Vegan German Chocolate Cheesecake
Yield: 8–10 slices
Prep time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 50–60 minutes
Chill time: 4–6 hours (or overnight)
Ingredients
Chocolate Cookie Crust
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200 g vegan chocolate cookies or chocolate graham crackers
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6 tbsp (85 g) melted vegan butter
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1 tbsp sugar (optional)
Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake Filling
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450 g vegan cream cheese, room temperature
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1 cup (200 g) sugar
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1/2 cup (120 ml) coconut cream (thick part from canned coconut milk)
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1/4 cup (60 ml) unsweetened plant milk
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200 g vegan dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
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2 tbsp cornstarch
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1 tbsp cocoa powder
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/4 tsp salt
Coconut–Pecan Topping
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3/4 cup (180 ml) coconut milk
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1/3 cup (70 g) brown sugar
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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1 tbsp vegan butter
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup (80 g) shredded unsweetened coconut
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3/4 cup (90 g) chopped pecans
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pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
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Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
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Blend cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs form.
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Mix crumbs with melted vegan butter and sugar.
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Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan.
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Bake for 8–10 minutes.
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Let cool while preparing the filling.
2. Melt the Chocolate
Melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in short intervals.
Stir until smooth and allow it to cool slightly.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl beat together:
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vegan cream cheese
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sugar
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Add:
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coconut cream
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plant milk
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melted chocolate
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cornstarch
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cocoa powder
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vanilla extract
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salt
Mix until completely smooth with no lumps.
4. Fill the Pan
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Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.
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Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
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Smooth the top.
5. Bake the Cheesecake
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Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 50–60 minutes.
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The edges should look set but the center should still slightly jiggle.
Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
6. Chill
Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4–6 hours, preferably overnight.
Coconut–Pecan Topping
1. Cook the Topping
In a saucepan combine:
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coconut milk
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brown sugar
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cornstarch
Whisk until smooth.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (about 4–5 minutes).
2. Finish the Topping
Remove from heat and stir in:
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vegan butter
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vanilla extract
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shredded coconut
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chopped pecans
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pinch of salt
Allow topping to cool until warm but not hot.
3. Assemble
Spread the coconut–pecan topping evenly over the chilled cheesecake.
Serving
Slice with a warm knife for clean cuts.
Optional garnish:
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chocolate shavings
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toasted coconut
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extra pecans
Storage
Refrigerator
Store covered for 4–5 days.
Freezer
Freeze slices up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Tips for Best Results
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Use full-fat vegan cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
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Do not overbake; slight jiggle in the center is ideal.
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Let the cheesecake cool slowly to prevent cracks.
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Chill fully before adding the topping.

