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Blackberry Lemon Cheesecake (vegan & paleo)

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End of Summer Series, continues.

It’s the first week of September with Labor Day Weekend right around the corner. And although you may be celebrating a little differently than you imagined at the beginning of the summer, a civic holiday is always the perfect moment to take a little extra time and make a dessert that’s slightly more intricate than your basic drop cookie or classic tray bake, regardless of how you’ll be celebrating. Not that there’s anything wrong with the basic stuff. I’m down for a good healthy-ish brownie with some red, white, and blue sprinkles anyyyyy day. But, I also love an excuse to create something extra exciting. And these Blackberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars are that exactly.

Imagine a generous serving of lemony blackberry puree swirled into a light and velvety cheesecake. All nestled atop a soft but chewy simple crust. I don’t know about you, but to me, that sounds like a bite of pure bliss. The contrast of tart and sweet, light and creamy, soft and chewy, it hits all the spots. And of course, because it’s a recipe from yours truly, I’ve put a healthy spin on it. The crust is primarily made of raw almonds and coconut flour. And while I prefer it baked, you can absolutely keep it raw/no-bake if that’s more your speed. I find that the flavors in the crust are more pronounced once baked, namely the cinnamon and maple syrup.

The cheesecake layer is made of soaked raw cashews to give it the creamy texture and coconut milk for that smooth lusciousness you’d expect from a traditional cheesecake. The cheesecake is spiked with a healthy dose of lemon juice for a light tartness that goes so well with the blackberries. The blackberry swirl is simply blackberries blended with a touch of maple syrup and some lemon zest. I give two options for creating the blackberry swirl, one that has glorious chunks of fruit (and is easier) and another for a smooth puree. (The above is the chunky version and below is the smooth version). And because I love options, if you want to go the easiest route, make the blackberry mixture per your preference and just layer if on top of the cheesecake mixture for a layered look. Either way you go with the blackberry puree, when you put everything together, it’s just magical. To me, these bars are the perfect dessert for this “baking shoulder season” we are in the midst of. It’s bright and light, highlights the in-season blackberry, but still a little decadent from the creamy cheesecake. And, hopefully, it’s passed the point of being too hot to turn on the oven should you elect to bake the crust.

More than anything, I love a good recipe that seems as if it is more intricate to create than in actuality. This Blackberry Lemon Cheesecake is made almost entirely in a food processor, so no need for multiple tools or bowls. And while the recipe’s ingredient list may appear to be long, it’s made with only 11 ingredients (including the salt). Several of the ingredients repeat in the different sections. These cheesecake bars are made better-for-you by containing no refined flours, sugars, or oils. It’s paleo-friendly (gluten/grain/dairy free) and is sweetened naturally with maple syrup! But still, these Blackberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars are incredibly delicious and the perfect dessert to help send off summer.

paleo friendly (gluten/grain/dairy free), naturally sweetened, vegan (raw option)

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Blackberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

This easy and delicious cheesecake is layered with a lemony blackberry swirl. The perfect combination of tart and sweet, creamy and light, and cozy and refreshing.

vegan (raw option), paleo-friendly (gluten/grain/dairy free), & naturally sweetened

Course Dessert

Ingredients

Crust Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 5 tbsp coconut oil melted
  • 5 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Cheesecake Layer

  • 2 cups cashews raw
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil melted and cooled
  • 4 tbsp lemon juice about 1 juicy lemon
  • 1 tbsp vanilla

Blackberry Swirl

  • 1 cup blackberries
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Soak cashews in filtered water for at least 2 hours (or if you're short on time, soak in boiled water for 20 minutes).

  2. Line a square (8 or 9 inch) baking dish with parchment paper.

  3. Blend all crust ingredients together in a blender or food processor until everything is damp and starting to form a coarse dough. Dough should stick together when pressed.

  4. Pour crust ingredients into the baking dish and press down firmly with a rubber spatula into an even layer. You can use a piece of parchment paper to press on top of the dough to ensure an even layer.

  5. Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. This step is optional if you prefer to keep it raw/no-bake. If baking, remove from oven and let cool.

  6. Wipe the interior of the blender/food processor.

  7. Drain the cashews. Make the filling by blending all the filling ingredients together until it is creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and add more lemon juice and/or maple syrup to your liking.

  8. Pour the filling over the crust and spread into an even layer using a rubber spatula. Don't wipe down the food processor before making the blackberry puree.

  9. Blackberry Swirl Options:

    Easy Chunky Version: Pulse the the Blackberry Swirl ingredients in the food processor a 2-3 times until juicy but still chunky. Spoon all over cheesecake layer.

    Smooth Version: Blend the Blackberry Swirl ingredients together in the food processor until thin. Pour mixture over a fine mesh strainer and use the back of a rubber spatula to push through the mixture, separating the seeds from the puree. For a swirl, pour small pools over the cheesecake and swirl with a knife. Or just pour over the cheesecake and leave as a top layer.

