December 2, 2019
This dreamy 3-layer apricot cheesecake combines cashew-based cheesecake cream with a sticky apricot jelly and a gluten-free vanilla sponge base.
Summer in Australia wouldn’t be complete without the arrival of stone fruit season. The characteristic flavour and sweetness of apricots pairs beautifully with the delicate vanilla sponge base in this dairy-free cheesecake recipe.
The fluffy vanilla sponge will no doubt bring back memories of the old-fashioned cakes we used to enjoy at summer birthday parties when we were children. But, in this recipe, the vanilla sponge is transformed into the base of a light and juicy, sweet and creamy apricot cheesecake. Not many guests ever guess that this apricot cheesecake is actually both gluten- and dairy-free.
The base is baked, so it is best to make it first. This will give it time to cool before layering the cream on top. The sponge itself doesn’t have apricots, but don’t let this fool you. The Medjool dates and maple syrup make it sweet and gentle. You’ll find that their flavors marry very nicely with the cream and jelly.
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How to Make It
Combine all the ingredients in your blender, and bake at 350°F for 15 – 17 minutes or until a wooden skewer comes out clean. Let it cool in the form baking tin.
The cheesecake layer is no-bake. Make extra sure that the cashew nuts are fully incorporated. Only stop your high-speed blending once the mixture is smooth and creamy. Spread this cream evenly on top of the sponge base and place it in the freezer to set. Of course, if you really love a little more texture, you can add diced apricots between the sponge and the cream.
The top layer of this apricot cheesecake is all-glamour and gloss and gives a brilliant first impression. Start the apricot jelly with 2 tablespoons of water and 1 teaspoon of gelatine in a small dish. Set aside and allow it to bloom whilst you soften the apricots on the stove.
Once your apricot and water mixture has come to the boil, turn the heat to simmer. When the apricots are soft, discard the water and blend the fruit until it is smooth.
Return the apricot puree to the pot, add the bloomed gelatine and simmer for just one minute. Pour this over the cream layer. You’ll now have a cheery topping on your apricot cheesecake. Cover and place in the fridge for 20 minutes before serving.
I hope you’re as pleased with this apricot cheesecake as I am. It’s the classic cheesecake with a serious upgrade. The bright apricot glaze always brings summer sunshine to my table and a happy smile to my guests. What could be better?
Tips:
- The quantities of this apricot cheesecake recipe make one 6-inch or 15cm springform cake pan.
- The best way to bloom the gelatine is to sprinkle the powder evenly on top of a little cold water. As it absorbs the water it will swell in size.
- You can swap the gelatine for agar to create a vegan jelly.
- Keep an eye on the simmering apricots. Fruit tends to scald quickly, and nobody likes to have to make something twice just because you looked away for a minute.
If you like this dairy-free apricot cheesecake, you’ll also like my Brownie Bottom Raspberry Cheesecake.
PrintApricot Cheesecake with Vanilla Sponge Base
This dreamy 3-layer apricot cheesecake combines cashew-based cheesecake cream with a sticky apricot jelly and a gluten-free vanilla sponge base.
- Yield: 1 6-inch pan / 15 cm Springform 1x
Ingredients
Vanilla Sponge:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 3 eggs (or vegan egg substitute)
- 2 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 1 tsp gluten-free baking powder
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
Lay on top of sponge base:
- 3 apricots, diced (optional)
Cheesecake Cream:
- 2 cups cashews, soaked
2 tsp vanilla bean essence - 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp coconut oil
- 2 Tbsp coconut milk
- 3 apricots, pitted
Apricot Jelly:
- 5 apricots, diced
- 1/3 cup water
- 3 Tbsp water
- 1 tsp gelatine or agar agar
Instructions
- For the base, add all ingredients to a blender and blend until well combined.
- Pour dough into a 6-inch round baking dish and bake at 350°F for 15 – 17 minutes or until wooden skewer comes out clean.
- Set aside to cool. Don’t remove form baking pan.
- For the cheesecake layer, add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and combine until smooth and creamy. The cashews need to be full incorporated.
- Evenly spread diced apricots on top of the sponge base and cover with cheesecake cream.
- Place in freezer to set for 4 hours or overnight.
- For the apricot jelly, add 2 tablespoons of water and 1 teaspoon of gelatine to a small dish and let it ‘bloom’.
- In a small pot, bring apricots and water to a boil. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until apricots are soft. Discard of the water and transfer apricots to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Transfer the blended apricot back to the pot, bring to a simmer and add the ‘bloomed’ gelatine and simmer for 1 minute.
- Pour over the cheesecake cream layer, cover and place back in the fridge to set for 20 minutes.
- Enjoy
