake at 160c for 35 mins.
Disclosure: This reipe was produced in collaboration with Pure
ooh this looks tasty and I’m glad I popped over to your blog to see the competition too! #TastyTuesdays
Angela xx
It’s a good competition and a great excuse to get baking!
Wow I would have never thought to use tofu in a ‘cheesecake’ before. I usually make vegan versions of treats so will have to try it #tastytuesday
I’d never cooked with tofu before j’s allergies but it is so versatile in baking. It makes the cheesecake very thick and creamy and means there is no need for egg replacer.
Mmmm yum! Tofu makes an excellent base for a cheesecake doesn’t it? I was so surprised when I tried it for the first time. This looks fab!
I was surprised too. It’s one of those ‘guess the ingredient’ ingredients that people would just never get.
Wonderful recipe, I adore cheesecake. We love Pure here too. Thanks for linking up to #tastytuesdays
Thanks, it’s great stuff x
This looks and sounds delicious, love it!
Thanks, it’s pretty good!
Food intolerances really are frustrating aren’t they? I’m in the same boat as you – I love butter, but my husband has dairy intolerances so we end up going dairy free as a whole (as well as a lot of other free from foods). I love that you’re finding a way to make your favorite things without the usual ingredients though! This cheesecake looks absolutely fab!
It’s very frustrating that we have to, but I do enjoy recreating our favourite dishes with new ingredients.
Your cheesecake looks amazing Emma, I love that it only has 6 ingredients <3
Thanks, I can’t stand over complicated recipes.
I had no idea that tofu could be used in cheesecakes. That looks like a pretty simple recipe as far as cheesecakes go too! Thanks for #FreeFromFridays
I never did either before I started exploring recipes.
Amazing! I can’t wait to try this – may I ask what silken tofu you buy? I always get a bit confused by the different types! This looks too good to miss though… Amy x
Well done for making such an incredible dairy free cheesecake! I bet the silken tofu makes it perfect and I hope J really enjoyed it! Thanks for linking up with #CookBlogShare this week
It makes it very thick and creamy and we all loved it.
I’m having to omit soya at the moment, this looks fab but no dairy, no soya is proving…..difficult. Hopefully I can reintroduce soon with no disastrous effects
Old post, but I just had a question about the digestive biscuits. I’ve not been able to find any that don’t have milk in them. I’d love to know which ones you suggest/use!
The Tesco freefrom ones are dairy free
Thank you!