Free From Friday: Raw chocolate cheesecake

Who would have imagined that chocolate cheesecake was possible when living a gluten and dairy free lifestyle? Anything is possible when you unleash your creativity in the kitchen!

This cheesecake is made from raw cacao.  Most cacao beans are processed and heated to reduce their naturally bitter taste.  But with this slight bitterness comes the antioxidant flavanols, which are really rather good for us.

Flavanols are phytonutrients – plant nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. Studies show they can help lower blood pressure, and the bad LDL cholesterol. Their antioxidant benefits mean they also help arm cells against damage by cancer-causing  free-radicals.

That unique feeling of bliss we get when tucking into something chocolately actually does us goo, too. It helps to increase the circulation and availability of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain.

This delicious chocolate treat serves eight. Happy cooking!

Ingredients

For the base
150g walnuts
150g raisins
Pinch of salt

For the filling
150g raw cashews (soak overnight and then drain)
150g macadamia nuts
150g (or 3 medium sized) frozen ripe bananas.  Remove the peel before freezing.
120g raw cacao powder
100g dates
50g desiccated coconut
5 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons water
Pinch of salt

To decorate
Unsweetened coconut flakes
Cocoa powder

Method

1. Place the base ingredients in a high speed blender and blend for 20 seconds.

2. Line the bottom of a 20cm diameter cake tin.

3. For the filling, blend the ingredients in a high speed blender.  Check the consistency every 20-30 seconds.  Continue blending until smooth.

4. Add the filling to the cake tin and place in the freezer for 4 hours.  It could be removed after 2 hours in order to cut the slices.  Otherwise it needs to thaw for 20-30 minutes before you’re able to do this.

5. Before serving, sprinkle coconut flakes and sieve cocoa powder over the top.

Will you be whipping up this raw chocolate cheesecake this weekend? Remember to tag us in your Twitter and Instagram posts if so!

Whether you’re struggling with a nagging condition like eczema or IBS or in need of some inspiration to live a blissful dairy, gluten, wheat and sugar-free life, Michelle can help. If you’d like to have a chat, check out her website for all the details

Summary

Recipe Name

Raw chocolate cheesecake

Author Name

Michelle Lynette

Published On

2015-07-03