Vegan Tofu Cheesecake Recipe by Chef Mark Reinfeld (Chocolate Option) (2024)

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By Alisa Fleming on Dairy Free Desserts, Dairy-Free Recipes

This vegan tofu cheesecake recipe was originally shared with us by Chef Mark Reinfeld, from his cookbook Vegan World Fusion Cuisine: Over 200 award-winning recipes. That was over 15 years ago, so we thought this post could use big update. We’ve added substitution options, nutrition facts, and more. But it’s still his classic, popular recipe, complete with chocolate option and all. Unlike many other dairy-free cheesecake recipes, this one uses healthy, whole food ingredients. We thought it was a perfect treat to re-share in Veganuary, and before Valentine’s Day.

Vegan Tofu Cheesecake Recipe by Chef Mark Reinfeld (Chocolate Option) (1)

Chef Mark Reinfeld’sVegan Tofu Cheesecake with Chocolate Option

Mark uses very wholesome ingredients in his recipe to meet with a variety of dietary needs and desires. But it’s possible that some of the ingredients might not be regulars in your pantry. So I’ve included substitution options and notes below.

  • Spelt Flour – You can use whole wheat flour, or even all-purpose flour. The recipe might work well with a gluten-free flour blend or oat flour, but it hasn’t been tested. If using gluten-free flour, I would press it only into the base. It will be a little more crumbly.
  • Sucanat – This is technically a brand or specific type of evaporated cane juice, or unrefined cane sugar. You can substitute turbinado sugar. If you opt to substitute regular cane sugar, you might need to reduce the amount. Start with 2/3 cup in the filling, taste test, and add more to taste.
  • Arrowroot Starch – Mark keeps things corn free, but you can technically substitute cornstarch without a problem. Tapioca starch is also a good alternative for this recipe.
  • Maple Syrup – Agave nectar is a great alternative that works well with thse flavos.
  • Apple Juice – This just adds a little sweetness to the crust. In a pinch, you can just use water or dairy-free milk beverage.
  • Tofu – Mark uses regular firm tofu. If you opt for silken tofu, I recommend using extra-firm silken tofu.
  • Nutritional Yeast – This is one of those odd ingredients that’s difficult to substitute. I recommend having it any dairy-free kitchen because it is a versatile naturally cheesy seasoning. You can try omitting it, or just add a little white miso paste to taste – start with 1/2 teaspoon.

Vegan Tofu Cheesecake Recipe by Chef Mark Reinfeld (Chocolate Option) (2)

Special Diet Notes: Vegan Tofu Cheesecake

By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, nut-free, peanut-free, vegan, plant-based, refined sugar-free, and vegetarian.

Vegan Tofu Cheesecake with Chocolate Option

Vegan Tofu Cheesecake Recipe by Chef Mark Reinfeld (Chocolate Option) (3)

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For a delicious finish, serve this vegan tofu cheesecake topped with Mark's Fresh Strawberry Sauce. See the post above for ingredients notes and substitutions.

Author: Chef Mark Reinfeld

Recipe type: Dessert

Cuisine: Greek

Serves: 1 (10-inch) cheesecake

Ingredients

Crust

  • 2 cups spelt flour (can sub wheat flour)
  • ¼ cup sucanat (unrefined whole cane sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1⁄3 cup oil
  • 2 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoon apple juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, alcohol-free

Filling

  • 2 pounds firm tofu
  • 1 cup sucanat (unrefined whole cane sugar)
  • ½ cup dairy-free milk beverage
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • 1⁄3 cup lemon juice, fresh squeezed
  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast
  • 2½ tablespoons arrowroot starch
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract, alcohol free
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. For the crust, whisk together the flour, sugar, starch, baking powder, cardamom, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, maple syrup, apple juice, and vanilla.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, and mix well.
  5. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of a 10-inch spring form pan, or into the bottom and up the sides.
  6. Bake the crust for 5 minutes. Leave the oven on.
  7. For the filling, place the tofu, sugar, milk beverage, maple syrup, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, starch, vanilla, and salt in a large blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
  8. Pour the filling on top of the crust and even it out.
  9. Bake the cheesecake for 1 hour, or until the top turns a golden brown and center does not jiggle too much.
  10. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before releasing from the spring form pan to cut.

