Vegan Matcha Cheesecake

Blog written and recipe by Laura Hearn, Certified Nutritional Practitioner and Acne Coach in The Clear Skin Solution

Looking for a way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without the skin hangover that comes from traditional treats? You’re in luck! Our Vegan Matcha Cheesecake brings all the festive green vibes without compromising your skin goals. No need to chase rainbows – this pot of gold can be made right in your kitchen!

Why This Cheesecake Is Your Skin’s Lucky Charm

Traditional cheesecake might be delicious, but it’s often loaded with ingredients that can trigger inflammation and breakouts. Here’s what makes our version a game-changer for your skin:

Dairy-Free Deliciousness

Traditional cheesecake relies on cream cheese and sour cream to achieve that rich, creamy texture, but for many people, dairy can be a sneaky skin disruptor. Dairy contains casein and whey proteins, which have been linked to increased inflammation and acne flare-ups, especially in those who are sensitive to it. Research suggests that dairy may stimulate insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a hormone that can contribute to excess oil production and clogged pores. If dairy affects your digestion, it could also be impacting your gut microbiome – another key player in skin health. For this cheesecake, we’re skipping the dairy altogether and using cashews to create that signature creamy texture – without the potential breakouts. Cashews are naturally rich in zinc, a mineral that supports skin healing and helps keep inflammation in check. Plus, when blended, they create a silky-smooth consistency that rivals any classic cheesecake!

Indulge Without the Sugar Spike

Instead of the blood sugar roller coaster that comes with refined sugar (hello, breakouts!), we’re using natural sweeteners that have a gentler effect on glucose levels. Refined sugar causes rapid spikes in blood sugar, triggering inflammation throughout the body that can show up on your skin as acne. These sugar spikes also feed problematic bacteria in the gut and can disrupt your hormonal balance – both major factors in recurring breakouts. Natural sweeteners, particularly when paired with fibre, protein, and healthy fats, have a milder impact on blood sugar levels while still satisfying your sweet tooth. By choosing whole-food sweeteners, you’re supporting more balanced blood sugar, reduced inflammation, and a healthier gut environment – all crucial elements for clear, glowing skin.

Gluten-Free Goodness

Our simple date and almond crust skips the graham crackers (and their gluten), offering fibre-rich ingredients that support digestion rather than potentially disrupting it. Traditional graham cracker crusts contain wheat, which can be inflammatory for many people. We recommend gluten-free options whenever possible for supporting skin health, as gluten can impact gut function for many individuals, even those without celiac disease. The dates and almonds in our crust not only create a delicious base for this cheesecake, but they also provide prebiotic fibre that nourishes your gut microbiome – an important factor in your overall skin health picture.

Matcha Magic

The star of this St. Patrick’s Day show isn’t just here for its vibrant green colour! This finely ground green tea powder brings some serious skin benefits to the party. Matcha is packed with polyphenols, particularly catechins, which are potent antioxidants that help fight inflammation and protect against environmental damage. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm alertness and supports your stress response – important since stress is often a hidden trigger for breakouts. When selecting matcha for this recipe, quality matters. We love DoMatcha (can be found on Amazon) and Emeri (use code KATIE for 15% off) for their vibrant colour and smooth, non-bitter taste. High-quality matcha isn’t just more flavourful – it ensures you’re getting maximum skin-supporting benefits without any unwanted additives. Unlike coffee, which can trigger cortisol spikes and disrupt hormones, matcha provides gentle, sustained energy that won’t send your skin into panic mode. It’s a win-win for both your taste buds and your complexion on St. Patrick’s Day!

Healthy Fat Harmony

From the cashews to the coconut oil, this dessert is rich in skin-supporting fats that do more than create a creamy texture. Healthy fats help maintain your skin’s moisture barrier, preventing dryness, irritation, and premature aging. Cashews provide monounsaturated fats for skin elasticity, while coconut oil contains MCTs with antimicrobial benefits—potentially helping with breakouts. These fats also enhance the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K, essential for skin repair, hydration, and glow. Including healthy fats in meals supports balanced blood sugar, hormone health, and reduced inflammation—three key factors for clear skin. That’s why we emphasize PFF (Protein, Fat, Fibre) in meals. This combination keeps energy steady, cravings in check, and skin-nourishing nutrients properly absorbed. So while this cheesecake may taste indulgent, every bite works in your favour!

No Leprechaun Tricks Here – Just Real Ingredients

What we love most about this recipe is its simplicity. Every ingredient serves a purpose, both for flavour and for your skin health. This is exactly what we teach inside The Clear Skin Solution – with a few smart swaps, you can still enjoy delicious foods like cheesecake while actually supporting your clear skin and overall health goals.

More St. Patrick’s Day Recipes

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with more festive recipes that are both fun and skin-friendly. These recipes will keep you feeling lucky and glowing!

• Matcha Mint Cookies
• Pot of Gold Lemon Turmeric Bliss Balls
• Roasted Garlic Potato Leek Soup
• Shamrock Shake

More Matcha Magic

Love the skin-loving benefits of matcha? Keep the glow going with these delicious matcha recipes that are just as vibrant and nourishing!

• How to Make a Matcha Latte
• Iced Matcha Latte
• Iced Lavender Matcha Latte
• Matcha Marshmallows
• Matcha Mint Cookies
• Matcha Covered Strawberries
• Strawberry Matcha Smoothie

Vegan Matcha Cheesecake

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup Medjool dates pitted
• ½ cup raw almonds
• Pinch of unrefined sea salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 cups raw cashews soaked 4-12 hours, drained, and rinsed
• ¾ cup raw honey or maple syrup
• ¼ cup coconut oil melted
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp unrefined sea salt
• ¼ cup coconut milk
• 1 Tbsp matcha powder

Instructions

• Prepare the Pan – Line a 6” round pan with parchment paper.

Make the Crust:

• Add dates, almonds, and salt to a food processor.
• Pulse until the mixture is sticky and crumbly.
• Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside.

Make the Filling:

• Add all the cheesecake ingredients to a food processor or blender.
• Blend until completely smooth.
• Pour over the crust, spreading evenly.

Freeze & Serve

• Freeze for at least 6 hours to set.
• Let sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.
• Top with fresh berries if desired.