We all have been there where summer made us crave something sweet, cold, and divine. If you ask me how I’ll beat the heat, my answer will be Berry Cheesecake bites… why not? They are cold, icy, creamy, bursting with the deliciousness of the berries, and they’re healthy. Yes, they are healthy since I make my cheesecake bites with natural sugar like dates and creamy with cashews. They are delicious healthy treats or desserts, and the recipe is super easy to make. The best part is that they are VEGAN and DAIRY FREE. You just need five ingredients and a little patience!
Why use Cashews for Cheesecake Bites?
Cashews have a texture for making the cheese-like mixture. They have a mild taste but a dense and creamy consistency, making them an ideal substitute for cheese.
Cashews are a healthier alternative, especially if you are looking for dairy-free or vegan ingredients. They have a good amount of healthy fats that are lighter on the heart and body overall. They are rich in antioxidants, iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium. Also, they are highly recommended for those with diabetes since they have a controlled amount of sugar.
You will need…
- Cashews: Cashews are the base of these cheesecake bites. Cashews have natural oil that will help them emulsify when blending and turn into this delicious and smooth creamy mixture. I recommend soaking them for at least 6 hours (or overnight) for smooth consistency.
- Dates: Dates are a natural sweetener and a healthy alternative to sugar. Dates have a creamy texture and deep molasse-like taste with floral notes. Indeed, it is a great substitute for sugar and vanilla at the same time.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil makes cheesecake bites soft and creamy upon freezing. Cashews have fat, too, but it is not enough. Adding fat to the mixture will not make the cheesecake bites icy or hard; it can be better than coconut oil.
- Lemon juice: Lemon juice balances out the creamy sweetness of the entire dish. It also adds an element of tanginess, which you often get from the cream cheese in the cheesecake bites.
- Berries: Of course, berries are the main theme of the cheesecake flavor. I am using frozen mixed berries to create a smoothie-like consistency when blended. You can also do half fresh and half frozen.
Things to remember…
- Soak the cashews: To achieve a smooth consistency, I recommend soaking them for a minimum of 6 hours (or overnight) when making.
- Try different flavors: Feel free to try your favorite cheesecake flavors, such as mango, strawberry, lemon, or chocolate.
Berry Cheesecake Bites
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor
- 1 muffin baking tray
Ingredients
- 2 cups cashews (soaked and drained)
- ½ cup dates (pitted)
- ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 cup mixed berries
Instructions
- In a food processor, blend cashews, dates, coconut oil, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Press mixture into silicone muffin cups or if using a metal tray place a small square of parchment paper in each cup to prevent sticking. Top with mixed berries.
- Freeze until firm (4-6 hours), then serve.
