If you are looking for a dessert that elegantly blends creamy decadence with nutty, caramelized crunch, then this Vegan Tahini Cheesecake with Sesame Brittle and Caramel Drizzle Recipe is an absolute must-try. From the rich, velvety filling bursting with tahini’s unique flavor to the crisp, sweet sesame brittle adorning the top, this cheesecake offers layers of texture and taste that will impress both plant-based eaters and dessert lovers alike. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe delivers an unforgettable vegan dessert experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Vegan Tahini Cheesecake with Sesame Brittle and Caramel Drizzle Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating textures and layers of flavor—from the nutty crust to the creamy filling and glossy caramel topping.
- Toasted coconut flakes: Adds a fragrant, slightly sweet crunch to the crust.
- Rolled oats: Helps bind the crust while keeping it light and wholesome.
- Sea salt: Balances sweetness throughout the dish.
- Medjool dates (pitted): Natural sweeteners that also help form the crust dough.
- Tahini (separate amounts): Provides the rich, nutty flavor signature to this cheesecake and the caramel drizzle.
- Cashews (soaked): The base for the ultra smooth, creamy filling that mimics traditional cheesecake texture.
- Canned coconut milk: Adds depth and creaminess without overpowering other flavors.
- Pure maple syrup: A natural, vegan-friendly sweetener for filling, brittle, and caramel sauce.
- Soya or coconut yoghurt: Adds tang and tenderness to the filling.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and balances the tahini’s richness.
- Vanilla bean paste: Infuses a warm vanilla aroma for complexity.
- Coconut oil (solid): Helps set the filling for that perfect cheesecake bite.
- Granulated sugar: Essential for making the crunchy sesame brittle.
- Sesame seeds: Star ingredient of the brittle, providing that unforgettable nutty crunch.
- Vegan whipped cream: A luxuriously light topping to make the presentation extra special.
How to Make Vegan Tahini Cheesecake with Sesame Brittle and Caramel Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by combining toasted coconut flakes, rolled oats, and sea salt in a food processor and blitzing them until you get a fine crumb. This base sets up a textured yet tender crust that will hold all that luscious filling.
Step 2: Form the Crust Dough
Add the pitted Medjool dates and a few tablespoons of tahini to your food processor, then blend until the mixture comes together into a sticky dough. The dates act as a natural binder, while the tahini adds depth to the crust’s flavor.
Step 3: Line the Cake Tin
Prepare your cake tin by lining the base with parchment paper. This simple step ensures you’ll be able to release the cheesecake flawlessly once it’s set.
Step 4: Press the Crust
Transfer the crust mixture into the tin and press it firmly using a spatula evenly across the base. A compact crust is vital for that perfect initial texture when you bite in.
Step 5: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a high-speed blender, combine soaked cashews, canned coconut milk, tahini, maple syrup, vegan yoghurt, lemon juice, vanilla bean paste, coconut oil, and a pinch of sea salt. Blitz until the mixture is ultra smooth and creamy, without any lumps. This luscious filling is what sets this Vegan Tahini Cheesecake with Sesame Brittle and Caramel Drizzle Recipe apart.
Step 6: Assemble and Freeze
Pour the filling evenly over the crust in your cake tin. Gently tap the tin on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles trapped inside. Then, pop the whole thing into the freezer and let it set for at least 6 hours or overnight. This ensures a firm yet creamy texture that slices beautifully.
Step 7: Prepare Sesame Brittle
While the cheesecake sets, line a baking sheet with a silicone mat. In a saucepan, combine water, maple syrup, and granulated sugar over low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar melts. Add sesame seeds and increase heat to medium, stirring evenly until a candy thermometer reads 150°C (300°F). Immediately pour the caramel onto the lined sheet and spread thinly with a spatula. Cool completely for at least 30 minutes, then break into shards. This crunchy brittle adds irresistible texture and nutty sweetness.
Step 8: Make the Tahini Caramel Drizzle
Whisk together tahini, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth and creamy. This luscious sauce will bring harmony in flavor between the crunchy brittle and creamy cheesecake.
Step 9: Assemble the Final Touches
When your cheesecake is fully set, remove it from the tin while still frozen and let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour. Before serving, lavish the top with fluffy vegan whipped cream, drizzle the tahini caramel generously over, and crown it with shards of that beautiful sesame brittle. The combination is poetry on a plate!
How to Serve Vegan Tahini Cheesecake with Sesame Brittle and Caramel Drizzle Recipe

Garnishes
Beyond the signature sesame brittle and caramel drizzle, feel free to add toasted sesame seeds or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios for an extra pop of color and crunch. A few edible flowers can also elevate the cake’s presentation for festive occasions.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a light citrus salad to cut through its richness. A cup of strong, aromatic coffee or herbal tea will balance each bite perfectly and round out your dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by serving individual parfait glasses layered with crushed crust, filling, and brittle shards for a beautiful deconstructed approach. Alternatively, gift a slice wrapped in parchment paper tied with twine for an elegant homemade treat your friends will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers tightly wrapped in the freezer to maintain freshness. The cheesecake keeps beautifully for up to a week, and the brittle maintains its crunch if stored separately in an airtight container.
