If you’re anything like me and happen to crave something irresistibly rich and indulgent but still want to keep it plant-based, then you’re absolutely going to adore this Vegan Snickers Cheesecake Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, gooey caramel, crunchy peanuts, and luscious chocolate, all without a hint of dairy or eggs. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your new favorite dessert to impress friends, family, or even yourself on a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Yet Plant-Based: All the indulgence of a classic Snickers cheesecake made entirely vegan with natural ingredients.
- Multiple Incredible Layers: From the oat-and-nut base to the creamy cashew cheesecake, rich caramel, and silky chocolate.
- Customizable and Allergy-Friendly: Easy swaps for nuts or sweeteners make this adaptable for many dietary needs.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead: Freeze ahead and slice whenever the craving hits—great for last-minute entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Vegan Snickers Cheesecake Recipe was chosen to balance flavor and texture perfectly. From creamy cashews to crunchy peanuts and silky dark chocolate, it’s all about combining those rich, peanutty, and sweet notes into one dreamy cheesecake.
- Rolled oats: These form the sturdy, chewy base and keep it gluten-free if you grab certified oats.
- Almonds or nuts of choice: I sometimes swap almonds for pecans for a deeper, buttery flavor, or sunflower seeds for a nut-free twist.
- Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that mixes beautifully into both the base and the cheesecake layer.
- Coconut oil: Melted, it adds richness and helps bind the layers together.
- Cashews: Soaked to get the silkiest, creamiest cheesecake texture without cream cheese.
- Peanut butter: Adds that classic Snickers flavor—it’s what makes this cheesecake so special.
- Full-fat canned coconut milk: The secret weapon in both the cheesecake and the caramel layers for that luscious mouthfeel.
- Coconut yogurt or Greek yogurt: I love using unsweetened vanilla coconut yogurt for a subtle tang and creaminess.
- Lemon juice and vanilla extract: They brighten the cheesecake and balance the sweetness perfectly.
- Coconut sugar: Used in the caramel to give it that authentic deep caramel flavor without refined sugar.
- Peanuts, chopped: Crunchy bites that give this cheesecake its Snickers-style texture.
- Chocolate chips: For that final, glossy layer that seals in all the yum.
Variations
One of the best things about this Vegan Snickers Cheesecake Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Over time, I’ve played around with a few tweaks that might inspire you to add your personal touch, depending on what’s in your pantry or what kind of flavor profile you’re in the mood for.
- Nut-free option: I swapped almonds for sunflower seeds once for a friend with nut allergies and it worked like a charm—just as tasty with a slightly earthier flavor.
- Chocolate variations: Use vegan dark chocolate chips or even a mix of dark and milk-style vegan chocolate for a twist.
- Swapping sweeteners: If you’re avoiding coconut sugar, brown sugar or even a little date syrup works nicely in the caramel.
- Add a pinch of sea salt: I always sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate layer—it amps up the flavors wonderfully.
How to Make Vegan Snickers Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Create the Perfect Base
The base sets the foundation, so I always start by lightly greasing my 8” springform pan to make sure the cheesecake pops out easily later. Then, I toss rolled oats, almonds (or nut alternative), maple syrup, and melted coconut oil into the food processor. You’ll want to pulse until it holds together like a sticky dough—you might need to add a tablespoon or two of water if it seems too dry. Press this evenly into the bottom of your lined pan; getting it firm and compact is key for a crunchy but sturdy crust.
Step 2: Blend the Creamy Cheesecake Layer
Once your base is sorted, rinse out the food processor or grab your blender to make the cheesecake. Combine the soaked cashews, creamy peanut butter, full-fat coconut milk, coconut yogurt, maple syrup, coconut oil, lemon juice, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt. I usually blend for a good minute or so until it’s incredibly smooth. Don’t be shy here—taste and add a touch more sweetener or lemon if it needs a little pick-me-up. Pour this dreamy mixture right over your base and pop it into the freezer for about an hour so it firms up nicely before the caramel layer goes on.
Step 3: Whip Up the Decadent Caramel
This caramel is where the magic really happens. Pour your canned coconut milk, coconut sugar, and coconut oil into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil on medium heat while stirring often—you don’t want it to stick or burn. After boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens into that perfect, luscious caramel color. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped peanuts if you want them mixed in, or just sprinkle them on top once you’ve poured it over. Let the caramel cool and thicken slightly, then gently spread it over your firm cheesecake layer before freezing again for about 30 minutes.
Step 4: Finish with the Chocolate Layer
Last but certainly not least, melt your chocolate chips with a bit of coconut oil in short bursts in the microwave, stirring in between to get a glossy, smooth finish. Pour the chocolate over the caramel layer and quickly spread it out evenly. If you love my trick, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before freezing. Then, freeze your masterpiece for at least 4 hours or overnight if you can wait that long to dig in.
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Snickers Cheesecake Recipe
- Soak Cashews Longer for Extra Creaminess: The longer the soak (I sometimes do 2-3 hours), the smoother your cheesecake layer will be.
