Step-by-Step Guide to Vegan Cupuacu Fruit Cheesecake

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups vegan graham cracker crumbs (or any vegan cookies)
• ¾ cup toasted coconut flakes
• ⅓ cup vegan butter, melted

For the cheesecake filling:

• 1 block (15 oz) firm tofu, drained
• 16 oz vegan cream cheese (e.g., Trader Joe’s or Violife)
• 1 cup organic cane sugar
• ½ cup agave syrup
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Cupuacu pulp (fresh or frozen, thawed)

For topping (optional):

• Additional Cupuacu pulp or passion fruit sauce for drizzling

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Make Crust Mixture:

• In a food processor, combine 1 ½ cups of vegan graham cracker crumbs and ¾ cup of toasted coconut flakes.
• Pulse until you achieve a fine crumb texture.

Add Vegan Butter:

• In a bowl, mix the crumb mixture with ⅓ cup of melted vegan butter until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed.

Press into Pan:

• Lightly grease a 10-inch springform pan.
• Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, ensuring an even layer.

Bake the Crust:

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes. This helps set the crust.
• Remove from oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

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Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Prepare Ingredients:

• Gather all filling ingredients: 1 block firm tofu, 16 oz vegan cream cheese, 1 cup organic cane sugar, ½ cup agave syrup, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, and 1 cup Cupuacu pulp.

Blend Tofu and Cream Cheese:

• In a blender or food processor, add the drained tofu and vegan cream cheese.
• Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.

Add Sweeteners and Flavorings:

• Add in the organic cane sugar, agave syrup, and vanilla extract.
• Blend again until fully incorporated.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients:

• Add the cornstarch and all-purpose flour to the mixture.
• Blend until everything is well combined and smooth.

Add Cupuacu Pulp:

• Finally, add in the Cupuacu pulp and blend until fully integrated.

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Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

Pour Filling into Crust:

• Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over your cooled crust in the springform pan.
• Smooth out the top with a spatula for an even surface.

Bake Cheesecake:

• Bake in the oven for approximately 40 to 45 minutes.
• The center should be slightly jiggly; it will firm up as it cools.

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Step 4: Cool and Chill

Cool at Room Temperature:

• Once baked, remove from oven and let it cool at room temperature for about 1 hour.

Refrigerate:

• After cooling, cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 to 6 hours, preferably overnight. This allows it to set completely.

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Step 5: Serve

Prepare for Serving:

• Before serving, you can top with additional Cupuacu pulp or drizzle with passion fruit sauce for added flavor.

Slice and Enjoy:

• Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan.
• Slice your cheesecake into pieces and serve chilled.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your tofu is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your cheesecake.
• For a firmer texture, consider adding an extra tablespoon of cornstarch.
• Experiment with toppings like fresh fruits or nuts for added flavor and texture!

Enjoy your delightful vegan Cupuacu fruit cheesecake! It’s a unique dessert that’s sure to impress friends and family alike!