Epic White Macadamia Nut Cheesecake

by Dani Stevens

One of my all time fave combo's and foodie's Dana from Minalimist Baker shares this epic White Macadamia Nut Cheesecake. How insane is this? Yes, I know. You can thank me later....Dana's recipe is found below.

White Macadamia Nut Cheesecake

 

Ingredients

CRUST
  • 1 cup packed Medjool dates (~ 20 dates or 200 g, pitted before measuring)
  • 1 cup (120 g) raw walnuts
  • 1/2 cup (67 g) roasted unsalted macadamia nuts
  • optional: 1/4 tsp sea salt
FILLING
  • 1 1/2 cups (189 g) raw cashews (soaked overnight in cool water, or in very hot water for 1 hour)
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup (30 ml) light or full fat coconut milk (full fat for creamier texture)
  • 2 Tbsp (45 ml) olive oil (or sub melted coconut oil, though it will infuse coconut flavor)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) maple syrup, agave, or honey if not vegan (use less for a more tart cheesecake)
  • 1/3 cup (28 g) cocoa butter, melted in the microwave or over a double boiler
  • 1-2 tsp tsp lemon juice (for “cheesy” tang | or sub apple cider vinegar)
  • optional: 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 cup (67 g) chopped roasted unsalted macadamia nuts
FOR SERVING optional
Instructions
  1. Soak cashews by adding to a small mixing bowl and covering with boiling hot water. Let set uncovered for 1 hour.
  2. In the meantime, add dates to a blender and mix until small bits remain or it forms into a ball. Remove and set aside.
  3. Next add walnuts, macadamia nuts, and salt (optional) and process into a meal. Then add dates back in and blend until a loose dough forms - it should stick together when you squeeze a bit between your fingers. If it's too dry, add a few more dates through the spout while processing. If too wet, add more nuts.
  4. For serving dishes you have several options - muffin tins, ramekins (like these), or a springform pan of your choice. With whatever option you choose, be sure to line with parchment paper for easy removal.
  5. For the ramekins shown above, cut out parchment paper into circles the shape of your ramekins, as well as two thick strips of parchment paper per ramekin and lay them in an "X" shape at the base. Top with circle shape. This creates little tabs that make removing the cheesecakes easier to pop out once set.
  1. Divide crust among ramekins and carefully press with fingers to distribute. To pack it down, use a small glass lined with parchment paper (or the back of a spoon) to and really press it down, allowing some crust to come up the sides. Set in the refrigerator or freezer to firm up.
  2. Add soaked drained cashews, vanilla extract, coconut milk, olive oil, maple syrup, melted cocoa butter, lemon juice, and sea salt (optional) to the blender and mix until very smooth - up to 2-3 minutes - scraping down sides as needed. If it won't come together, add a touch more lemon juice, maple syrup/agave or a splash more coconut milk as the liquid should help it blend better.
  3. Taste and adjust flavor/sweetness as needed, adding more melted cocoa butter for chocolate flavor, lemon juice for brightness, salt for flavor balance, or maple syrup for sweetness.
  4. Add a small handful of macadamia nuts to the crust ramekins (see photo), then divide filling evenly among the ramekins (or other serving dish). Tap a few times to release any air bubbles, then top with a few more macadamia nuts and cover loosely with plastic wrap.
  5. Freeze until set - about 4-6 hours depending on size of dish. Once set, run a butter knife along the edge and gently remove by tugging on the tabs in an upward motion. They should pop right out. If they aren't quite set, pop them in the freezer for 15-20 minutes and they should come out easily.
  6. To serve, slice and enjoy as is, or top with a touch of coconut whipped cream, toasted coconut, macadamia nuts, and fresh berries.
  7. Store leftovers in a well-covered dish in the refrigerator up to a few days, or in the freezer up to 2-3 weeks.
Notes
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate for 1 of 8 servings without additional toppings. *Adapted from my White Chocolate Lemon Cheesecake.
What's your favourite dessert? Please tag your pictures to #ds365 #food so I can feature your recipes on DaniStevens.com.
Happy Monday!
xxDani
Your 365 Fitness Food Motivator 
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