
I hope this cheesecake helps to heat things up for you this Valentine's Day!
Raw Chocolate Chili Cheesecake
Crust:
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1/2 cup raw pecans
- 1/2 cup chopped dates, soaked for 10 minutes
- 3 tbsp cocao powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
2. Reserve about 1/3 cup for the cake topping and press the remainder of the crust into the bottom of a 6-inch springfrom pan and set aside.
Chocolate fudge filling:
- 3/4 cup cocao powder
- 1/2 cup raw agave nectar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
2. Finally, add the coconut oil and blend just to combine. Spoon the mixture on top of the crust and smooth out with the back of a spoon. Place the pan in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to set.
Spicy nut filling:
- 2 cups raw macadamia nuts or cashews, soaked overnight
- 1/2 cup raw agave nectar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ancho chili powder
- 1/4 tsp chipotle powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup coconut butter, softened
- 1/4 cup water
2. Spoon the mixture on top of the chocolate filling and smooth out with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle the top with the remaining crumbled crust mixture and press it down gently so it sticks to the filling. Set the pan in the freezer for at least 2 hours to set. Store in the freezer until ready to eat and allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cutting and serving.
Note: At this point, take a few spoonfuls of this mixture and spread a thin layer onto a dehydrator teflex sheet. Dehydrate at 110 degrees for about 12 hours. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to make imprints in the mixture and continue to dehydrate for another 24 hours, or until dry and slightly crisp.
Nicole is a writer, editor, wife, and mother of two adorable rescue cats, Leola and Eli. She loves animals too much to eat them, and she's discovered that teaching others through food is a very effective vegan outreach tool. On her blog, A Dash of Compassion, Nicole aims to spread a positive message about healthy eating while celebrating all things sweet.
Photo credit: Nicole