This Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake is a dessert that truly steals the spotlight. Imagine a smooth and rich filling paired with a crunchy crust, all bursting with the fresh, sweet flavor of strawberries. It’s not just delicious; it’s also a fantastic option for those who enjoy vegan treats. You can have that creamy, cheesecake experience without dairy, and trust me, your friends and family will be asking for seconds! The best part? It’s relatively simple to make and perfect for gatherings or just a delightful treat at home. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create a cheesecake that captures the essence of summer with every luscious bite!
Why This Recipe Works
This Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake stands out not just for its irresistible taste but also for its innovative approach to creating a creamy texture without dairy. By combining a rich blend of vegan ingredients, we’re able to capture the luxurious mouthfeel that traditional cheesecake lovers crave, while also making it accessible to those following a vegan diet.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake
Imagine a dessert that bursts with the vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries, complemented by a smooth, velvety filling and a crunchy crust that provides the perfect contrast. This cake is not only visually stunning, making it ideal for gatherings, but it also aligns with dietary choices that prioritize health and compassion. With fresh strawberries at its core, it’s a true celebration of summer in every bite.

Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 2 cups (200g) plain sweet cookies, gluten-free if needed
-
⅓ cup (75g) vegan butter, margarine, or coconut oil, melted
-
For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz (480g) vegan cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons (45g) melted coconut oil or cacao butter, or 2 teaspoons agar powder
- 3 tablespoons (45g) lemon juice and zest, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, or to taste
- 3 cups (360g) fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1 cup (240g) thick, scoopable canned coconut cream
- ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch / corn flour
-
1 teaspoon beetroot powder, or pink food coloring (optional)
-
For the strawberry topping:
- 1 cup (120g) fresh strawberries, stems removed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch / corn flour
Make the Crust

Begin by lining an 8-inch (20 cm) springform or loose-bottom cake pan with parchment paper. In a food processor, add the cookies and pulse until fine crumbs form. Combine the melted butter with the cookie crumbs and pulse until well mixed. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of your cake pan, creating an even layer. Set aside.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a food processor or blender, combine the room-temperature vegan cream cheese, granulated sugar, melted coconut oil, lemon juice and zest, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
In a medium pot over high heat, add the strawberries and a splash of water. Mash the strawberries as they cook, allowing them to reduce for about 10-15 minutes until thickened to a consistency resembling tomato paste.
Incorporate the coconut cream and cornstarch into the strawberry mixture, whisking thoroughly. Bring to a gentle boil, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until thickened. Don’t worry if slight separation occurs.
Pour this strawberry mixture into the food processor with the cream cheese blend and process until as smooth as possible. For enhanced color, consider adding beetroot powder. Taste and adjust sweetness with more lemon juice or vanilla if desired.
Pour the cheesecake mixture into the prepared crust, smoothing the top. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the cheesecake is set.
Make the Strawberry Topping
In a small saucepan, combine the majority of the fresh strawberries with all the cornstarch. Using a fork or stick blender, mash the strawberries to create a chunky sauce. Sweeten to taste, if needed, and allow the compote to cool completely.
Once the cheesecake has set, generously top it with the strawberry compote and the reserved fresh strawberries for decoration.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake chilled as a stand-alone dessert or serve it alongside a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for Success
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before blending to achieve a smoother texture.
- For the best flavor, use fresh strawberries when they are in season.
- Allow the cheesecake to chill overnight for a firmer texture and enhanced flavors.
Variations
- Substitute half of the fresh strawberries with raspberries to add a vibrant color contrast and different flavor notes.
- Experiment with flavored vegan cream cheeses like herbal or citrus for delectable twists.
- Create a chocolate version by adding cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze individual portions, ensuring you wrap each slice tightly to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well, but make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
2. What can I use instead of vegan cream cheese?
You can use silken tofu blended to a creamy texture or a homemade cashew cream as alternatives.
3. How can I make it nut-free?
Stick with all the specified ingredients and focus on using non-nut based versions of dairy alternatives.
4. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance, which may even enhance the flavors!
5. Is this cheesecake gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free cookies for the crust, this cheesecake is entirely gluten-free!
Try this Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake for a delightful dessert that offers rich flavor and creamy texture without compromising your dietary values. Packed with fresh strawberries, it’s an elegant choice sure to please both vegans and non-vegans alike. Perfect for summer gatherings, this beauty will shine on your dessert table. Enjoy every sweet, luscious bite!
Print
Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake
This Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake features a creamy texture that captures the essence of summer with fresh strawberries and a crunchy crust. It’s simple to prepare and ideal for gatherings or a special treat at home.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups (200g) plain sweet cookies, gluten-free if needed
- ⅓ cup (75g) vegan butter, margarine, or coconut oil, melted
- 16 oz (480g) vegan cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons (45g) melted coconut oil or cacao butter, or 2 teaspoons agar powder
- 3 tablespoons (45g) lemon juice and zest, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, or to taste
- 3 cups (360g) fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1 cup (240g) thick, scoopable canned coconut cream
- ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch / corn flour
- 1 teaspoon beetroot powder, or pink food coloring (optional)
- 1 cup (120g) fresh strawberries, stems removed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch / corn flour
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- Pulse cookies to fine crumbs, mix with melted butter, and press into the pan.
- Blend vegan cream cheese, sugar, melted coconut oil, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth.
- Cook strawberries with water in a pot, mash, then thicken with coconut cream and cornstarch.
- Combine strawberry mixture with the cream cheese blend, pour into the crust, and refrigerate for 4 hours.
- Create topping by cooking strawberries with cornstarch, mash into sauce, and cool.
- Top the set cheesecake with the strawberry sauce and reserved fresh strawberries.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best blending.
For maximum flavor, use fresh strawberries when in season.
Chilling overnight enhances texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 0