• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

My Plant-Based Friend

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Lifestyle

Healthy Gluten Free Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake

by 2 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you). Please see my full disclosure policy for details.

vegan pumpkin cheesecake

What do you get when you combine your pumpkin spice obsession with an indulgent cheesecake? The perfect healthy yet delicious vegan pumpkin cheesecake!

pumpkin spice cheesecake

I know what you’re thinking. There is no way a pumpkin cheesecake recipe can be healthy! Maybe not traditionally, but this one is something special. This cheesecake is 100% vegan, as are all of my recipes, but I wanted to take it a step further. I wanted to use the most wholesome ingredients possible, without sacrificing any of the decadent pumpkin spice and cheesecake flavors we know and love. And so… I created this whole food plant-based, vegan pumpkin cheesecake!

vegan cheesecake

Is This Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake Really Healthy?

While traditional cheesecakes are loaded with high fat, refined sugar, and calories, some vegan recipes are surprisingly not too far off. I wanted to create a recipe that more people could enjoy knowing how wholesome the ingredients are. After some trial and error, I can confidently say that this vegan pumpkin cheesecake recipe is exactly what I was going for. Lots of flavor without any junk! You will definitely feel better about eating this delicious and secretly healthy dessert.

This vegan pumpkin cheesecake is naturally:

Gluten free

Oil free

Refined sugar free

Dairy and egg free

Nut free (excluding the homemade crust)

Whole food plant-based

Win, win, win, win, winnnnnnn!

eating vegan cheesecake

What is a Whole Food Plant-Based Cheesecake?

Whole food plant-based recipes do not include any added artificial or processed ingredients. Basically, they are made with ingredients that typically have one ingredient, like seeds, oats, dates, lemon, etc. Can’t get much simpler or healthier than that!

The base of the cheesecake is made from a unique blend of raw sunflower seeds and unsweetened plain coconut yogurt. Much better on the waistline than cream cheese and butter, am I right!?

This recipe will be the fan-favorite of your Thanksgiving dessert table. This is the perfect dessert to bring to Friendsgiving, and to enjoy on Thanksgiving Day! Regardless of dietary preferences, the whole crowd will enjoy this perfect pumpkin dessert. Honestly, this pumpkin cheesecake is great at any time of the year. It’s so healthy you can eat it for breakfast! 😉

If you like incredibly delicious and healthy desserts, you will also love my zucchini cake with cream cheese frosting and double chocolate chip cookies. More perfect holiday treats!

vegan pumpkin cheesecake

Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake (WFPB)

Melissa Donovan
Naturally gluten, oil, and refined sugar free.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 40 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins
Resting Time 12 hours hrs
Total Time 14 hours hrs 35 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Servings 12

Equipment

  • 9 in. springform pan

Ingredients
  

Crust

  • 1 1/4 cup pitted medjool dates soaked in warm water for at least 10 minutes
  • 1 1/4 cup raw walnuts
  • 3/4 cup rolled oats

Cheesecake Filling

  • 2 cup unsweetened plain coconut yogurt
  • 1 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds soaked in boiling water for at least 10 minutes
  • 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 4 flax eggs 4 Tbsp flax + 8 Tbsp water
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Pumpkin Spice Filling

  • 1 15 oz. can organic pupmkin puree canned
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 flax eggs 2 Tbsp flax + 4 Tbsp water
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350° F. In a small bowl, mix 4 Tbsp of ground flax with 8 Tbsp water. In another small bowl, mix 2 Tbsp of ground flax with 4 Tbsp water. Set both small bowls in the fridge for at least 10 minutes, until the consistency becomes thick and egg-like.
  • Soak dates in warm water for at least 10 minutes to soften. Soak raw sunflower seeds in boiling water for at least 10 minutes to soften.
  • Add dates (without the soaking water) to food processer or high speed blender and pulse to a chunky paste. Add walnuts and oats and pulse to loosely combine. Press mixture into the bottom and slighly up the sides of a 9 in. springform pan and bake 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
    homemade cheesecake crust
  • Add all cheesecake filling ingredients (minus the sunflower seeds) into a food processer or high-speed blender and mix until smooth. Add in the sunflower seeds (without the soaking water) 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until smooth. Pour cheesecake filling into a large bowl and set aside.
  • In a separate large bowl, mix all pumpkin filling ingredients until well-combined.
    pumpkin and cheesecake fillings
  • Alternate spoonfuls of cheesecake and pumpkin filling onto the crust. This will create the swirl effect when finished.
    making the pumpkin swirl cheesecake
  • Use a butter knife to "swirl" the top layer of the cheesecake together. This does not have to be perfect!
  • Bake cheesecake at 350° for 1 hr. 45 minutes, or until inserting a toothpick into the center comes out clean.
  • For best results, cover cheesecake and allow it to cool in the fridge overnight. This will ensure cheesecake is served at the right temperature and consistency.
  • Optional: Serve with vegan whipped cream. Enjoy!
Keyword dessert, gluten free, oil free, wfpb

With all of the other treats available during the holidays, this healthier dessert option is the perfect way to balance out your feast. The best part? You don’t have to sacrifice any of the tastiness! If you’re not picky about keeping the recipe whole food plant-based, I highly recommend topping your slice with some vegan whipped cream. Nothing like the classic combination of pumpkin and whipped cream!

