This no-bake passion fruit cheesecake is a celebration of summer flavors—zesty, sweet, and refreshingly creamy. The rich cashew and cream cheese filling pairs beautifully with the vibrant passion fruit curd, creating a dessert that’s as stunning to look at as it is delicious.
Perfect for warm-weather gatherings or when you simply want something sweet without turning on the oven, this vegan treat offers a light and tangy profile, offset by a buttery cookie crust. Whether you’re plant-based or just cheesecake-curious, this one’s guaranteed to impress!
Full Recipe:
For the Crust:
140g (1 ⅔ cups) vegan cookies (Biscoff, digestives, or ginger nuts)
45g (3 ½ tbsp) unsalted vegan butter (block-style)
½ tsp sea salt
For the Filling:
200g (½ cup + 1 tbsp) vegan passion fruit curd (from a 500g batch)
150g (1 cup + 2 tbsp) cashews, soaked
300g (10.6 oz) vegan cream cheese (like Violife)
80g (⅓ cup) vegan Greek-style yogurt (or thick coconut yogurt)
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
300g of the remaining passion fruit curd
1 tbsp passion fruit seeds (optional for texture)
Directions:
Prepare the passion fruit curd in advance and refrigerate. Set aside 200g for the filling and stir seeds into the remaining curd for topping.
Soak cashews in water for 4 hours or quick-soak in boiling water for 30 mins.
Line a loaf pan (9″) with parchment paper.
In a food processor, blend the cookies, butter, and salt until mixture resembles wet sand. Press into the pan and refrigerate.
Blend soaked cashews, 200g curd, cream cheese, yogurt, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over the crust and refrigerate for 6+ hours or overnight.
Warm the remaining curd gently in a saucepan to make it spreadable, then spread over the set filling. Chill for another hour or freeze for 30 minutes before slicing.
Slice with a hot knife, wiping between cuts for clean edges.
Prep Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 350 kcal per serving | Servings: 8
Introduction to a Tropical Vegan Delight
The No-Bake Passion Fruit Cheesecake is a celebration of vibrant flavor and plant-based ingenuity. Perfect for those seeking a refreshing dessert without the hassle of baking, this tropical treat is designed to impress with its silky smooth texture, bright and zesty taste, and stunning appearance. At the heart of the recipe is passion fruit—a tropical fruit revered for its aromatic sweetness and tart intensity. Combined with a rich, creamy filling and a crisp cookie crust, it’s a show-stopping dessert that appeals to both seasoned vegans and anyone looking to indulge in something lighter and more refreshing.
Why Passion Fruit? The Star of the Show
Passion fruit, or maracuja, is more than just a pretty pulp. Known for its exotic floral aroma and intensely tangy flavor, it brings a refreshing brightness to desserts. It has a naturally complex taste—sweet yet tart, tropical yet citrusy—that cuts through rich, creamy bases like cheesecake with a zingy counterbalance. In this recipe, passion fruit plays a dual role. First, it’s blended into the cheesecake filling to provide subtle fruity undertones throughout. Then, it’s turned into a luscious curd that’s spread on top for a tangy glaze that finishes the dessert with a vibrant pop.
The Allure of No-Bake Cheesecakes
No-bake cheesecakes have surged in popularity, especially among home cooks looking for elegant desserts without turning on the oven. Their simplicity is deceptive—while they’re easy to prepare, the result is often worthy of any high-end patisserie. In this version, the filling sets without eggs, gelatin, or even dairy—making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs. Instead of heat, it relies on chilling time and the natural density of cashews and cream cheese to set into a firm, sliceable consistency. This makes it perfect for warmer months or any time when you want a hands-off dessert option.
