Dairy-Free Paleo Cheesecake Recipe (Brownie Crust!) | Wicked Spatula (2024)

The trick to a paleo cheesecake recipe that tastes like a real one! This gluten-free dairy-free cheesecake recipe is a show-stopper with 3 layers: brownie, cookie dough, and cheesecake!

by Maya Last Updated on February 26, 2020 27 Comments

This paleo cheesecake recipe is the ultimate indulgent dessert. Most of the time, I’m all about wholesome meals that focus on produce, protein, and healthy fats. But I’ve always maintained that paleo doesn’t have to be boring, tasteless, or difficult. And the proof is in this gluten-free dairy-free cheesecake recipe! It’s over-the-top, totally decadent, and STILL totally paleo. It’s almost unbelievable, isn’t it?

While this version contains WAY less sugar than a traditional cheesecake, it’s still insanely rich. A small sliver of this dairy-free cheesecake satisfying without being overwhelming. It has 12 servings, which makes it great for birthday parties and special occasions.

Let’s talk about the layers in this gluten-free cheesecake recipe:

• The bottom layer is a classic fudge brownie that’s so incredibly dark but not bitter at all.
• The middle layer is chocolate chip cookie dough and just might be my favorite part.
• The “cheesecake layer” is cashews. Yes, cashews. No one can ever believe it, but it’s true.

How To Make Paleo Cheesecake Without Dairy

This easy cheesecake is so rich and delicious, and not as hard as it looks, despite the layers. Promise!

TIP: The cashews need to soak in water overnight, so don’t forget to do this step!

Okay, it’s time to make our gluten-free dairy-free cheesecake:

• Make the chocolate cheesecake crust. Melttogether chocolate and coconut oil in a pan.Mix together maple syrup, water, and tapioca star. Add the melted chocolate, stir it and then mix in vanilla, coconut sugar, salt, almond flour, and cocoa powder. Press batter into a springform pan and bake.
• Make the cookie dough. Combine almond flour, tapioca flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and sea salt to a blender until it’s smooth. Once it’s smooth, stir in chocolate.
• Make the cheesecake layer. Clean the blender, then puree the soaked (and drained) cashews, coconut milk, coconut oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, vanilla, and sea salt, until very smooth.
• Assemble the cheesecake. Spreadcookie dough layer on top of the brownie layer, then pour cheesecake filling on top of cookie dough and smooth with a spatula.
• Chill. The cashew filling will get harder and more dense, the longer it chills. It actually tastes best 2 days after being made, so feel free to make it ahead!

Is There Milk In Cheesecake?

Most traditional cheesecake recipes do have milk or milk products, like cream cheese. However, my paleo cheesecake recipe doesn’t have any milk in it at all.

I wanted to make a gluten-free dairy-free cheesecake that was delicious but didn’t actually have cream cheese. My recipe uses coconut milk and cashews instead, and it’s the perfect combination! Coconut milk cheesecake proves that you don’t even need to use cream cheese!

Paleo Cheesecake Topping Ideas

You can top your egg-free cheesecake with all sorts of fun toppings! I do think it’s perfect the way it’s written, but if you want to add a few toppings, go for it!

• Strawberries – Add some sliced strawberries to the top of the paleo cheesecake for some color and extra flavor.
• Chocolate – If you want to make the dairy-free cheesecake recipe over the top, just add a few chocolate shavings or drizzle on melted chocolate.
• Nuts – Pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts make great additions to the cookie dough layer. It gives the paleo cheesecake a nice crunch.

Can You Make Mini Paleo Cheesecakes?

Yes, you can easily turn this paleo cheesecake recipe into individual servings. You would need to use 12 ramekins or muffin tin, and portion everything out into 12 servings.

When baking the brownies, start checking them at 15 minutes instead of 25, so they don’t burn. This is a great option if you’re serving the cheesecake for an event.

How Do You Store Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Cheesecake?

Store gluten-free dairy-free cheesecake in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

How To Freeze This Paleo Cheesecake Recipe

Wrap the gluten-free dairy-free cheesecake in plastic wrap or aluminum foil first to prevent freezer burn. It will last 1-2 months in the freezer.

To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight.

More Paleo Desserts

Looking for more mouthwatering paleo dessert recipes? I have lots for you to choose from, take a peek:

• Paleo Cookie Dough Blizzard – If you love cookie dough, this is the dessert for you.
• Vegan Raw Brownies – Decadent, irresistible and made with wholesome, raw ingredients. Stash a batch of these in your freezer.
• Cookie Dough Truffles – Paleo cookie dough is one of the most popular recipes on my site, so I turned it into a special treat. Perfect for gifting!