DECADENT VEGAN PECAN PIE CHEESECAKE BARS (WFPB)
These Decadent Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are ashow-stopping, oil-free, whole food plant-based dessert. With a buttery crust,creamy cheesecake layer, and indulgent pecan pie topping, these bars areperfect for holidays and special occasions.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Chill Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Total Time 3 hours hrs
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
1 Blender/Food processor
1 9x9 baking pan
For the Crust:
- 1 cup oat flour (or grind rolled oats into flour, GF if needed)
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt (optional)
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups raw cashews (soaked for 4-6 hours or boiled for 15 minutes)
- 1/4 cup plain unsweetened plant-based yogurt
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Pecan Pie Layer:
- 1 cup Medjool dates (pitted and soaked in warm water for 10 minutes)
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened almond milk (or water)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Make the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine oat flour, almond flour, applesauce, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the lined baking dish. Bake for 10-12 minutes until slightly firm and golden. Let cool.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: Blend the soaked cashews, plant-based yogurt, maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly. Place in the freezer to firm up for 30 minutes.
Make the Pecan Pie Layer: Blend the dates, almond butter, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract in a blender or food processor until smooth. Fold in the chopped pecans by hand.
Assemble: Spread the pecan pie mixture evenly over the chilled cheesecake layer. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
Serve: Remove from the pan using the parchment paper, slice into bars, and enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Quick Cashew Soak: Boil cashews for 10-15 minutes if short on time.
- Dates: Soak dry dates in warm water for 10 minutes for easier blending.
- Crunchy Pecans: Toast pecans lightly for extra flavor, cooling before mixing.
- Storage: Refrigerate for a creamy texture or freeze for a firmer, ice-cream-like bar. Keeps up to 5 days in the fridge or 1 month frozen.
- Serving: Cut into small squares as these bars are rich.
- Pan Tip: Line with parchment paper for easy lifting and cutting.
- Optional Garnish: Add a drizzle of date syrup or sprinkle crushed pecans on top.
- This recipe inspired me, and I adapted it to make it WFPB.