    Add additional lemon zest to the top of the blackberry layer if you like!

  10. Place in the freezer to set until firm, about 2-3 hours. Once solid, slice and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Store in an airtight container in the freezer. If stored long term, it may need to temper at room temperature for a few minutes before soft enough to enjoy!

If you make this recipe, please feel free to leave a review or rating down below. And I’d LOVE to see your creation! Please tag me on Instagram @freshlydafna and use #freshlydafna.

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Blueberry Crumble Bars (paleo, nut free)

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Summer produce is definitely my favorite of all the seasons.  Summertime brings juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, the seemingly endless variety of zucchini and summer squash, all the berries, and every stone fruit imaginable. Even things we get all year round like carrots or fresh herbs just seem to taste sweeter or more flavorful. It’s a time of year that (in my humble opinion) is unrivaled when it comes to fresh fruits and veggies. 
There is nothing I look forward to more about summertime produce than the mountains of freshly picked blueberries. And these Blueberry Crumble Bars are a celebration of those perfectly sweet and juicy little berries. One dough is made to make the base layer and the crumble top. And the filling is a whopping three full cups of blueberries with only a few other ingredients to keep it all together. When creating this recipe I doubled my original amount of crumble to hold such a copious amount of filling and now the blueberry to crumble ratio is just perfect.
These Blueberry Crumble Bars come together super quickly, about 45 minutes max from start to finish, and 30 of those are spent in the oven! The dough for the base and the crumble top comes together quickly and made in just one bowl. And the blueberry layer is just a heap of fresh blueberries coated with a simple mixture, no cooking or mashing required! In fact you’ll need just 9 ingredients (including the salt!) to make these. These beautiful berry bars are paleo-friendly, gluten/grain/dairy free and nut free to boot! Plus, naturally sweetened with coconut sugar. Made only with ingredients you can feel good about and honestly, I wouldn’t think twice about eating one of these for breakfast!

paleo friendly (gluten/grain/dairy free), naturally sweetened, nut-free

If you make this recipe, please feel free to leave a review or rating down below. And I’d LOVE to see your creation! Please tag me on Instagram @freshlydafna and use #freshlydafna.

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Blueberry Crumble Bars

These Blueberry Crumble Bars are a celebration of summertime! A heapful of blueberries sandwiched between a base and crumble topping. Just 9 simple ingredients really lets the blueberries shine in all their glory. These are quick to make and sure to be gone in a flash!

paleo (gluten/grain/dairy free), nut free, naturally sweetened

Course Dessert
Servings 12

Ingredients

Crumble Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup cassava flour
  • 1 cup coconut sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 6 tbsp coconut oil room temp (chilled in fridge a few minutes if liquid)
  • 2 eggs
  • zest from 1 lemon

Blueberry Filling

  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp coconut sugar or maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp tapioca flour
  • 3 cups fresh blueberries about 9 ounces

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 375 degrees and prepare an 8 or 9 inch square pan by lining with parchment paper.

  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, or in a large bowl, mix together the cassava, coconut sugar, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly incorporated.

  3. Add the coconut oil, eggs, and lemon zest and mix again until a soft dough forms. It may be a little clumpy which is fine, it should at least stick well when pressed together. Set dough aside.

  4. In a medium bowl mix together the lemon juice, coconut sugar or maple syrup, and tapioca flour until a wet mixture forms and there are no clumps. Add the blueberries and gently stir together until the berries are well coated.

  5. Press half of the crumble mixture into the prepared baking dish to form one even layer.

  6. Spread the blueberries over the base layer. Sprinkle clumps of the remaining crumble dough over the blueberries.

  7. Bake in the oven for 28-30 minutes or until the top is golden.

  8. Let cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This is easiest sliced when it's been cooled thoroughly. If you're in a hurry, you can pop these in the fridge (after it's cooled down a bit initially) and then slicing. Alternatively, these are delicious served cold as well, so you can make these a day before serving! Store leftovers in the fridge.

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Blueberry Coconut Cups (keto, sugar free, paleo, dairy free, vegan)

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These Blueberry Coconut Cups are my favorite twist on the original Chocolate Coconut Butter Cups even surpassing these Matcha Coconut Cups. The blueberries make these light and refreshing and add a nice balance to the deep chocolate layers. I used fresh blueberries as they are superabundant in these glorious warm summer months but feel free to sub for frozen. Plus, since it’s usually too hot to turn on the oven these August days, they are a great no-bake treat!

I made these with a couple drops of liquid stevia from NuNaturals but you favorite sweetener will do. Maple syrup, chicory root fiber, or Lakanto are all good options. These are paleo friendly, gluten/grain/dairy free, nut free and of course, delicious! You can make mega cups by splitting the ingredients into only two cups or if you want a more traditional ratio, make 4 cups.

