Go Back

Date Caramel Cheesecake Cups (No Refined Sugar) - Creamy, Sweet, and Simple

Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Crust: Almonds or walnuts, rolled oats, pitted Medjool dates, coconut oil, pinch of salt
  • Cheesecake Layer: Cream cheese (regular or dairy-free), Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt, pure maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla extract, pinch of salt
  • Date Caramel: Pitted Medjool dates, hot water or unsweetened almond milk, vanilla extract, pinch of salt
  • Optional Toppings: Flaky sea salt, chopped nuts, dark chocolate shavings (naturally sweetened), toasted coconut
  • Tools: Food processor, hand mixer or stand mixer, muffin tin, paper or silicone liners, spatula

Instructions
 

  • Prep the pan: Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper or silicone liners. This makes removal easy and keeps edges clean.
  • Make the crust: In a food processor, pulse 1 cup nuts, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 6 pitted dates, 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil, and a pinch of salt until it holds when pressed. It should be slightly sticky, not crumbly.
  • Press the base: Divide the mixture among the liners (about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons each). Press firmly with the back of a spoon to create an even base. Freeze for 10 minutes.
  • Blend the cheesecake: Beat 12 ounces cream cheese, 1/2 cup yogurt, 3–4 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy. Taste and adjust sweetness.
  • Make date caramel: Soak 8–10 pitted dates in hot water for 5–10 minutes if they’re dry. Drain (save a little water). Blend with 2–4 tablespoons soak water (or almond milk), 1 teaspoon vanilla, and a pinch of salt until silky and spreadable.
  • Assemble: Spoon cheesecake mixture over each crust, filling almost to the top. Add 1–2 teaspoons date caramel on each and swirl with a toothpick for a marbled look.
  • Set: Freeze for 1–2 hours until firm enough to unmold cleanly. For a softer, mousse-like texture, refrigerate for 4–6 hours instead.
  • Finish: Top with flaky sea salt or chopped nuts if you like. Serve slightly chilled for the best texture.