As we become more aware of the importance of gut health for overall wellness, it's essential to incorporate nourishing foods into our diets that not only taste good, but also promote a healthy, digestive balance. Many might not know this, but the foods we eat can have a profound impact on our gut microbiome, influencing everything from digestion to mood and immunity.
One of the best ways to support gut health is by incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet. Enter the Vegan Banana Cheesecake – a decadent, creamy, and surprisingly healthy dessert that ticks all the boxes for taste, nutrition, and gut health benefits. And the cherry on top? This recipe has a gluten-free option, perfect for those managing gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
Here at JUVIA, we are all about indulgence, enjoyment and keeping you healthy, so there is no holding back on what you can eat.
Vegan Banana Cheesecake: A Gut-Healthy Powerhouse
Bananas are not only delicious, but they're also great for gut health. They're a rich source of dietary fibre, particularly pectin and resistant starch, which act as a natural prebiotic, nourishing the beneficial bacteria in our guts.
This Vegan Banana Cheesecake is a celebration of this humble fruit, paired with other gut-friendly ingredients. It's vegan, optionally gluten-free, and entirely delicious, and remember you can always add JUVIA for extra sweetness, or simply have it before or after.
Let's dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup of pitted dates
- 1 cup of raw walnuts (or almonds)
- 1 cup gluten-free oats (use regular oats if you don't need this to be gluten-free)
For the filling:
1 1/2 cups of raw cashew nuts, soaked overnight and drained
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup or try it with JUVIA instead
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Start by making the crust. Add the dates, walnuts, and oats to a food processor and pulse until it forms a dough-like consistency. If you're going for the gluten-free version, ensure you're using gluten-free oats. The dates provide a natural sweetness while the walnuts offer a nice crunch, not to mention a good dose of omega-3 fatty acids for added health benefits.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan and set it in the freezer to harden while you prepare the filling.
For the filling, add the soaked and drained cashews, bananas, coconut oil, coconut milk, maple syrup or JUVIA, and vanilla extract to a high-speed blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This might take a few minutes, but it's worth the patience.
Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Put the cheesecake back into the freezer to set for at least 6 hours, or until it's firm to the touch.
When you're ready to serve the cheesecake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw for about 10-15 minutes. Finally, top it off with some fresh fruit such as bananas or strawberries.
If you haven’t included your JUVIA into the cheesecake, now is the time to pour some on top!
Dietary benefits
This Vegan Banana Cheesecake is a treat that truly nourishes your body from the inside out. The cashews provide a dose of healthy fats and plant-based protein, while the coconut oil and coconut milk offer medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) known for their gut health benefits.
While this recipe might not be what you traditionally envision when you think of cheesecake, it brings a whole new meaning to the term 'guilt-free dessert.' It's naturally sweetened, packed with wholesome ingredients, and is a fun and delicious way to support your gut health.
And remember, taking care of your gut health isn't just about adding the right foods to your diet. It's also about creating a balanced lifestyle that includes managing stress, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a regular exercise routine. Check out some of our other blogs on these topics.
Baking can be a therapeutic activity, a way to unwind and express your creativity. So, while you're blending cashews and pressing the crust into your springform pan, know that you're not just making a dessert, you're also taking part in a mindful practice that can contribute to better mental and physical health.
We hope you enjoy making (and indeed eating!) this Vegan Banana Cheesecake. It's a delicious testament to the fact that healthy food can, and should, be enjoyable. It's all about finding the right recipes and ingredients that serve your body and your taste buds equally.
This cheesecake is perfect for sharing with family and friends, and it's also a great way to introduce others to the world of plant-based desserts. Who knows, you might just inspire someone else to embark on their own journey toward better gut health.
Don’t forget to share your secret ingredient: JUVIA, which not only adds sweetness but also breaks down carbohydrates before they reach your gut, depriving the unfriendly microbes in your gut flora of the food they need to survive. It’s truly a win-win for your taste buds and gut health.
And the great part about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to get creative with toppings. Some fresh berries, a drizzle of dark chocolate, or a sprinkle of your favourite nuts could add an extra touch of indulgence. After all, the kitchen is your canvas, and you're the artist.
To conclude, this Vegan Banana Cheesecake is not just a treat for your palate; it's a celebration of gut health, veganism, and culinary creativity. It shows that a wholesome diet doesn't have to be restrictive or boring. Instead, it can be an exciting adventure that leads us to discover new flavours and dishes that you might not have tried before. So go ahead, give this recipe a shot, and let your gut thank you later!
Until next time, happy eating, and remember: when it comes to your health, trust your gut and try JUVIA so you can feel free in 2023.