Don’t forget to pin the recipe for later!

Filed Under: Desserts, Recipes Tagged With: vegan pumpkin cheesecake, wfpb

Previous Post: « The Best Baked Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Next Post: Vegan Tacos: The Best Walnut Taco Meat Recipe »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sarah

    November 29, 2019 at 1:54 pm

    Wow😍 This looks incredible!!

    Reply
    • Melissa Donovan

      November 29, 2019 at 6:54 pm

      Thank you so much, Sarah! I just had a slice for breakfast this morning 😉

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

By Melissa Donovan

I love creating tasty, balanced, and healthy vegan recipes for people of all diets. Whether you’re looking for high protein, macro friendly vegan recipes or positive encouragement in adopting a more plant-based lifestyle, you’re in the right place!

Read More

Recent Posts

vegan protein mug cake
healthy vegan high protein & macro friendly snacks you'll love

Navigation

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Lifestyle

Footer

Melissa | Vegan Bodybuilder, Food Blogger, & Coach

myplantbasedfriend

High protein snacks that are convenient and actual High protein snacks that are convenient and actually taste good!? 😍

Balancing a busy schedule, workouts, traveling, and maintaining my energy levels as a vegan has taught me the importance of having healthy, portable, and protein-rich snacks on hand.

That’s why I’ve put together this list of my favorite vegan high protein and macro friendly snacks– both sweet and savory- to satisfy all cravings 😋 like:

@aggropops lentil puffs
@greenbitesgo protein desserts
@nugonutrition dark chocolate protein bars

Finding the right snacks doesn’t have to be a challenge!

Comment “SNACK” and I’ll send you the full list 🥰🌱
Easy High Protein Vegan Chorizo 🔥 Textured Pe Easy High Protein Vegan Chorizo 🔥 

Textured Pea Protein (TPP) is one of my favorite plant-based sources of protein. It has amazing macros, digests well for me, is super quick and easy to prepare, and versatile for your fav recipes 🙌🏼

For one serving of this chorizo, I use:

- 35g @purisfoods TPP
- 2 tsp taco seasoning (I use @mccormickspice, no added preservatives)
- 30g @mateos_salsa mild taco sauce
- Chipotle @tabasco for some added spice

Macros per serving (just the TPP chorizo):
28P/ 6C/ 2F

Easy, delicious, and healthy 😋

You can multiply this chorizo recipe for meal prep, so it’s ready to go for delicious tacos, burritos, bowls, or however else you’d like to enjoy it throughout the week 🌮🌯 

This is a staple in my weekly meek rotation, and I hope you love it too 🫶🏼

Follow me, @myplantbasedfriend for more easy, delicious, high protein vegan recipes and meal ideas 🌱 

Save this post for the next time you need some fresh, healthy meal prep inspo 🍽️

#veganbodybuilder #veganfoodies #highproteinvegan #healthyveganrecipe #veganmacros #veganchorizo #veganmealprep
Easy Vegan & Gluten-Free Funfetti Mug Cake with 34 Easy Vegan & Gluten-Free Funfetti Mug Cake with 34g Protein 🧁🌱😍

This recipe comes together in under 5 minutes- great for a post-workout meal, a late-night sweet treat, or a single-serving healthy dessert 😋 heck, I’ve been eating it for breakfast 👀 

It’s made with a few simple, wholesome ingredients, tastes amazing, and has the perfect consistency 🤤

Macros: 34P/ 56C/ 11F

Get my favorite Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream protein powder at the link in my bio ⬇️ 

🏷️ code MYPLANTBASEDFRIEND for 15% off your @VedgeNutrition orders ❤️

Save this post for the next time you need some quick & tasty meal inspo 🙌🏼

And make sure you’re following me, @myplantbasedfriend for more easy, delicious, high protein vegan recipes like this ✨ 

🎂 Comment CAKE for the full recipe 🎂

#veganbodybuilder #veganproteinpowder #highproteinvegan #veganproteins #plantbasedrecipe #healthyveganrecipe #veganfoodies #veganmacros #veganmugcake #healthydessertrecipes
Today marks 9 years vegan 🌱 …and my heart i Today marks 9 years vegan 🌱 

…and my heart is so full ❤️

I never could’ve imagined that this path would teach me so much about compassion, alignment, and trusting myself.

What started as a quiet curiosity turned into a life of deeper connection- to my values, my body, the Earth, and others.

