This Purple Sweet Potato Cheesecake is a wholesome, vibrant twist on the classic cheesecake — completely vegan and gluten-free. Made with creamy plant-based ingredients and infused with functional herbs like mucuna and butterfly pea powder, this beautiful purple-hued dessert is as nourishing as it is indulgent. Ideal for special occasions or wellness-focused celebrations, it’s a treat that blends beauty, health, and taste.



Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 3 cups (250g) vegan gluten-free graham cracker crumbs

  • ⅓ cup (85g) melted vegan butter or coconut oil

For the Filling:

  • 2 medium purple sweet potatoes (baked, skins removed)

  • 4 (8-oz) containers (904g) vegan cream cheese

  • 1 cup (200g) coconut sugar

  • ½ cup (120g) dairy-free yogurt

  • 1 cup (240ml) coconut cream or cashew cream

  • ½ cup (80g) arrowroot starch

  • ½ tbsp butterfly pea powder (optional for color)

  • 1 tsp mucuna powder (optional for adaptogenic benefit)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Whipped Topping:

  • 1½ cups (360ml) vegan heavy cream or coconut cream, chilled

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 tsp butterfly pea powder

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions

  1. Prep the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.

  2. Make the Crust: Combine graham crumbs and melted butter in a food processor until moistened. Press into bottom and sides of the pan.

  3. Prebake the Crust: Bake crust for 12 minutes. Remove and reduce oven to 350°F (175°C).

  4. Make the Filling: Blend all filling ingredients in a food processor until completely smooth. Pour into pre-baked crust and level the top.

  5. Bake the Cheesecake: Bake for 65 minutes at 350°F. Let cool for 30 minutes at room temperature.

  6. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture.

  7. Make the Whipped Cream: Chill a bowl in the freezer for 30 minutes. Whip the cream until stiff peaks form, then add maple syrup, butterfly pea powder, and cinnamon. Mix until color is even.

  8. Decorate & Serve: Remove cheesecake from pan. Pipe or spread whipped cream on top. Slice and serve chilled. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Nutrients (approx. per slice, serves 12)

  • Calories: ~310

  • Fat: ~18g

  • Carbohydrates: ~32g

  • Sugar: ~18g

  • Fiber: ~2g

  • Protein: ~4g

  • Sodium: ~140mg

The Beauty and Benefits of Purple Sweet Potatoes

At the heart of this cheesecake is the purple sweet potato—an ingredient celebrated for its natural sweetness, creamy texture, and stunning violet color. Unlike orange sweet potatoes, the purple variety is rich in anthocyanins, the same antioxidant compounds found in blueberries and red cabbage, known for supporting brain health and reducing inflammation.

These sweet potatoes not only lend a beautiful lavender hue to the cheesecake but also contribute a subtle earthy sweetness and naturally creamy consistency. Their flavor pairs beautifully with the tang of vegan cream cheese and the richness of coconut cream, resulting in a filling that is both luxurious and nutrient-dense.

Baking the sweet potatoes before blending ensures a soft, mashable texture and deepens their natural sweetness, creating a luscious base that holds the cheesecake together without overpowering the other ingredients.

A Creamy Vegan Filling That Rivals the Real Thing

Achieving a silky-smooth cheesecake filling without dairy may seem like a tall order, but with the right combination of vegan cream cheese, coconut cream, and plant-based yogurt, the results are incredibly close to traditional cheesecake. These ingredients mimic the richness of cream and eggs while keeping the dessert light, digestible, and allergy-friendly.

Coconut sugar replaces refined white sugar, offering a lower-glycemic alternative with a warm, caramel-like flavor that complements the sweetness of the potatoes. Arrowroot starch acts as a thickener, helping to bind the filling and create a firm-yet-creamy texture once baked and chilled.

The addition of vanilla extract adds aromatic warmth, while optional ingredients like butterfly pea powder enhance the color and mucuna powder introduces adaptogenic benefits—helping balance mood and energy levels, perfect for functional food lovers.

