Paleo Pumpkin Cheesecake with Salted Caramel
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cup medjool dates pitted
- 2 cups pecans
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- pinch of sea salt
- For the Cheesecake:
- 1 3/4 cup raw cashews
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup coconut cream or full fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 coconut oil
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- For the Salted Caramel Glaze:
- 2/3 cup full fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp sea salt plus more to taste
Instructions
- Cover the cashews with boiling water for at least one hour, or up to overnight.
- Line the bottom of a springform pan with parchment paper. You can also use miniature ramekins (line those with parchment paper and create strips that hang over the sides so the cheesecake can easily pop out).
- Make the crust: In a food processor or blender, blend together pecans, dates, and cinnamon for a few minutes until the mixture forms a sticky dough. Take the dough and press into the pan or ramekins ensuring that you firmly press into the pan (can use the bottom of a glass).
- Drain the cashews and place inside your blender. Add remaining cheesecake ingredients: coconut cream, coconut oil, syrup, pumpkin, and spices. Blend for several minutes until very smooth. Pour batter on top of pie crust.
- Place cheesecake in the freezer and cover with plastic wrap. Freeze for at least 4 hours, but up to 2 weeks (although it's best to eat within 7-10 days).
- Make the salted caramel: in a small saucepan heat coconut milk, sugar and vanilla. Bring to a low boil stirring constantly to prevent burning. After about 10 minutes, the color should darken and be ready. Add sea salt. Pour into a jar or glass bowl and let cool. You can even refrigerate to speed up the process. Drizzle over the cheesecake. You should have plenty of leftover caramel. Sprinkle with additional sea salt.
- Place back in the freezer for at least 1 hour. Before serving, let sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes before cutting.