Name: Easy Vegan No Bake Orange Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Total time: 6 h 40 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 150 g (5.3 oz) vegan cookies; Zest of 1 orange; 45 g (3 tablespoons) unsalted vegan butter (block-style); ¼ teaspoon sea salt; 150 g (1 cup + 2 tablespoons) cashews, soaked; 300 g (10.5 oz) vegan cream cheese; 80 g (⅓ cup) vegan Greek-style yogurt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, agave, or sugar (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s as vibrant as it is delicious, the Easy Vegan No Bake Orange Cheesecake will be your new go-to favorite. Bursting with luscious citrus flavor from homemade vegan orange curd, this cake is silky, smooth, and utterly irresistible. The best part? Absolutely zero baking required! Whether you’re catering for a crowd or treating yourself to a special treat, this cheesecake blends freshness, creamy richness, and a dreamy cookie crust for that perfect bite every single time.

Easy Vegan No Bake Orange Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is a masterclass in ingredient synergy: each element shines on its own, but together, they create a truly unforgettable Easy Vegan No Bake Orange Cheesecake. Using staples like cozy vegan cookies and tangy vegan yogurt guarantees a dessert that’s both accessible and impressive.

Vegan Orange Curd: The soul of this recipe, providing a bright, punchy citrus flavor and beautiful golden hue. Prep up to two days ahead for stress-free assembly.
Vegan Cookies: For the crust, use ginger nuts, biscoff, digestives, or graham crackers—gluten-free options work too! Each offers a unique, aromatic crunch and base flavor.
Orange Zest: Fresh zest from one orange heightens the citrus aroma and infuses even more flavor in every crumb.
Unsalted Vegan Butter (Block-Style): The binding agent that ensures a sturdy, melt-in-your-mouth crust—go for block style for the best texture.
Sea Salt: Just a pinch rounds out the flavors by balancing sweetness and enhancing citrusy notes.
Soaked Cashews: The secret to that silky, creamy filling—make sure to soak them for maximum smoothness.
Vegan Cream Cheese: Essential for a tangy, authentic cheesecake experience. Choose your favorite brand for optimal richness.
Vegan Greek-Style Yogurt: Brings luscious creaminess and a subtle tang. Sub with vegan sour cream or thick coconut yogurt if needed.
Vanilla Extract: Lends warmth, aroma, and a rounded depth to the filling.
Maple Syrup (or Agave/Sugar): Optional, but adds gentle sweetness and balance, especially if you prefer a slightly sweeter finish.

How to Make Easy Vegan No Bake Orange Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Vegan Orange Curd and Cashews

Begin by making a fresh batch of vegan orange curd a day or two in advance—it needs plenty of time to chill and develop its bold flavor. At the same time, get those cashews soaking. Four hours in cool water will do, but if you’re short on time, simmer them in water for just 30 minutes for a quick fix. The softer your cashews, the smoother your cheesecake will be.

Step 2: Line Your Pan

For that perfect, easily sliced dessert, line both the base and sides of a standard 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. This helps the Easy Vegan No Bake Orange Cheesecake release cleanly, showing off those gorgeous, colorful layers when you slice.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Crust

Time to get your food processor ready: blitz those vegan cookies, orange zest, vegan butter, and a touch of sea salt until the mixture looks like wet sand and sticks easily when pressed. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the base of your prepared pan, then pop it in the fridge. The cold will firm up the fat, creating the solid base your filling needs. No crumbly crust here!

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Filling

In a high-speed blender, combine about 200 grams (around half a cup) of the prepared orange curd, soaked and drained cashews, vegan cream cheese, vegan yogurt, vanilla, and maple syrup (if using). Blend until silky smooth with no lumps—a creamy, dreamy orange cloud. Pour the filling over your crust and smooth it out. It will seem soft at first, but after a nice long chill (six hours or overnight is best), it’ll slice like a dream.

Step 5: Add the Orange Curd Topping

For dessert drama and an extra punch of flavor, gently warm the remaining orange curd until it turns spreadable. Pour and smooth it across the set cheesecake layer using an offset spatula or back of a spoon. Pop it back into the fridge (or freezer to speed things up) to let the topping firm up beautifully before slicing.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the Easy Vegan No Bake Orange Cheesecake is fully set, remove it from the pan and slice it with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for those bakery-worthy, clean edges. Enjoy every vibrant, creamy bite!

How to Serve Easy Vegan No Bake Orange Cheesecake

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh garnishes can transform your cheesecake from simple to sensational. Try a sprinkle of extra orange zest, delicate curls of candied peel, a few edible flowers, or even a scatter of crushed pistachios for color and crunch. These small touches not only make your Easy Vegan No Bake Orange Cheesecake pop on the platter—they introduce new textures and a burst of freshness with each forkful.

Side Dishes

Since this cheesecake is naturally rich, it pairs beautifully with sides that complement but don’t compete. A bowl of juicy fresh berries or a drizzle of reduced raspberry sauce is refreshing and balances the sweet-tart notes. A scoop of coconut or sorbet on the side brings a chilly luxury and keeps things light after a hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress a crowd or customize the experience, consider making individual desserts by layering crust, filling, and curd in small jars or glasses for a modern parfait. Or, cut the Easy Vegan No Bake Orange Cheesecake into bite-sized bars and serve on a colorful tray at a party. You can even top with spun sugar or artistic chocolate shards for that extra wow factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Easy Vegan No Bake Orange Cheesecake will keep beautifully for up to five days in the fridge. Store the slices in a covered container to keep them moist and prevent any fridge odors from creeping in. The flavors only develop further over time, making leftovers (if you have any!) extra delicious.

Freezing

This cheesecake freezes like a dream! Place individual slices or the whole dessert in a freezer-safe container. They stay fresh for up to a month—just make sure to separate slices with parchment so they don’t stick together. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw overnight in the fridge to recapture that creamy, dreamy texture.

Reheating

No reheating is necessary for this chilled treat—simply slice and enjoy straight from the fridge or give it a few extra minutes on the counter if eating from frozen. The filling becomes creamy and luscious as it comes to temperature, just as it should.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought orange curd instead of homemade?

If you can find a vegan-friendly store-bought orange curd, go for it! However, homemade curd allows you to control the flavor and sweetness—and it’s surprisingly easy and satisfying to make ahead.

What can I use if I’m allergic to cashews?

If you need a cashew-free cheesecake, try using soaked sunflower seeds or blanched almonds instead. Their nuttiness and creaminess make wonderful substitutes, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Is there a gluten-free option for the crust?

Absolutely! Simply pick your favorite gluten-free vegan cookies or crackers for the base. The results are just as sturdy and flavorful—no one will guess it’s gluten free.

How do I know when the cheesecake is fully set?

The filling should feel firm to the touch and pull cleanly away from the pan when sliced. If you’re in a hurry, a few hours in the freezer can help speed up the process, but overnight in the fridge yields the very best texture.

Can I make this dessert ahead for a special occasion?

Definitely. This Easy Vegan No Bake Orange Cheesecake is even better when made a day or two in advance, giving the flavors time to mingle and mellow. Store it chilled until you’re ready to wow your guests.

Final Thoughts

If you love citrusy flavors and crave a fuss-free, showstopping dessert, you’ll fall head over heels for this Easy Vegan No Bake Orange Cheesecake. It’s a celebration of all things creamy, tangy, and uplifting, and you don’t need to turn on the oven to make it happen. Give this recipe a try—you might just end up with a new signature dessert!