Raw Vegan Black Forest Cheesecake

Cherries and Chocolate are one of my all-time favorite combinations. Juicy, ripe, sweet cherries paired with creamy chocolate will make this amazing raw cheesecake a go-to recipe anytime you need to make a special treat. It’s perfect to take to a V-day party or make for your sweetie.

CRUST INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup brazil nuts or macadamia nuts
• 2/3 cup raw, unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 tablespoon cacao powder
• pinch sea salt
• 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons raw cacao nibs

Process the nuts, coconut, cacao powder and sea salt together in a food processor into crumbs. Add maple syrup, vanilla and cacao nibs and process until mixture begins to stick together. If not sticky enough add extra maple syrup (start with 2 tablespoons.) Scrape out mixture into a 9″ spring form pan and press evenly and firmly into the bottom of the pan using your fingers. Set aside

FILLING INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup cashews, soaked 4 hours
• 1 cup macadamia nuts, soaked 4 hours
• 1/4 cup melted cacao butter
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup coconut water
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon tamari or Bragg’s aminos
• 1 cup raw cacao powder
• 1 – 10 oz. bag frozen cherries, thawed