If you are looking for a dessert that bursts with tropical flavor yet comes together effortlessly, this No Bake Passion Fruit Cheesecake Recipe is a dream come true. Bright, tangy passion fruit curd swirls beautifully into a creamy, vegan cheesecake filling nestled on a buttery cookie crust. Perfect for summer afternoons or whenever you crave something luscious without firing up the oven, this cheesecake combines the best of fresh fruitiness and smooth decadence in a vegan-friendly, no-bake delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is chosen for its simple but crucial role, whether it’s lending texture, balancing sweetness, or delivering vibrant flavor. These essentials combine to create a refreshing and smooth cheesecake that feels special yet uncomplicated.
- Vegan passion fruit curd: The star of the show, providing tangy brightness and creamy consistency for the filling and topping.
- Vegan cookies (Biscoff recommended): Rich and spiced, they form the perfect crunchy base that holds everything together.
- Unsalted vegan butter: Helps bind the crust with a smooth richness without overwhelming the passion fruit taste.
- Sea salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweet and sour notes beautifully.
- Cashews (soaked): Their creamy texture is essential for giving the filling that indulgent cheesecake feel without dairy.
- Vegan cream cheese: Adds tang and creaminess vital for authentic cheesecake flavor and body.
- Vegan Greek-style yogurt: Brings a subtle tang and smooth texture, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: A whisper of vanilla deepens the flavor profile of the cheesecake filling.
How to Make No Bake Passion Fruit Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Passion Fruit Curd and Cashews
Start by making the vegan passion fruit curd up to two days before you want to assemble your cheesecake; this lets the flavors meld nicely. Set aside about 200 grams for the filling, reserving the rest for a luscious topping mixed with passion fruit seeds for texture. While your curd chills, soak your cashews for at least 4 hours (or use a quick soak method), which is essential to get that ultra-smooth filling texture we’re after. Prepping a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper will make assembling and removing your cheesecake a breeze.
Step 2: Create the Crunchy Crust
Pop the vegan cookies, unsalted butter, and sea salt into a food processor and pulse until the mixture clumps together like wet sand. This step is surprisingly satisfying because you’ll watch simple pantry staples transform into a crust base that holds this whole delight together. Press it firmly and evenly into your lined pan, smoothing it with your fingers or a spoon, then pop it into the fridge to chill and set while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Blend the Silky Filling
Add the measured passion fruit curd, soaked cashews, vegan cream cheese, vegan Greek-style yogurt, and vanilla extract into your high-speed blender. Blend until the mixture is ultra-smooth and creamy, with no lumps in sight. This blend is the heart of your cheesecake — it’s where all the creamy, tangy, and tropical magic happens. Pour this filling over your chilled crust, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight until it’s perfectly set and sliceable.
Step 4: Add the Passion Fruit Topping
Gently warm the remaining passion fruit curd on the stove, stirring to achieve a spreadable consistency without cooking it too much. Spread this glossy, vibrant curd over your set cheesecake, smoothing it carefully with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Put your cheesecake back into the fridge for one more hour, or pop it in the freezer for a quick 30 minutes to help everything firm up before slicing.
How to Serve No Bake Passion Fruit Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
Keep the tropical theme going by topping slices with fresh passion fruit seeds for a pop of crunch and extra zing. A sprig of mint or edible flowers also brightens the look and adds a fresh aroma right before serving. These little touches take your cheesecake from tasty treat to picture-perfect dessert.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a light, citrusy salad or some fresh berries to complement the passion fruit’s tartness. A dollop of coconut whipped cream also adds a creamy softness that’s perfect alongside each slice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping dessert, present your No Bake Passion Fruit Cheesecake Recipe in individual small jars or clear glasses layered with crumbled crust and a little extra passion fruit curd. This casual presentation is fun and offers a personalized experience for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your cheesecake is made, store any leftovers in a covered container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to five days, allowing you to enjoy it longer without sacrificing freshness or texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this cheesecake in advance, go for freezing it after it has set completely. Wrap well and store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, move it to the fridge to defrost slowly overnight.
Reheating
Since this is a no bake cheesecake, reheating is not necessary. Simply remove from the fridge and allow it to sit for a few minutes if you find it too cold straight from refrigeration, so the flavors and texture are at their best.