A Vegan Masterpiece Without Compromise
Crafted with care, this cheesecake embodies the essence of vegan dessert-making: using natural, plant-based ingredients to create textures and flavors traditionally achieved with dairy. The filling gets its creaminess from soaked cashews and vegan cream cheese, which blend together into a smooth, luxurious mixture. Vegan Greek yogurt adds tang and body, enhancing the cheesecake’s traditional flavor profile without using any animal products. It’s a testament to how far vegan cuisine has come—that you can achieve this level of decadence without eggs, butter, or cream.
Health-Conscious Without Sacrificing Flavor
While indulgent, this cheesecake is also a more health-conscious option compared to traditional versions. Cashews are rich in healthy fats and minerals, offering a more nutritious alternative to dairy-based fillings. The crust, made from crushed cookies and vegan butter, can be swapped for a more wholesome version using dates and nuts, making the dessert not only vegan but also refined sugar-free and gluten-free if needed. It’s a dessert that fits into a modern, mindful lifestyle while still feeling like a special treat.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a summer party, celebrating a birthday, or just craving something sweet and refreshing, the No-Bake Passion Fruit Cheesecake fits the bill. It looks impressive with its glossy curd topping and creamy interior, yet it’s incredibly simple to prepare. Because it requires refrigeration time rather than baking, it’s ideal for making ahead—perfect for stress-free entertaining. Its small-batch format is also great for intimate gatherings, though it can easily be scaled up for larger crowds.
Tips for a Flawless Finish
To get the most out of this recipe, a few preparation tips go a long way. First, soaking the cashews properly is key to achieving that ultra-smooth filling—use hot water if you’re short on time. Blending until completely smooth is also crucial; a high-powered blender makes this easier. When spreading the filling and topping, use an offset spatula for the cleanest look. For slicing, a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts ensures beautiful, bakery-style servings. These small touches elevate the final result and give it a professional polish.
Storing and Making Ahead
Another major advantage of this recipe is its storage flexibility. The cheesecake keeps well in the refrigerator for up to five days, making it an excellent candidate for prep-ahead desserts. If you’d like to make it even further in advance, it can also be frozen. Once frozen, simply defrost the slices in the fridge overnight for a ready-to-eat treat. This also makes it a great option for meal planning or for keeping something sweet on hand when the craving hits.
Customizing to Taste
Though passion fruit is the highlight here, the basic structure of this recipe lends itself well to customization. Swap the passion fruit curd for mango, raspberry, or lemon curd to experiment with different flavor profiles. The crust can also be varied—try different vegan cookies, or go for a more nutrient-dense base using oats and nuts. Even the filling can be adapted slightly by using different types of plant-based yogurts or by adjusting the sweetness with maple syrup or agave.
Cultural Notes on Passion Fruit
Passion fruit has roots in South America and is now grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Its name comes from Spanish missionaries in Brazil who saw religious symbolism in its flower. Over time, the fruit has become a favorite in global cuisines—especially in desserts, cocktails, and jams. Its use in this cheesecake adds not just flavor but also a touch of cultural richness and exotic flair that elevates the entire dish.
A Visual and Sensory Feast
One of the most striking elements of this cheesecake is its visual appeal. The golden-yellow passion fruit curd topping is both beautiful and appetizing, offering an inviting sheen and pop of color that draws the eye. When sliced, the creamy layers reveal themselves in contrast to the crumbly cookie crust, making each slice a miniature work of art. This isn’t just a dessert—it’s a centerpiece, a conversation starter, and a way to bring a little joy to the table.
Conclusion: A Must-Try for Dessert Lovers
In a world full of sweet options, the No-Bake Passion Fruit Cheesecake stands out for its ease, elegance, and flavor. It’s proof that a plant-based lifestyle doesn’t mean giving up on indulgence—in fact, it opens the door to creative and health-conscious alternatives that can be even more satisfying than the originals. With its tropical flair, simple preparation, and stunning results, this cheesecake is bound to become a staple in your dessert rotation. Whether you’re a committed vegan or simply exploring more plant-forward recipes, this dish offers a delicious reason to keep coming back for more.