These Vegan Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars are a delicious holiday treat. They have wonderful balance of sweet and tart with a chewy pecan base, creamy orange “cheesecake” filling and a topping of stewed cranberries. These Cranberry Cheesecake Bars are Paleo, Vegan, Dairy Free, Grain Free, Gluten Free and Specific Carbohydrate Diet Legal. 

 

Cranberry Cheesecake Bars

These vegan cranberry cheesecake bars are such an awesome dessert to serve to guests during the holiday season. The blend of sweet orange and tart cranberry is one of my favourite winter flavour combinations. I’m embarrassed to admit that this is my 5th recipe using the orange and cranberry combo, with past recipes including bars, granola, muffins and meatballs.

Cranberry Cheesecake Bars
When planning out a dinner party, dessert is always my last thought. I struggle to come up with desserts that I can make well in advance, and then quickly assemble in under 5 minutes before serving. This Cranberry Orange Cheesecake ticks all of the dinner party boxes. You can make it up to 5 days in advance, and then quickly top with the stewed cranberries right before serving.

Cranberry Orange Cheesecake
In the past I have only used cashews or a combination of cashews and macadamia nuts to make cheesecake. I love the creaminess of the filling using just nuts, but its not ideal for your wallet or waist line. I decided to add my favourite ingredient into the filling (cauliflower!!) and I am sooo happy to report that it was a success. Adding steamed cauliflower results in a filling that is a bit less dense in texture and rich in flavour then a solely nut based one, and I actually prefer it.

Cranberry Orange Cheesecake
These Cranberry Cheesecake Bars are also a great way to use up leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving. I am embarrassed to admit that I used my Super Simple Cranberry Sauce in this recipe because I HATE wasting food and it turned out so well.

Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

Here are a few more dessert recipes that are perfect for the holidays…


 

If you make this recipe let me know in the comment section below, I would love to hear what you think or take a photo and tag me (@everylastbite_) on Instagram, I love seeing your photos!

Cranberry & Orange Cheesecake Bars

Every Last Bite
These Vegan Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars are a delicious holiday treat. They have wonderful balance of sweet and tart with a chewy pecan base, creamy orange "cheesecake" filling and a topping of stewed cranberries.
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Diets Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Paleo, Refined Sugar Free, Specific Carbohydrate Diet Legal, Vegan
Servings 16 bars

Ingredients
  

Base

  • 1 1/2 cups pecans
  • 1 1/2 cups dates
  • 2 tbsp orange zest
  • 3 tbsp shredded unsweetened coconut

Filling

  • 1 1/2 cups cashews soaked for minimum 4 hours
  • 1 cup steamed cauliflower
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/3 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 tbsp orange zest

Cranberry Topping

  • 300 grams fresh cranberries
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 2/3 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup if vegan

Instructions
 

  • Line an 8x8inch square baking dish with plastic wrap
  • In a food processor combine the dates, pecans, orange zest and shredded coconut and blend until the mixture is crumbly and there are no chunky pieces.
  • Pour the mixture into the square baking dish and press firmly down with your hands so that its packed evenly into the base of the dish
  • In a food processor or blender combine all of the filling ingredients and blend until completely smooth and creamy.
  • Pour the filling over the base and spread evenly with a spatula. Put the dish in the freezer and allow to freeze for minimum 2 hours.
  • To make the cranberry sauce, in a sauce pan on medium heat combine the cranberries, orange zest, orange juice and honey. Let simmer for approximately 15 minutes until the cranberries have all popped and the mixture has begun to thicken (it will thicken more as it cools)
  • Once the cranberry sauce has reached room temperature, pour it over the cheesecake and serve.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below and let us know how it was!