Notes

Chocolate Vegan Cheesecake Option: Melt 2 cups of dairy-free chocolate chips and blend them with the filling ingredients.

Nutrition Information

Serving size:1 large slice (1/12 cake) Calories:334 Fat:10.1g Saturated fat:1.6g Carbohydrates:53.3g Sugar:31.2g Sodium:140mg Fiber:4.9g Protein:12g

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Vegan Tofu Cheesecake Recipe by Chef Mark Reinfeld (Chocolate Option) (2024)

FAQs

What does tofu replace in baking? ›

For Baking

The ability of silken tofu to quickly liquify makes it an ideal substitute for eggs and cream when baking cakes, cookies, brownies and muffins. Tofu is simply curdled soy milk, so heating and adding liquid result in a similar consistency that's also creamy, moist and rich.

What is vegan cheesecake made of? ›

These 7 ingredient beauties begin with a 2-ingredient crust! Dates and raw walnuts (or almonds) – that's all you need. Whirl and set aside. Next up, the 5-ingredient filling: Soaked cashews, coconut milk, coconut oil, lemon juice and agave nectar.

What type of tofu is best for baking? ›

Tofu: One block of tofu, either firm or extra-firm. I also strongly recommend buying organic tofu, if it's available. Oil: Olive oil, or whatever your preferred cooking oil may be. Cornstarch: This is the magic ingredient that helps make tofu (as well as many other foods) extra-crispy in the oven.

How much tofu to replace one egg? ›

To replace one egg in a recipe, purée 1/4 cup of soft tofu. It's important to keep in mind that although tofu doesn't fluff up like eggs, it does create a texture that's perfect for “eggy” dishes. Firm tofu is also a great substitute for eggs in eggless egg salad and breakfast scrambles.

What do vegans use instead of cream cheese? ›

Best Healthy Substitutes For Cream Cheese (Vegan)
  • Vegan Cashew Cream Cheese.
  • Hummus.
  • Tofu Sour Cream.
  • Cashew Sour Cream.
  • Vegan Tofu Ricotta Cheese.
  • Avocado.
  • Strawberry Chia Jam (Fruit Spread)
  • Unsweetened Plain Yogurt (vegan)
Mar 11, 2021

Is Daiya cheesecake vegan? ›

100% Plant-Based. Even If You're Not.

What is tofu an alternative of? ›

The reason some people think of it as a meat substitute is because it can be used as a major protein source for vegans and vegetarians. A lot of people dislike tofu because they find it bland and tasteless- which it is if you don't know how to use it. Tofu, if its made well, has good texture and absorbs flavour well.

What are the benefits of replacing meat with tofu? ›

Nutritionally, tofu offers much to love. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, half a cup of firm tofu offers 21.8 grams of protein with 181 calories and 11 grams of fat. Most of that fat is of the healthy polyunsaturated kind. The high level of protein makes tofu a good alternative to animal-derived meat.

Is tofu a good replacement for chicken? ›

Tofu. Tofu is one of the most well-known meat alternatives in the world and can be used to substitute almost any type of meat. Tofu is a fantastic vegetarian and vegan alternative in most meals and is also used widely across restaurants.

How much tofu to replace meat? ›

Tofu as Vegan Substitute for Meat

The only difference between tofu and meat protein is that you have to eat more tofu to meet the recommended dietary protein levels. In fact, every 100 g of tofu yields approximately 17.19 g of protein. To get the protein benefit of 150 g of lean meat, you should consume 290 g of tofu.

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