I think my love for all things chocolate might have
something to do with not being allowed to eat it for so long. At about 4 years
of age I was diagnosed (are you diagnosed
with these things?) with allergies to both milk and soy. Back then I thought it
was the end of the world, and whilst my sisters ate chocolate I munched my way
through packets of extra strong mints.
That is probably why this triple chocolate cheesecake is arguably
my favourite creation ever: it feels SO decadent. And yet despite this, it’s so
full of goodness. The base contains buckwheat groats (actually a seed despite
what its name suggests), which is a complete protein and a good source of fibre
and b vitamins. The gooey centre uses dates, which are full of iron and
essential minerals, and also cashews, a good source of protein, copper and
zinc. And then there’s the topping and the main ingredient: chocolate. Chocolate
is high in antioxidants, iron, magnesium, vitamin c, zinc… and a great natural
mood enhancer – all the more reason to keep on eating it!
Ingredients:
Base:
½ cup raw buckwheat groats
¾ cup oats
1 heaped tbsp cacao
¼ cup maple syrup
¼ cup cashew butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
Centre:
1 cup dates
¼ cup cashews
1 tbsp cacao
1 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
¼ cup water
1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping:
½ cup dark chocolate chunks
½ cup coconut milk
Method:
Begin by lining a small cake tin with either cling film or
grease-proof paper.
To create the base, combine the buckwheat, oats and cacao in
a large bowl.
In a smaller bowl
whisk the syrup, cashew butter and vanilla until smooth.
Pour into the dry ingredients and mix with a fork until everything
is coated.
Press into the bottom of the tin. (A great way to do this is
either with a slightly wet spoon or hands).
Put to one side.
To create the centre, simply place all the ingredients into
a blender and blitz. This will take some time but eventually it will become a
smooth paste. You may need to stop the blender occasionally to scrap down the
sides or to add a splash more water. The mix should be thick and creamy.
Once smooth pour on top of the base. Even out and then pop
into the freezer to set.
Finally create the top layer. Place the chocolate in a glass
or stainless steel bowl over a small saucepan over boiling water. Once the
chocolate has melted add in the coconut milk and stir well until smooth.
Take the cheesecake out of the freezer and pour the
chocolate on top. Spreading out evenly to create the final layer.
Pop back in the freezer for at least 4 hours to set.
I like to store the cheesecake in slices in a Tupperware in
the freezer, as it will keep for a couple of weeks (not that you will be able
to resist eating the whole thing that long). Just move the cheesecake into the
fridge for about an hour before serving so it can defrost slightly.