Freezing
This Vegan Tahini Cheesecake with Sesame Brittle and Caramel Drizzle Recipe freezes wonderfully. Just cover the whole cake or individual slices tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
No reheating needed; simply let the cheesecake thaw at room temperature for an hour or so. The brittle remains crunchy, and the caramel drizzle stays smooth, preserving the original delightful textures.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut instead of cashews for the filling?
Cashews provide a creamy texture critical for this recipe, but if you have allergies or preferences, soaked macadamia nuts or blanched almonds can work in a pinch. Be aware the flavor and creaminess will vary slightly.
Is tahini essential or can I substitute it?
Tahini is a star component here—its nutty, slightly bitter richness balances sweetness superbly. You can substitute with almond butter or sunflower seed butter, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Why do I need to soak the cashews?
Soaking softens the cashews, allowing them to blend into a smooth, luscious filling without gritty bits. If you’re short on time, soak them in hot water for an hour as a faster alternative to overnight soaking.
How long does the cheesecake need to freeze?
For best results, at least 6 hours or overnight is ideal to achieve the firm, sliceable texture this recipe promises. Rushing the freeze step may result in a softer, less stable cheesecake.
Can I make the sesame brittle ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the brittle a few days in advance and keep it stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding brittle shards fresh from storage keeps them crunchy when you serve the cheesecake.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Tahini Cheesecake with Sesame Brittle and Caramel Drizzle Recipe is a truly special treat that proves plant-based desserts can be every bit as indulgent and exciting as traditional ones. With its perfect balance of creamy, nutty, sweet, and crunchy elements, it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes for sharing joy with family and friends. Dive in and enjoy creating a stunning dessert that tastes as good as it looks!
Print
Vegan Tahini Cheesecake with Sesame Brittle and Caramel Drizzle Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes (including freezing time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Tahini Cheesecake is a luscious, creamy dessert crafted from wholesome, plant-based ingredients. Featuring a crunchy toasted coconut and oat crust, a smooth cashew and tahini filling, and topped with homemade sesame brittle and a tahini caramel drizzle, this no-bake cheesecake is perfect for vegans or anyone seeking a dairy-free, indulgent treat. It’s freezer set, making it refreshingly cool and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup toasted coconut flakes
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 6 medjool dates (pitted)
- 2–3 tablespoons tahini
Filling
- 1 ½ cups cashews (soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight)
- 1 cup canned coconut milk (full fat for creaminess)
- ½ cup tahini
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup soya or coconut yoghurt (plain or vanilla flavour)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 4 tablespoons coconut oil (solid)
- Pinch sea salt
Sesame Brittle
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- â…“ cup sesame seeds
Tahini Caramel
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Garnish
- 14 oz vegan whipped cream (such as whipped coconut cream)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a food processor, combine the toasted coconut flakes, rolled oats, and sea salt. Pulse until you achieve a fine crumb texture. Then add the pitted medjool dates and 2-3 tablespoons of tahini. Blend again until the mixture comes together into a sticky dough.
- Press crust into pan: Line the base of a 7.5- or 8-inch cake tin with parchment paper. Transfer the crust mixture to the tin and press firmly and evenly into the base using a spatula. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
- Make the filling: Add soaked cashews, coconut milk, tahini, pure maple syrup, soya or coconut yoghurt, lemon juice, vanilla bean paste, solid coconut oil, and a pinch of sea salt into a high-speed blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.
- Pour filling and freeze: Pour the smooth filling over the crust in the cake tin. Gently tap the tin on the countertop to release any air bubbles. Place the cake in the freezer to set for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight.
- Prepare sesame brittle: Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine maple syrup, water, and granulated sugar. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Add sesame seeds, increase heat to medium, stirring to coat seeds evenly. Using a candy thermometer, cook caramel mixture until it reaches 150°C (300°F). Quickly pour onto the lined baking sheet, spreading thinly with a spatula. Allow to cool and harden for at least 30 minutes, then break into shards.
- Make tahini caramel: In a bowl, whisk together tahini, maple syrup, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Serve the cheesecake: Once set, remove the cheesecake from the tin while frozen. Allow it to thaw at room temperature for about one hour before serving. Top the cheesecake with whipped vegan cream, drizzle tahini caramel over, and finish by garnishing with sesame brittle shards.
Notes
- For best results, soak cashews for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure a creamy, smooth filling.
- Use full-fat canned coconut milk to maximize creaminess in the filling.
- You can substitute dates with another natural sweetener if necessary, but dates help bind the crust.
- Prepare the cheesecake at least 6 hours ahead as it requires freezing to set properly.
- Handle the hot caramel carefully when making the sesame brittle; it can cause severe burns.
- The sesame brittle can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.

