Summertime Sweets: Strawberry Basil Cheesecake Bars

Cheesecake may seem like a heavier dessert for this time of year but we promise this recipe will have you thinking differently! Allow us to introduce you to strawberry basil cheesecake bars—a gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and totally delectable treat. Reminiscent of a tropical drink, you will eat these right up! Here's how to whip up this winning combo:

Ingredients:

For the crust:
1 cup dates, packed
½ cup walnuts
¼ teaspoon salt

For the strawberry layer:
2 cups strawberries
1 cup cashews, soaked overnight
juice and zest from 1/2 lemon
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup coconut butter, melted
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
pinch of salt

For the basil layer:
1 cup fresh basil, packed
1 cup cashews, soaked overnight
juice and zest from 1/2 lemon
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoon full fat coconut milk
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
pinch of salt

For the topping:
vegan coconut yogurt

Instructions:

1. Spray a 9” square baking pan with cooking oil. Completely line the bottom and sides with aluminum foil, letting excess overhang over the pan. Spray a little more cooking oil on the bottom and set aside until ready to use.

2. Making the crust first, drain the cashews from the water. In a food processor, add the dates, walnuts and salt. Process until pretty smooth and paste-like.

3. Press the crust into the bottom of the cake pan, making sure to create a smooth and even bottom. Set in the freezer while you make your filling.

4. In the same food processor, add all of the strawberry layer ingredients. Let this mixture purée for a few minutes to get it as smooth as possible. Tip: To get it even smoother, add it to a blender.

5. Pour the filling into the cake pan on top of the crust. Set in your freezer for 3 hours, or until completely hard.

6. Once the strawberry layer is hardened, make the basil layer. In a food processor or blender, blend all of the basil ingredients until as smooth as possible. Pour on top of the strawberry layer and smooth the top out.

7. Place back into the freezer for at least 3 hours, or until completely solid.

8. Once your cheesecake has hardened, take out of the freezer. Pull the cheesecake out of the pan with the excess foil overhang. Lightly peel the foil off the bottom and sides, and cut into small rectangles.

9. (Optional) drizzle the tops with coconut yogurt.

A summertime sweet that's a real treat! Devour the details of this winning combo and eat more cheesecake!