FAQs
Can I make this No Bake Passion Fruit Cheesecake Recipe without cashews?
Cashews provide the creamy texture essential for the filling, but if you have a nut allergy, try substituting with silken tofu or a vegan cream cheese blend to maintain creaminess, keeping in mind the flavor and texture might shift slightly.
How do I make vegan passion fruit curd at home?
Making vegan passion fruit curd typically involves passion fruit juice, sugar, plant-based butter, and a thickener like cornstarch or agar-agar. Heating these together gently until thickened creates a tangy, rich curd perfect for this cheesecake.
Is it possible to prepare this cheesecake faster?
The cheesecake needs time to set properly to achieve the right texture. While chilling times can be shortened slightly using the freezer, be cautious not to compromise the creamy texture by rushing the process too much.
What other fruits work well with this cheesecake?
Though passion fruit is the star, mango, pineapple, or even a mix of tropical fruits complement this cheesecake beautifully if you want to try variations or add extra layers of flavor.
Can this recipe be made nut-free?
Since cashews are a key ingredient for creaminess, substituting them requires alternatives like oat cream or soy-based cream cheese, but results may vary. Experiment carefully if you have nut allergies.
Final Thoughts
This No Bake Passion Fruit Cheesecake Recipe is a treasure for anyone who loves bright, fresh flavors wrapped in creamy indulgence without the hassle of baking. It’s a perfect show-stopper for gatherings or a refreshing treat just because. Don’t hesitate to give it a try — once you do, it might just become your go-to cheesecake to impress friends and family alike!
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No Bake Passion Fruit Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This No Bake Passion Fruit Cheesecake is a luscious, vegan dessert featuring a crisp cookie crust, creamy passion fruit-flavored filling made from cashews and vegan cream cheese, topped with a tangy passion fruit curd. Perfectly chilled, it offers a refreshing tropical twist without any baking required.
Ingredients
Passion Fruit Curd
- 1 batch vegan passion fruit curd (see note 1)
- 1 tablespoon passion fruit seeds (reserved from curd recipe for topping)
Crust
- 140 g vegan cookies (e.g., biscoff)
- 45 g unsalted vegan butter (block-style)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Filling
- 150 g cashews (soaked ahead of time, see note 4)
- 300 g vegan cream cheese
- 80 g vegan Greek-style yogurt (see note 5)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 200 g (½ cup + 1 tablespoon) passion fruit curd (reserved from batch)
Instructions
- Prepare passion fruit curd and soak cashews: Make the passion fruit curd up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Separate 200g for the filling and mix 1 tablespoon of reserved passion fruit seeds into the remaining curd for the topping. Soak cashews in water for 4 hours or quick-soak in boiled water for 30 minutes. Line a 9″ loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Make the crust: Combine vegan cookies, vegan butter, and sea salt in a food processor. Blitz until the mixture sticks together when pressed between your fingers.
- Form the crust: Press the crust mixture firmly into the base and sides of the prepared loaf pan. Smooth it out with your fingers or a spoon and refrigerate while making the filling.
- Prepare the filling: Add soaked cashews, vegan cream cheese, vegan Greek-style yogurt, vanilla extract, and 200g of passion fruit curd to a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and creamy without any lumps. Pour the filling over the crust in the pan.
- Set the cheesecake: Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight to allow it to set firmly.
- Prepare the topping: Gently heat the reserved passion fruit curd with seeds in a saucepan while stirring until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Add the topping: Spread the warmed passion fruit curd evenly over the chilled cheesecake using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Return to the fridge for 1 hour or place in the freezer for 30 minutes before slicing.
- Serve and store: Use a hot, wet, sharp knife to cut slices. Store the cheesecake covered in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Notes
- You can make the vegan passion fruit curd up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate.
- Biscoff cookies are recommended for their flavor and texture but any vegan cookie can be used.
- Ensure the vegan butter is block-style for better crust consistency.
- Soaking cashews softens them; 4 hours is ideal, but quick soak in boiling water for 30 minutes also works.
- Vegan Greek-style yogurt adds creaminess and a slight tang to the filling.
- Setting the cheesecake overnight is best for optimal texture.
- The warming step for the topping makes it easier to spread smoothly.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including soaking cashews)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for warming curd topping)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vegan, Contemporary
