Paleo Lemon and Vanilla Cheesecake. That’s what we’re eating this week. Why? Because it was my birthday last week. And what’s a birthday without cake? Miserable that’s what. And yes, you can still eat a paleo diet and have cake. Because life without cake would just be miserable. Totally miserable.
Those of you on your January Whole 30 are probably cursing me right now. Desserts two weeks in a row? I know, I know, it’s not fair. But you’ll just have to save this one for when you finish in a couple weeks. You’re so close!
So what did I do for my birthday? Not a lot to be honest. After all the work recently of moving, starting my rheumatology practice, running this blog and trying to grow my Beautycounter business, I just didn’t have the energy to plan something. I know, totally lame. But I did have a couple amazing dinners, one with my family at Open Range, and one with Erik at Notable. Erik and I also went floating for the first time. Yes you read that right, floating. Have you tried floating before? It was a very interesting experience. For those of you who don’t know about floating, what happens is you go into a pod filled with water and 1200lbs of Epson salts, turn out the lights and float in dark, silence, for 90 minutes. In other words it’s 90 minutes of total sensory deprivation. Floating is said to help with so many health issues including chronic pain, enhancing creativity and focus, relieving stress and promoting deep relaxation. Now, since it was my first time I can’t comment on most of those claims, but it was definitely extremely relaxing. And you might think that doing nothing for 90 minutes in the dark would be extremely boring, but it was amazing just how fast the time went by. I don’t think I actually fell asleep, but I might have. It was an interesting experience for sure.
But let’s talk a little more about this Paleo Lemon and Vanilla Cheesecake because I know that’s why you are really here. Now, you might be thinking, “dairy isn’t paleo.” And you are right. So don’t worry, there is no actual dairy in this recipe. But the texture is very similar to that of traditional cheesecake, hence the name.
I used to love cheesecake before I turned paleo. It was one of my favourite desserts, and one of the treats I have missed the most since changing my diet. So I decided it was time to make something similar. And this one turned out pretty darn good if I do say so myself. The combination of lemon and vanilla just compliment each other so well. Plus this recipe is not only paleo, but it is also safe for those on the SCD diet, GAPS diet and those on a vegan diet. And beyond being dairy free this Paleo Lemon and Vanilla Cheesecake is also gluten and grain free and refined sugar free.
And as always I would be thrilled if you followed my on my social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter!
Until next time, happy eating everyone!

Paleo Lemon and Vanilla Cheesecake
The combination of lemon and vanilla just compliment each other so well. Plus this recipe is not only paleo, but it is also safe for those on the SCD diet, GAPS diet and those on a vegan diet. And beyond being dairy free this Paleo Lemon and Vanilla Cheesecake is also gluten and grain free and refined sugar free.
Ingredients
Lemon Layer
- 2 cup cashews
- 1/4 cup coconut manna You can also use coconut butter or coconut cream concentrate
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 package shredded coconut
Vanilla Layer
- 1 1/2 cups cashews
- 1/3 cup coconut manna
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp organic vanilla extract
- Optional: shredded coconut for garnish
Instructions
Lemon Layer
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In your food processor (I use this one) combine all the ingredients (except for the shredded coconut) and blend until smooth
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Transfer the processed ingredients to a large bowl and stir in the shredded coconut
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Transfer the mix to a round cake pan and spread evenly, pressing down so that it's all even
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Place the cake pan in the freezer while you move on to the vanilla layer
Vanilla Layer
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Place all the ingredients in your food processor (clean it between the two layers)
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Blend until smooth
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Transfer the ingredients to the cake pan and spread evenly over the lemon layer
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If you are adding the shredded coconut for garnish, add that now
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Place the cake pan back in the freezer for ~2 hours
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Remove from the freezer and cut into desired sized pieces
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Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
NOTE: Instead of making a cake, this dessert can also be made into squares. Simply use a 9"x9" square pan instead of the round cake pan.
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Happy birthday to you! This is the perfect birthday cheesecake! I’m drooling!
Thanks so much Renee!
Happy Birthday my friend! Cake looks amazing and I was just thinking of this flavor combination yesterday!
Thanks so much Donna! Hopefully you can start tolerating coconut soon so you can try it (oh and cashews too probably??).
How funny that you talk about floating since my husband had just been asking me if I’ve ever heard of anyone talking about it. Guess I can say yes now! And this cheesecake… so pretty and I will need to make this the next time I need a dessert!
Yes floating is so interesting to me. I think I need to go a few more times to really give it a proper evaluation.
Happy Belated Bday!
Thank you Alyssa!!!
You had me at vanilla and lemon – such a great combo! This looks gorgeous and I hope you enjoyed it. Happy belated birthday too xo
Thanks so much Irena!
Anything cashew based and I’m all over it! This looks divine!
Me too!
Oh my goodness ! This cheesecake looks simply AMAZING !! I need to make it !!
Please let me know if you try it!
Happy Belated Birthday, Erin! This cheesecake looks so so good and like the perfect birthday treat!
Thanks so much Jessica 🙂
This is so beautiful! I love a good lemon cheesecake … love the ingredients too! Happy Belated Birthday to you!
Thank you Emily!!
Happy Belated Birthday, and floating sounds like a perfect b-day activity along with this decadent cheesecake!
It really was perfect 🙂
This is so pretty, especially with that berry garnish on top. Love it! Happy belated birthday!
Thanks Becky!!!
I enjoy float tanks. When the world gets to be too much, we all need a little sensory deprivation! Happy belated birthday!
Such an interesting thing that floating hey? I definitely need to go back!
Omgoodness…this looks like a piece of delicious piece of Heaven…
Thanks so much Hannah!
I never thought a dessert could look as delicious as it must taste…
Thank you Carrie!
Lemon cheesecake sounds divine. Like a little ray of sunshine in the deep of winter. Must make this!
Thanks Katja!!! I hope you love it
Wow this is definitely getting made this week, looks amazing! And your photos are absolutely beautiful. Great recipe!
Yummy! I was at the self love event and I found your lovely blog. I think I might just make this for my birthday too 🙂 xo Jocelyn
Oh Jocelyn! So glad you found my blog. I had such a good time at the event. I hope you did too! If you make the cake let me know 🙂 I hope you like it as much as I do!
Yay! I am so glad you liked it! that topping sounds amazing! I think I need to make another recipe with that idea… hmm…