Mini Raw Lemon Pine Nut Cheesecakes
Pine nuts and lemons are a match made in heaven. Which is why I thought that they needed to be made into a luscious raw cheesecake. I don't usually have access to pine nuts, but recently I got a large bag fairly cheap, so I am using them to their full potential.
Trust me, these cheesecakes were the perfect way to use them. Why mini cheesecakes? Well, I wanted to have one for myself, but I had a few friends I wanted to share some with as well, and what is better than receiving your own little cheesecake? I have long been a fan of tart lemon, so I added plenty of zest and juice to the filling. The pine nuts made it rich and silky.
These were simply heavenly! My taste testers approved, as did I. Lemon, cheesecake and pine nuts were meant to be together. It is that simple.
Mini Raw Lemon Pine Nut Cheesecakes
Makes four 4 inch cakes
3/4 cup dried finely shredded coconut
1/4 cup raw pine nuts
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2/3 cup soft medjool dates, pitted and chopped
2 cups raw pine nuts, soaked for 4 hours and drained
2 Tbsp organic lemon zest
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp raw coconut butter (warmed to liquid)
pine nuts for garnish
Pour the filling over the crusts, and smooth the tops. Place in the freezer for about 4 hours or until set. Top with pine nuts and sliced lemons. Store in the fridge.
*Maple syrup is not raw, but if you wish you can use a sweetener that is like raw coconut nectar instead.
**If you do not have access to young coconut meat, you can substitute 3 cups raw cashews soaked for 4 hours and drained for the coconut and filtered water for the coconut water.