Chef AJ’s Strawberry Cheesecake
In Season 1, Episode 2 of “New Day New Chef,” hosts Jane Velez-Mitchell and Lori Alan welcome the remarkable Chef AJ, a vegan author and chef renowned for her whole food, plant-based, healthy meals. In this episode, Chef AJ treats viewers to her amazing Strawberry Cheesecake, a dessert that is as delicious as it is kind to animals and the environment.
A Sweet Treat Without the Guilt
Chef AJ’s Strawberry Cheesecake is the perfect indulgence for those who love desserts but want to avoid dairy and animal products. This vegan cheesecake recipe is crafted with care, ensuring every bite is as satisfying as it is compassionate. Using wholesome ingredients, Chef AJ demonstrates how easy and rewarding it is to create a delicious dessert that aligns with a vegan lifestyle.
The Magic Behind the Cheesecake
In the episode, Chef AJ explains the simplicity and joy of making a vegan cheesecake. By blending soaked cashews, coconut milk, and fresh strawberries, she creates a creamy, rich filling that rivals any traditional cheesecake. The natural sweetness of the strawberries combined with the smooth texture of the non-dairy cream cheese and tofu-based filling makes this dessert a standout.
A Healthy Treat
Chef AJ’s Strawberry Cheesecake is a treat for your taste buds and a healthier alternative to traditional dairy cheesecakes. Free from dairy and refined sugars, this recipe is perfect for those looking for a guilt-free dessert. Chef AJ’s emphasis on whole, plant-based ingredients means you can enjoy a slice of cheesecake that’s both nourishing and delicious.
Tune In for More from Chef AJ
Don’t miss this episode of “New Day New Chef” to see Chef AJ in action as she prepares her mouth-watering Strawberry Cheesecake. Additionally, the episode features another fantastic recipe from Chef AJ: the Double Potato Panini Pizza. This innovative and healthy pizza, made with a potato crust, is gluten-free and perfect for any meal.
Join Jane Velez-Mitchell and Lori Alan as they continue to bring you the best of plant-based cuisine, showcasing recipes that are not only good for you but also kind to animals and the planet. Tune in for delicious, inspiring, and cruelty-free cooking with “New Day New Chef“!
Chef AJ's Strawberry Cheesecake
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups of almond flour
- 12 ounces of pitted dates approximately 2 cups of pitted dates, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla powder optional but good
Filling
- 8 ounces of nondairy cream cheese approximately 1 cup
- 1 - 12.3 ounce package of Extra Firm Silken Tofu Mori Nu brand preferred
- ½ cup of cocoa powder
- ¾ cup of date syrup I buy it at Whole Foods, also available on Amazon or www.ilovedatelady.com
- 10 ounces of nondairy grain chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla powder optional but good
Instructions
Crust
- In a food processor fitted with the “S” blade process the dates and almond flour until a ball forms. Add the vanilla and briefly process again. Evenly press into an 8 or 9 inch Springform pan. For easy removal, line the bottom of the pan with a piece of parchment or wax paper.
Filling
- Over a double boiler or very carefully in a nonstick pan, mix the chocolate chips and date syrup and melt over low heat until smooth. In a food processor fitted with the “S” blade place the remaining filling ingredients and process until smooth. Pour evenly over crust and top with strawberries. Drizzle with the melted chocolate topping.