I’m so grateful for every soul who’s been part of this journey: my vegan and vegetarian friends who inspire me, my non-veggie friends who’ve shown love and support, and everyone who chooses to lead with an open heart and mind. 🤍

After 9 years, I’m finally opening up to share more of my story. If it resonates with you, lifts you up, or helps you feel less alone, that means everything to me.

I’m opening a few spots for 1:1 coaching. I combine my training in subconscious and somatic healing with my knowledge as a longtime vegan to support you in feeling grounded in your body, aligned with your values, and at peace with your choices.

DM me to schedule a consult call. I’d love to walk this path with you. 🥰
Over 50 grams of protein for a bowl of cereal? 🥣 🤯 

This is one of the simplest ways to get a macro friendly meal in on those days when you just don’t feel like cooking.

53P/ 18C/ 10F 👏 

🍫 1oz @saygraceprotein Chocolate Pro Bites (code MYPLANTBASEDFRIEND for 10% off)
💛 25g @smartforlife edamame puffs
🥜1/2 scoop @vedgenutrition chocolate pb cup protein (code MYPLANTBASEDFRIEND for 15% off)
🥛1 cup soymilk

Can’t get much simpler than that! 🙌🏼

If you liked cocoa puffs or rice crispies, these macro friendly alternatives with better ingredients will blow your mind!

🏷️ @saygraceprotein & @vedgenutrition code: MYPLANTBASEDFRIEND

#veganproteinpowder #veganmacros #lazyvegan #vegancereal #highproteinvegan
The most DELICIOUS high protein desserts 😎💪🏼🌱 

I can’t get enough of the @greenbitesgo cookie bars, cinnamon rolls, brownies, and cookie sandwiches 🤤 

Everything is vegan, gluten free, made with wholesome ingredients AND has great macros.. what more could you ask for!?! 🍪🤩

They ship nationwide too! 📦 

Save 15% on all of your @greenbitesgo orders with code: #MYPLANTBASEDFRIEND 🫶🏼
High protein vegan buffalo chick’n mac and cheez High protein vegan buffalo chick’n mac and cheeze 😍🌱 

My favorite food growing up was mac and cheese. When I went vegan in 2016, that never changed 😁

With 41 grams of plant based protein per serving, you can nourish your nutrition goals AND your craving for a delicious comfort food 💪🏼🥘 

This meal is super quick to make, coming together in under 20 minutes, requires easy and wholesome ingredients (no store-bought vegan cheese shreds necessary), and is absolutely delicious! 🤤 

I use the @saygraceprotein tenders for the Buffalo chick’n because of the great macros and texture. 🏷️ Use code MYPLANTBASEDFRIEND to save 10% on your orders.

Comment “MAC” and I’ll send you the full recipe! 🫶🏼

#highproteinvegan #healthyveganmeals #healthyveganrecipe #plantbasedprotein #veganfoodies #veganmealideas
Date night idea + relationship reflections ❤️⬇️ 

@moonmanveganfitness and I had a blast with this 😂

Meal deets:

App (my pick): @eatluckyfoods Veggie Spring Rolls 🌯 

Entree (Justin’s pick): @momofukugoods tingly chili wavy noodles + @beyondmeat popcorn chick’n 🍜 

Dessert (my pick): @so_delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Sandwiches 🍓

Beverage (Justin’s pick): @santacruzorganic Mango Lemonade 🍋

If you don’t know our story, Justin and I met here on IG through the #veganbodybuilder hashtag 💪🏼🌱 

We’re in a long distance relationship ✈️ I live in Tampa, FL and Justin lives in Vancouver Island, Canada.

We starting dating 7 months ago today via FaceTime. 10 days later, Justin called me to tell me he was booking a flight that evening to come see me 🥹

We spent two weeks together, solidifying the incredible connection we were building 🥰 + I got to show Justin the Tampa vegan food scene 🍕🍩🍔🌮🍦

After a month apart, I got to spend 3 weeks in BC with Justin. He took me on many gorgeous hikes, and I had the best time meeting his amazing family + seeing the Island 🏔️

After another month apart, Justin spent 3 months in FL with me! We got to celebrate my birthday + our first Christmas together 🤍

We got lots of quality time with some of our best friends, the OG Vegan Squad @thebodybuildingvegan @consciouslivingwithali @yourveganmentor1 ❤️

Calling in not only this beautifully healing, conscious relationship, but also these incredibly aligned and uplifting friendships, didn’t happen by accident.

This has been a very clear intention of mine for a very long time. I feel so in awe to experience the unfolding of this manifestation 🥹

A LDR is by no means easy, especially living SO DANG FAR apart, in separate countries, at a time with a lot of uncertainty in the world, not always knowing when we’ll see each other next.

But this journey has been teaching me to stay present + trust that everything is happening for our highest good, regardless of the outcome.

Knowing Justin and I are together because we both choose every day to be is so meaningful to me. I’m forever grateful ❤️
Load More... Follow Me!

Copyright © 2025 My Plant-Based Friend on the Foodie Pro Theme

Disclosure Policy - Privacy Policy