The base & crumble layers of these cheesecake slices are both made from a secret ingredient! Any guesses?
Yep, it’s CAULIFLOWER!! Usually the base of raw treats are made from nuts & dates and other energy-dense ingredients, and I’ve been having fun playing with alternatives to make more macro-friendly desserts (not that I usually track it, but i know some of you guys do & I want you to be able to enjoy the sweet things in life too! )
The filling is creamy, sweet and melt-in-your-mouth! I made this using freshly steamed then cooled pumpkin, so if you use canned pumpkin, it will still be yummy but I can’t guarantee the same taste!
Here is the recipe:
PROTEIN PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE BARS
(gluten-free, refined sugar free, oil-free, no-bake, macro-friendly)
MAKES: 6 (per slice: Cal: 200, P: 11g, F: 11g, C: 17g)
INGREDIENTS:
Base & topping:
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1/2 cup almonds
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1 cup cauliflower (can be replaced with oats or nuts)
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1/2 cup dates, pitted & soaked
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1 scoop (40g) vegan caramel protein powder (I used @macr0mike snickerdoodle )
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3-4 T tablespoons of water
CHEESECAKE FILLING:
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1 cup (150g) pumpkin, cooked
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1/4 cup cashew butter
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1/4 cup light coconut cream
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1/2 scoop (20g) vegan caramel protein
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3 tablespoons maple syrup (can sub for another liquid sweetener)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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*optional: 1 tsp superfood powder ( I used @unicornsuperfoods tropicana blend )
METHOD:
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Line a small square container with non-stick paper (mine was ~ 15 x 15 cm)
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BASE: In a food processor, add in the almonds & cauliflower, process until fine crumbs. Add in the remaining ingredients until the mixture clumps together. Use 3/4 of the mixture as the base by pressing it evenly into the lined contained. Set 1/4 of the mixture for the topping.
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FILLING: in a food processor, blend together all the filling ingredients until smooth. Adjust to taste – you can make it more for less sweet deepening on your preference. Pour the filling over the base & freeze for 30 mins.
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TOPPING: After 30 mins, pull the slice out the freezer & sprinkle the reserved base ingredients over the top as a crumble. Put the slice back into the freezer to allow it to full set for at least an hour before serving
*Storage tips: in an airtight container in the freezer, allowing it to thaw at room temp for a few minutes before serving
If you try this cauliflower hack, then definite let me know! Otherwise its if a bit too adventurous for ya, using any nuts or even oats would make a delicious replacement too 🙂 Enjoy!