This past weekend we had an amazing Friendsgiving at our place and I shared this dessert with all of our wonderful friends to try. Little did they know I made this up “on the fly” the morning of and was praying it’d be a hit…it was! Raw Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake is a gluten-free, raw, and vegan dessert that’s super simple to make. It’s incredibly delicious, thick, creamy, and satisfying just like traditional pumpkin pie. It’s perfect for all your guests diet lifestyles and contains loads more healthy fats. This dessert is a great way to end a Thanksgiving meal and I hope you all enjoy as much as I do!
As promised, this month is dedicated to taking traditional and classic holidayrecipes and putting my unique and healthy twist on them (i.e. gluten free, vegan friendly, and plant-based). I’ve shared a vegan friendly entree, Maple Tempeh with Herbed Quinoa; sides such as Roasted Carrots with Sweet Tahini Drizzle, Balsamic Brussels Sprouts and Red Grapes, Fuji Apple Kale Salad with Maple Spiced Hazelnuts, Savory Mushroom and Herb Gravy with Cauliflower Potato Mash, and Pomegranate Cranberry Sauce; but I have yet to share with you a Thanksgiving-specific dessert!
This Raw Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake is a combination of a traditional pumpkin pie + cheesecake (non-dairy). I use heaps of creamy cashews as the base with pumpkin puree to create a rich, dense, and velvety texture; which pairs perfectly with the crust made from sweet and chewy dates, shredded coconut, walnuts, almonds, and a bit of coconut oil. Warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice blend is what takes this pie to the next level… that and maybe a bit of my Coconut Whipped Cream. This pumpkin pie cheesecake technically isn’t 100% raw as the pumpkin puree is cooked, but other than that this recipe requires NO cooking!
TIP // Many of you have asked how I make pumpkin pie spice- I don’t. My favorite brand is from Penzeys spices (I adore this store!), but there is also a great resource from the lovely Joy the Baker who will teach you how to.
I’m really excited for Thanksgiving this year, because I’m traveling back home to Cincinnati for the rest of the week to spend some much needed time with my family and good ole’ friends I haven’t seen in quite some time. Also, a loving reminder from me to all of you- we should all take a moment before we sit down to eat our Thanksgiving meals this year to ask each other one question: What are you grateful for this year? I’ll start us off, I’m grateful for many things but one of the most important is having wonderfully supportive family and friends who have given me all the love and support I could ask for, especially this past year operating my business and living out a dream. I’m also incredibly grateful for family and friends who are also my recipe testers 😉 haha.
- FILLING //
- 1 1/2 cans organic pumpkin puree (15 oz. cans)
- 2 cups raw cashews
- 1 1/2 cups maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons organic coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (blend)
- pinch of sea salt
- CRUST //
- 1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
- 1 cup raw almonds, ground
- 1 cup raw walnuts, ground
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts, ground
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- pinch of sea salt
- CRUST //
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor or high speed blender until combined. The desired texture is a chunky and sticky “dough”. You should be able to squeeze the dough in your fingertips and it create a firm crust.
- In a spring form tart pan (I used 12in.), pour the crust mixture into the bottom and spread evenly.
- Firmly press and crust into and around the sides of the tart pan until a thick bottom layer has been created.
- Freeze for at least 3 hours.
- While you’re waiting for the crust to harden, start making the filling.
- FILLING //
- Combine all ingredients into a high speed blender starting with the cashews first, then adding in remaining ingredients. A high speed blender will be the best option as this mixture is very thick and creamy.
- Set mixture aside in a small mixing bowl in the fridge.
- When your crust is done chilling, pour the filling mixture into the tart pan using a spatula to evenly spread the filling mixture.
- Freeze the whole pie for at least 2 hours prior to serving.
- When you’re ready to serve, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until the pumpkin pie filling is thick, creamy, and cool- it should not be frozen.
- This will keep very well in the freezer if you have leftovers.
- Garnish with Coconut Whipped Cream (recipe on my blog).
- Top with fresh cinnamon and nuts of your choice.
- Enjoy!
I challenge you to step out of the box this year with your classic pumpkin pie and give this recipe a try! I promise you won’t miss the standard pie crusts or plain pumpkin filling this year- it’ll give a little uniqueness to your holiday table this year. Be sure to “save” this recipe in your Recipe Box for Thursday or for next years Thanksgiving as well!
I wish you all a happy happy happy Thanksgiving and share below what you’re grateful for!
xo McKel