- Patience with Caramel Simmer: Stir frequently and don’t rush the simmer—it creates that authentic Snickers caramel flavor.
- Use a Springform Pan: It makes removing your cheesecake intact so much easier and less stressful.
- Freeze Before Adding Layers: Freezing each layer helps keep clean lines and prevents mixing.
How to Serve Vegan Snickers Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping slices with a few extra crunchy peanuts and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt—it just elevates that salty-sweet vibe. Sometimes I drizzle a little more peanut butter or even a touch of melted chocolate for that extra wow factor.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake is rich, so I like to keep the sides simple—think fresh berry salad, some sliced bananas, or even a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I’ve plated it with a drizzle of homemade chocolate sauce and sprinkled edible gold dust for a festive touch. Individual mini cheesecake jars with layered toppings work beautifully for gatherings too, making serving a breeze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After slicing, I store leftovers tightly wrapped in the fridge, though it’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even better the next day!
Freezing
This cheesecake freezes wonderfully. I usually wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw slices individually in the fridge for a few hours before serving. Perfect for planning ahead or saving extras.
Reheating
You actually don’t want to heat this cheesecake since it’s meant to be enjoyed cold and creamy—but if you prefer it less frozen, just leave a slice at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before digging in.
FAQs
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Can I use nuts other than cashews for the cheesecake layer?
Cashews are preferred because they blend into a creamy, smooth texture, but if you’re allergic or don’t have cashews, soaked almonds or macadamia nuts can work, although the texture and flavor might be slightly different.
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Is there a way to make the caramel without canned coconut milk?
You can try using homemade coconut cream or a coconut cream concentrate, but canned coconut milk provides the best consistency and richness for the caramel’s signature texture and flavor.
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How long does this cheesecake need to thaw before serving?
After freezing, let it thaw in the fridge for at least 2 hours or until it’s soft enough to slice nicely without crumbling or melting.
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Can I substitute the maple syrup with another sweetener?
Absolutely! Agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or even a mild date syrup work well in this recipe, though each will slightly alter the flavor profile.
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Do I need a special blender or food processor for this recipe?
A regular high-speed blender or a sturdy food processor works fine. Just be sure to soak the cashews long enough to get that creamy cheesecake texture.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Vegan Snickers Cheesecake Recipe brings together layers of flavor and texture while staying 100% plant-based. When I first tried making it, I was blown away by how indulgent and satisfying it was without any dairy or eggs. If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh, this cheesecake is your answer. Grab your ingredients, get in the kitchen with me, and create something delicious that everyone will rave about—you’re going to nail this, I promise!
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Vegan Snickers Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vegan, American-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Snickers Cheesecake is a decadent, allergy-friendly dessert featuring a nutty oat base, a creamy cashew peanut butter cheesecake layer, a rich homemade coconut caramel layer studded with peanuts, and a smooth chocolate topping. Perfectly balanced between sweet and salty with a luscious, layered texture, it’s an indulgent no-bake treat that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup almonds (or other nuts like pecans; sunflower seeds for nut-free option)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
Cheesecake Layer
- 1 1/3 cups cashews (soaked in hot water for at least 20 minutes)
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 3/4 cup full-fat or light canned coconut milk
- 1/3 cup coconut yogurt (or Greek yogurt, unsweetened vanilla preferred)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Caramel Layer
- 1 can full-fat canned coconut milk
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Good pinch of sea salt
- 1/2 cup peanuts, chopped
Chocolate Layer
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, to help thin it out)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Grease an 8-inch springform cake pan. Add rolled oats, almonds, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil to a food processor and blend until a dough forms. If the mixture doesn’t stick together, add a tablespoon or two of water and process again. Press the dough firmly into the bottom of a lined or greased 9-inch pie pan. Set aside.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: Combine soaked cashews, peanut butter, canned coconut milk, coconut yogurt, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a blender. Blend on high for about a minute until completely smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness if needed. Pour the mixture evenly over the prepared base. Freeze for about 1 hour or until firm to the touch.
- Prepare the Caramel: While cheesecake firms, add full-fat coconut milk, coconut sugar, and coconut oil to a small pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning, until the mixture thickens and darkens into a caramel consistency. Remove from heat and let cool slightly; it will thicken more as it cools. Stir in chopped peanuts or reserve peanuts to sprinkle later.
- Assemble the Caramel Layer: Once caramel has cooled, pour it evenly over the cheesecake layer. Gently spread to cover evenly. Sprinkle with remaining chopped peanuts if not mixed in. Return to freezer for 30 minutes to firm up the caramel layer.
- Make the Chocolate Layer: Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring well between each, until the chocolate melts and becomes smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the set caramel layer, spreading quickly and evenly. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Freeze the entire cheesecake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight before slicing.
Notes
- Any crunchy cookie base can substitute for the oat and nut base for a different texture.
- Melted coconut oil can be replaced with ghee, vegan butter, regular butter, or avocado oil as preferred.
- Using light canned coconut milk for caramel is possible but will yield a less rich caramel, though still tasty.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of recipe)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg