Raw Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits with Whipped Coconut Cream
Layers of rich cashew-based vegan cheesecake, fresh raspberries, and whipped coconut cream, these decadent little parfaits are totally vegan and (almost completely) raw.
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Place all of the ingredients into the bowl of a food processor fitted with an S-blade. Process until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down sides of bowl as needed and thinning with a bit of extra water if needed.
Make the Raspberry Layer:
If you're using agave nectar for this layer, set aside a one or two raspberries per parfait for garnish, then place the remaining raspberries and agave into a medium bowl and toss to coat.
Make the Whipped Coconut Cream Layer:
Open the cans of coconut milk or cream and scoop the solids into a medium mixing bowl. Discard the liquid or save for another use (it's great for smoothies!).
Using an electric mixer, beat the coconut cream on high speed until it's light and fluffy, about 1 minute, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the agave and beat until fully blended.
Assemble the Parfaits:
Divide the chocolate cheesecake mixture among six to eight parfait cups or 1-cup mason jars. Place the raspberries over top of chocolate cheesecake layer, and then divide the coconut whipped cream over the raspberries. Top each parfait with one or two of the reserved raspberries. Optionally, dust with a bit of cacao powder to garnish.
Notes
Prep time does not include the soak time for the cashews or refrigeration time for the coconut milk or cream.
Coconut milk or cream will work here, just be sure to use the kind from a can and not the carton (which is usually a blend of non-dairy milks) or cream of coconut (which is a sweetened product used for cocktails).
Coconut milk and coconut cream work equally well, but using coconut cream will yield a slightly larger batch.
Make sure your coconut cream or milk has separated before you begin whipping it. Placing it in the coldest part of your refrigerator should help with this. I sometimes even turn the temperature down a notch to make sure it fully separates. The solids, which you'll be whipping, will be white and slightly softer than butter. The liquid will be just a bit thicker and more opaque than water.
Feel free to substitute cocoa powder for cacao powder or non-raw agave or maple syrup for the raw blue agave. These ingredients work just as well, but aren't raw.
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