If you make this, I’d LOVE to see your creation! Please tag me on Instagram @freshlydafna and use #freshlydafna.

 

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Blueberry Coconut Cups

sugar free option, paleo friendly, dairy free, keto, raw

These Blueberry Coconut Cups are the perfect summery no-bake treat! The addition of the berries make these refreshing but satisfying. Plus add a nice tart twist to the creamy coconut butter and rich chocolate. They only take a few minutes to assemble and have only good for you ingredients. I would not hesitate to have these for breakfast. The recipe makes 2 or 4 coconut cups depending on how thick you want them!

freshlydafna.com

Course Dessert, Snack

Ingredients

Chocolate Layer

  • 4 tbsp coconut oil melted and cooled
  • 5 tbsp cacao powder
  • 15 drops stevia (or 1/2 tbsp chicory root fiber or 1 tbsp maple/honey syrup)

Blueberry Coconut Filling

  • 3 tbsp coconut butter melted and cooled
  • 1/2 cup blueberries
  • 15 drops stevia ( or 1 tbsp chicory root fiber, maple/honey)
  • 1 tbsp collagen (optional)
  • dash of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Line 4 muffin tin cups with muffin liners (or 2 if you want mega cups).

  2. In a small bowl mix the chocolate layer ingredients together, adding more maple/honey/other liquid sweetener to your liking.

  3. Distribute half of the chocolate mixture evenly into the 2-4 liners, place muffin tin in the freezer.

  4. Meanwhile make the blueberry coconut filling by blending the blueberries (or, if you're not in the mood to dirty an appliance you can mash the blueberries with a fork or muddler) and mix with remaining filling ingredients.

  5. Evenly distribute the filling over the bottom chocolate layer and place back in the freezer for a few minutes to allow the coconut butter to firm.

  6. Finally, pour the reserved chocolate mixture and evenly distribute over the blueberry filling and then place back into the freezer! Once the cups are set, move into an airtight container.

  7. Let defrost a few minutes before eating!

Recipe Notes

This recipe is super adaptable to any sweetener you like, just start slow using a little, tasting, and adding more until you reach desired sweetness. 

 

Paleo Berry Blondie (refined sugar free)

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aka. Red, White, and BLUEBs Blondies

In the spirit of Memorial Day Weekend I created this berry packed blondie! It’s a light and moist blondie (that’s paleo friendly) and bursting with fresh berry flavor! It’s easy to make and SO good you’ll have the pickiest of eaters fooled that this is gluten/grain/dairy free AND has no refined sugars. I will definitely be making this all summer long because it’s just that good. Although I have yet to try it, I suspect that this would be amazing with a healthy scoop of vanilla ice cream.  You can easily replace the fresh berries with frozen, just follow the notes in the recipe.

 

paleo friendly (gluten/grain/dairy free), refined sugar free

If you make this, I’d LOVE to see your creation! Please tag me on Instagram @freshlydafna and use #freshlydafna.

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Paleo Berry Blondie

(aka Red, White, and Bluebs Blondies)

paleo (gluten/grain free), dairy free, no refined sugar

I made this recipe in the spirit of Memorial Day but it's SO easy and delicious I will definitely be making this a dessert staple over the summer when fresh berries abound. It's a light but moist blondie bursting with berry flavor. This can easily be made with frozen berries, as well, if you're feeling like some berry action out of season.

Course Dessert

Ingredients

Berries

  • 1/2 cup blueberries well rinsed & dried
  • 1/2 cup raspberries well rinsed & dried
  • 1 tbsp coconut sugar

Wet

  • 1/2 cup almond butter
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil melted and cooled
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Dry

  • 3/4 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup collagen
  • 2 tbsp + 1 tsp coconut flour
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 360 (no, that is not a typo) and prepare 8x8 inch baking dish by lining with parchment paper

  2. Place the berries in a small bowl with the coconut sugar and set aside

  3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, or in a medium bowl if mixing by hand, beat together all the wet ingredients until it's well combined

  4. Add in the dry ingredients and mix again until everything is just well incorporated

  5. With your hands, or a tablespoon, place small chunks of the batter in the baking dish and add the berries in between the batter chunks pieces

  6. Once all the batter and berries are in the baking dish, take a rubber spatula and press everything into the dish so that everything is evenly distributed in the dish

  7. Bake for 30-33 minutes or until top is golden brown almost all over

  8. Let cool in baking dish for about 10 minutes then lift the blondie out using the parchment paper sides. Let cool a bit more on wire rack to allow for good slicing.

Recipe Notes

You can make this with frozen berries as well, just make sure to bake for at least another 5 minutes. No other alterations need to be made.

Although I have not tried this, I suspect this would be amazing with a healthy scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream.

Any uneaten pieces can be kept in the fridge for a few days.