A Crisp and Buttery Gluten-Free Crust

No cheesecake is complete without a satisfying crust to contrast the creamy filling. In this version, vegan and gluten-free graham cracker crumbs are blended with melted vegan butter or coconut oil to form a simple yet delicious base. Once pressed into a springform pan and prebaked, the crust becomes crisp, golden, and slightly nutty, creating a lovely textural foundation for the vibrant filling.

What’s special about this crust is its adaptability. You can use store-bought gluten-free graham crackers or crush your own using gluten-free cookies like digestive biscuits or even almond-based crackers for a different twist. The coconut oil or vegan butter not only binds the crumbs but also enhances the overall flavor, making the base as craveable as the cheesecake itself.

Butterfly Pea Powder and Mucuna: Functional and Beautiful

Beyond flavor and texture, this cheesecake incorporates functional superfoods that make it ideal for health-forward dessert lovers. Butterfly pea powder is a natural food dye derived from Southeast Asian flowers, often used in teas and lattes for its deep indigo-blue hue. When added to the cheesecake, it amplifies the purple tones of the sweet potatoes, giving the dessert a magical, almost ethereal appearance.

Mucuna powder, an adaptogen known for its mood-enhancing properties, subtly supports cognitive function and well-being. Though optional, it adds a layer of intention and wellness to the dessert, reflecting the growing interest in foods that nourish both body and mind.

These additions make the cheesecake not just a treat but a mindful eating experience, aligning with modern dietary trends that value holistic nutrition and clean indulgence.

A Whipped Cream Topping That Elevates the Slice

To complete this vibrant dessert, a generous swirl of whipped topping adds lightness and visual appeal. Using chilled vegan heavy cream or coconut cream, the topping is whipped to soft peaks and lightly sweetened with maple syrup. A touch of butterfly pea powder gives it a lavender tint, while a dash of cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic finish.

This topping enhances the cheesecake’s airy texture while complementing its natural sweetness. It also provides an opportunity to add decorative flair—piped designs, rustic swirls, or a dollop with fresh berries and mint for contrast. The result is a dessert that feels luxurious, thoughtful, and elegant without being fussy or overcomplicated.

Perfect for Celebrations and Everyday Wellness

Purple Sweet Potato Cheesecake isn’t just a novelty—it’s a serious contender for your go-to celebration dessert. It’s perfect for birthdays, baby showers, wellness events, or as a holiday centerpiece for guests with dietary needs. Its stunning color and rich texture make it feel festive, while its ingredient list keeps it grounded in wellness.

Because it’s made without dairy, gluten, or refined sugar, it caters to a variety of dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor. Even traditional cheesecake fans are often surprised at how satisfying and creamy it is. It’s also freezer-friendly, meaning you can make it ahead of time and simply thaw and serve, making it ideal for stress-free entertaining.

This dessert also works well in smaller portions—mini cheesecakes in muffin tins or ramekins are perfect for meal prepping or gifting. The recipe can be easily doubled or halved, depending on your needs.

Conclusion

Purple Sweet Potato Cheesecake is a celebration of color, nourishment, and indulgence in one beautiful slice. With its creamy, plant-based filling, vibrant purple hue, and nourishing ingredients like sweet potatoes, butterfly pea, and mucuna, this vegan and gluten-free dessert proves that healthy eating can be both beautiful and delicious.

Perfect for celebrations or simply elevating a quiet night in, it offers a refined yet approachable treat that feeds both body and soul. It’s a dessert that reflects the modern desire for functional, inclusive, and visually stunning food—one that’s made with love and enjoyed by all.

Whether you’re embracing a plant-based lifestyle or simply want to try something new and unforgettable, this cheesecake invites you to indulge in dessert without compromise. Slice into it, savor the richness, and let every bite be a reminder that wellness and decadence can happily coexist.