Purple Sweet Potato Cheesecake is a naturally vibrant, creamy dessert that combines rich flavor with stunning color. Made from real purple sweet potatoes, this cheesecake gets its beautiful purple hue without artificial coloring. The result is a smooth, slightly earthy, and delicately sweet dessert that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
This recipe is perfect for special occasions, holidays, or whenever you want a show-stopping dessert that also offers nutritional benefits. It can be made vegan and gluten-free while still delivering a classic cheesecake texture.
Why You’ll Love This Purple Sweet Potato Cheesecake
- Naturally colored with real purple sweet potatoes
- Creamy, rich texture without being overly sweet
- Can be made vegan and gluten-free
- Perfect balance of indulgence and nourishment
- Visually stunning for entertaining or content creation
What Are Purple Sweet Potatoes?
Purple sweet potatoes are a variety of sweet potato known for their deep purple flesh and mild sweetness. Their color comes from anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants also found in berries. When used in desserts, they provide a subtle sweetness and creamy texture that blends beautifully with cheesecake fillings.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups crushed gluten-free cookies or digestive biscuits
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 1 ½ cups cooked and mashed purple sweet potatoes
- 1 ½ cups soaked raw cashews (soaked at least 4 hours, then drained)
- ¾ cup full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream
- ½ cup maple syrup or agave syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings
- Coconut whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- Edible flowers
- Dark chocolate drizzle
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Purple Sweet Potatoes
Peel and chop the purple sweet potatoes into chunks. Steam or boil them until completely tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain well and mash until smooth. Let cool before using.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a bowl, combine the crushed cookies, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 8-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon to compact it evenly. Place in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
Step 3: Blend the Cheesecake Filling
In a high-speed blender or food processor, add the mashed purple sweet potatoes, soaked cashews, coconut milk, maple syrup, coconut oil, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt.
Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed. The filling should be thick, silky, and vibrant purple.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake
Remove the crust from the refrigerator and pour the filling on top. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
Step 5: Chill or Bake (Choose One Method)
No-Bake Method
Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or in the freezer for 3–4 hours until fully set. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing.
Baked Method
Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F). Bake the cheesecake for 45–50 minutes until the edges are set but the center is slightly soft. Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool inside with the door slightly open. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with coconut whipped cream for extra creaminess
- Add fresh berries for contrast in color and flavor
- Garnish with edible flowers for an elegant finish
- Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for richness
Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Storage Tips
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container
- For longer storage, freeze individual slices for up to 1 month
- Thaw in the refrigerator before serving
Final Thoughts
Purple Sweet Potato Cheesecake is a beautiful fusion of natural ingredients, creamy texture, and eye-catching color. Whether you choose the baked or no-bake version, this dessert delivers a satisfying cheesecake experience with a wholesome twist.
Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or everyday indulgence, this purple sweet potato cheesecake is guaranteed to impress both visually and flavor-wise.